pyrite
2 synonyms for pyrite, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — A common mineral, iron disulfide, with a pale brass-yellow colour and a bright metallic shine.
Synonyms
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
fool's gold
iron pyrites
How to use pyrite
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
iron pyrite
crystals of pyrite
pyrite deposit
fool's gold
It is the standard technical term in geology and mineralogy, while fool's gold is the everyday name.
Etymology
The word came into English from Old French pyrite, from Latin, and ultimately from a Greek phrase meaning stone of fire. It was so called because the mineral glitters.
Full origin of pyrite →Frequently asked questions
What is pyrite?
Pyrite is a common mineral made of iron disulfide, FeS2. It is pale brass-yellow with a brilliant metallic lustre.
Is pyrite the same as fool's gold?
Yes. Fool's gold is another name for pyrite.
Where does the word pyrite come from?
It comes from Old French and Latin, from a Greek phrase meaning stone of fire. The Greek is linked to the word for fire.
