Noun: pyrites pI'rI-teez
- Any of various metallic-looking sulfides (of which pyrite is the commonest)
"The rock formation contained various pyrites, giving it a shimmering appearance"
- A common mineral (iron disulfide) that has a pale yellow colour
"Pyrite is often mistaken for gold, earning it the nickname 'fool's gold'"; "iron pyrite is often mistaken for gold, earning it the nickname 'fool's gold'";
- iron pyrite, fool's gold
Type of: mineral, sulfide [N. Amer], sulphide [Brit, Cdn]
Encyclopedia: Pyrites, New York
Pyrite