pyrite (pir it)

[Formerly also pyrit; pyrites, a pale bra -yellow color and brilliant metallic luster, and is very hard. It is used in large quantities in the manufacture of sulphuric acid and of sulphur. It is com monly called iron pyrites, which term, however, also in cludes the related orthorhombic species marcasite, as well as the magnetic pyrites, or pyrrhotine. Compare marc a site, 1. Like the pyrit stone, that is fier without and frost within. Greene , Never too Late (Works, ed. Dyce, Int., p. xii.). Hence sable coal his ma y couch extends, And stars of gold the sparkling pyrite blends. Dr. E. Darwin , Botanic Garden, I. ii. 350. +-ine1.] In bot., same as pyrenoid.