Pyrite
/ˈpaɪ.raɪt/noun
A shiny metallic mineral, iron sulfide, often called fool’s gold.
Did you know?Pyrite comes from Greek *pyritēs lithos*, because it could strike sparks when hit against steel, making it a literal stone of fire in the ancient world.
Etymological Timeline
Ancient Greek
Greek
pyritēs lithos
“fire stone; a stone that sparks when struck”
Late Latin
Latin
pyrites
“flint or a sparking stone”
Middle French
French
pyrite
“pyrite; a spark-producing mineral”
Late Middle English
English
pyrite
“a mineral that throws sparks when struck”
Modern English
English
pyrite
“a shiny iron sulfide mineral often mistaken for gold”