pyrite

Thân thiện

A prospector holds a piece of pyrite in his hand.

Definition

1. Noun:
   • A common mineral: Pyrite is a naturally occurring, inorganic solid with a definite chemical composition and crystalline structure.
   • Composition: It is iron disulfide (FeS₂), a compound of iron and sulfur.
   • Appearance: It typically has a pale yellow to brassy metallic color and a bright metallic luster.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The geologist identified the specimen as pyrite.
  • Fool's gold is a common nickname for pyrite because of its deceptive appearance.
  • Pyrite often forms cubic crystals.

Advanced Usage

• "Pyrite decay" or "pyrite disease": A term used in geology and conservation to describe the deterioration of pyrite in rocks or fossils, which can cause damage to specimens.
  • The museum had to treat the fossil to prevent pyrite decay.

Variants and Related Words

• Pyritic (adj): Of, relating to, or resembling pyrite.
  • The rock had a pyritic sheen.

Synonyms

• Iron pyrite: A more specific name.
• Fool's gold: An informal, common name due to its visual similarity to gold.

Different Meanings

• The word "pyrite" refers specifically to the mineral iron disulfide. It does not have other common, unrelated meanings. Its usage is primarily scientific (geology, mineralogy) and in related contexts like mining or collecting.

Related Idioms

• "To be pyrite" (rare, metaphorical): Used informally to describe something that deceptively appears valuable but is not. This extends from the "fool's gold" concept.
  • His promises turned out to be pyrite—flashy but worthless.

Học thuật

Noun

1. a common mineral (iron disulfide) that has a pale yellow color

Từ đồng nghĩa

• iron pyrite
• fool's gold