: a common mineral that consists of iron disulfide, has a pale brass-yellow color and metallic luster, and is burned in making sulfur dioxide and sulfuric acid
Examples of pyrite in a Sentence
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The researchers also found that the snail’s scales have both pyrite and greigite crystals embedded within their organic material.
—
Scott Travers, Forbes.com, 30 Jan. 2026
Acid mine drainage forms when sulfide minerals, such as pyrite, are exposed to air during mining.
—Hélène Nguemgaing, Washington Post, 22 Jan. 2026
Turning a mine waste problem into a solution Acid mine drainage forms when sulfide minerals, such as pyrite, are exposed to air during mining.
—Alan Collins, The Conversation, 21 Jan. 2026
In this area, the team found a small patch of reddened sediment, about the size of a modest campfire, surrounded by two pyrites, 19 flints, and four broken hand axes, showing clear signs of heating.
—Jay Kakade
december 30, New Atlas, 30 Dec. 2025
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Scott Travers, Forbes.com, 30 Jan. 2026
Acid mine drainage forms when sulfide minerals, such as pyrite, are exposed to air during mining.
—Hélène Nguemgaing, Washington Post, 22 Jan. 2026
Turning a mine waste problem into a solution Acid mine drainage forms when sulfide minerals, such as pyrite, are exposed to air during mining.
—Alan Collins, The Conversation, 21 Jan. 2026
In this area, the team found a small patch of reddened sediment, about the size of a modest campfire, surrounded by two pyrites, 19 flints, and four broken hand axes, showing clear signs of heating.
—Jay Kakade
december 30, New Atlas, 30 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for pyrite
Cite this Entry
“Pyrite.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pyrite. Accessed 26 Feb. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
pyrite
noun
py·rite
ˈpī-ˌrīt 
: a common mineral that consists of iron combined with sulfur, has a pale brass-yellow color and metallic luster, and is used especially in making sulfuric acid
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