pyrrhotite

[ pir-uh-tahyt ]

Phonetic (Standard)IPA

noun

a common mineral, iron sulfide, approximately FeS but variable because of a partial absence of ferrous ions, occurring in massive and in crystal forms with a bronze color and metallic luster; magnetic pyrites: generally slightly magnetic.

pyrrhotite

/ ˈpɪrəˌtiːn; ˈpɪrəˌtaɪt; -tɪn; -ˌtaɪn /

a common bronze-coloured magnetic mineral consisting of ferrous sulphide in hexagonal crystalline form. Formula: FeS

1868; < Greek pyrrhót ( ēs ) redness + -ite ¹

C19: from Greek purrhotēs redness, from purrhos fiery, from pur fire

Pyrrhotite, or magnetic pyrites, is the source of about all the nickel of commerce.

Some of the nickel of commerce is derived from nickelliferous pyrrhotite.

The pyritic ores of iron, including marcasite, pyrrhotite and mispickel, are often taken for gold by the inexperienced.

One of the best-known localities is Bodenmais, in Bavaria, where it occurs with pyrrhotite in a granite matrix.

The copper deposits are mainly in well-marked fracture planes in serpentine; the ore is pyrrhotite, with or without chalcopyrite.

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