from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
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.
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Note: The term was originally applied to the mineral pyrite,
or iron pyrites, in allusion to its giving sparks when
struck with steel.
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{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
from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Auriferous \Au*rif"er*ous\, a. [L. aurifer; aurum gold + ferre
to bear: cf. F. aurif[`e]re.]
Gold-bearing; containing or producing gold.
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Whence many a bursting stream auriferous plays.
--Thomson.
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{Auriferous pyrites}, iron pyrites (iron disulphide),
containing some gold disseminated through it.
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