Pyrites

usgb/pəˈraɪtiːz/
noun

A type of mineral that can produce sparks when it is struck against metal or stone.

He found a vein of pyrites while mining for gold.
Visual representation of "pyrites" - A type of mineral that can produce sparks when it is struck against metal or stone.

Often appears as...

  • iron pyrites
  • galena and pyrites

Usage tips

Technical

Definition 1 of 1
Visual representation of "pyrites"
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Not Gold

Pyrites resembles gold but is worth much less, hence the nickname 'Fool's gold'.

Illustration for Not Gold
He thought he struck it rich, but it was only pyrites, not real gold.
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Creates Sparks

Pyrites can be struck to create sparks for starting fires in survival situations.

Illustration for Creates Sparks
She used pyrites and steel to create sparks and light the campfire.
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Mining Context

Pyrites is often discussed in mining, where differentiating it from valuable minerals is important.

Illustration for Mining Context
The miners had to learn how to tell pyrites apart from actual gold veins.
Visual representation of the word "Pyrites"

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