\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.
Note: The term was originally applied to the mineral pyrite,
      or iron pyrites, in allusion to its giving sparks when
      struck with steel.
{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}, or {Copper}, {pyrites}, the sulphide of copper and
   iron; chalcopyrite.