'Common pyrites' definitions:

Definition of 'Common pyrites'

From: GCIDE
  • Pyrites \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. [1913 Webster]
  • Note: The term was originally applied to the mineral pyrite, or iron pyrites, in allusion to its giving sparks when struck with steel. [1913 Webster]
  • 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 pyrites, or Copper pyrites, the sulphide of copper and iron; chalcopyrite. [1913 Webster] Pyritic