pyrites n any of various metallic-looking sulfides (of which pyrite is the commonest) n a common mineral (iron disulfide) that has a pale yellow color Usage(s) Now French machines, textiles and fertilizers might move southward again, in exchange for Spanish pyrites, copper and citrus fruit. They made a small amount of pyrites containing radioactive sulphur and mixed it with a coke-oven charge of coal. Sulphur from pyrites deposits was largely ignored, since brimstone is cheaper and easier to use. Synonym(s) pyrite iron pyrite fool's gold