Py*ri"tes (?), n. [L., fr. Gr. , fr. fire. See Pyre.] Min.
A name given to a number of metallic minerals, sulphides of iron, copper, cobalt, nickel, and tin, of a white or yellowish color.
⇒ The term was originally applied to the mineral pyrite, or iron pyrites, in allusion to its giving sparks when struck with steel.
Arsenical pyrites, arsenopyrite. -- Auriferous pyrites. See under Auriferous. -- Capillary pyrites, millerite. -- Common pyrites, isometric iron disulphide; pyrite. -- Hair pyrites, millerite. -- Iron pyrites. See Pyrite. -- Magnetic pyrites, pyrrhotite. -- Tin pyrites, stannite. -- White iron pyrites, orthorhombic iron disulphide; marcasite. This includes cockscomb pyrites (a variety of marcasite, named in allusion to its form), spear pyrites, etc. -- Yellow, ∨ Copper, pyrites, the sulphide of copper and iron; chalcopyrite.
© Webster 1913.