- pyrrhotite
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/pir"euh tuyt'/, n.a common mineral, iron sulfide, approximately FeS but variable because of a partial absence of ferrous ions, occurring in massive and in crystal forms with a bronze color and metallic luster; magnetic pyrites: generally slightly magnetic.[1868; < Gk pyrrhót(es) redness + -ITE1]
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Iron sulfide mineral in which the ratio of iron to sulfur atoms is somewhat variable but is always slightly less than 1.It commonly is found in association with other sulfides. The variety troilite, with a composition near that of iron sulfide (FeS), is an important constituent of some meteorites.* * *
▪ mineraliron sulfide mineral (Fe1–xS) in the niccolite group; in it, the ratio of iron to sulfur atoms is variable but is usually slightly less than one. It commonly is found with pentlandite and other sulfides in silica-poor igneous rocks, as at Kongsberg, Nor.; Andreas-Berg, Ger.; Trentino, Italy; and Sudbury, Ont. The variety troilite, with a composition near that of iron sulfide (FeS), is an important constituent of some meteorites. The crystals possess hexagonal symmetry; for detailed physical properties, see sulfide mineral (table).* * *
Universalium. 2010.
