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Recorded since 1555, from Old Frenchpyrite (12th century), from Latinpȳritēs, from Ancient Greekπυρίτηςλίθος(purítēs líthos, “stone of fire, flint”) (so called because it glitters), notably the first part: adjective πυρίτης(purítēs, “of or in fire”), from πῦρ(pûr, “fire”). Analyzable as pyr- + -ite
(mineralogy) The common mineralirondisulfide (FeS2), of a pale brass-yellow color and brilliant metallic luster, crystallizing in the isometric system.
1973, Chiao-min Hsieh, “Mining and Manufacturing”, in Christopher L. Salter, editor, Atlas of China, McGraw-Hill, Inc., →ISBN, →LCCN, →OCLC, →OL, page 100, column 1:
The pyrite output in 1961 was 1.2 million tons, derived mainly from the Hsiang Shan mine in Anhwei and the Ying-te mine in Kwangtung.
1978 November 9, K. P. Wang, “China's Mineral Economy”, in Chinese Economy Post-Mao: A Compendium of Papers, Washington, D.C.: Government Printing Office, →OCLC, page 387:
China's 13 large foreign fertilizer plants ordered a few years ago are all scheduled to be in operation in a year or two.China's biggest pyrite mine (openpit), being built in Yunfu, Kwangtung Province, was near completion.
(usually as a plural: pyrites) Any metallic-looking sulphide, such as the above, which is the most common.
