Dictionary Home » Dictionary Definitions » pyrrhotite

pyrrhotite

(pir′ə tīt′)

noun

a bronze-colored, typically magnetic, hexagonal mineral, FeS, usually found with pentlandite; iron sulfide

Origin: < Gr pyrrhotēs, redness (< pyrrhos, flame-colored < pyr, fire) + -ite

See pyrrhotite in American Heritage Dictionary 4

noun

A brownish-bronze iron sulfide mineral, FeS, characterized by weak magnetic properties and used as an iron ore and in the manufacture of sulfuric acid. Also called magnetic pyrites.

Origin:

Origin: Alteration (influenced by -ite¹)

Origin: of German Pyrrhotin

Origin: , from Greek purrotēs, redness

Origin: , from purros, fiery

Origin: , from pūr, fire; see paəwṛ in Indo-European roots

link/cite print suggestion box

More from YD