marcasite

marcasite [mahr-kuh-sahyt] ExamplesWord Origin noun

1. Also called white iron pyrites. a common mineral, iron disulfide, FeS2, chemically similar to pyrite but crystallizing in the orthorhombic system.
2. any of the crystallized forms of iron pyrites, much used in the 18th century for ornaments.
3. a specimen or ornament of this substance.

Origin of marcasite 1375–1425; late Middle English Medieval Latin marcasīta Arabic marqashīṭā Aramaic marqəshītā Related formsmar·ca·sit·i·cal [mahr-kuh-sit-i-kuh l] /ˌmɑr kəˈsɪt ɪ kəl/, adjective Examples from the Web for marcasite Contemporary Examples of marcasite

Instead, Lagerfeld explored the darkness of malachite, iron ore, and marcasite.

Paris Fall Fashion Week 2012: A Finale at Yves Saint Laurent

Robin Givhan

March 7, 2012

Historical Examples of marcasite

These bracelets and necklaces are fastened by a brooch or pin of brilliants or marcasite.

The International Monthly, Volume 3, No. 1, April, 1851

Various

His stones all those of divers colours, white and red carnelian and marcasite, or fire-stone.

The Influence of the Stars

Rosa Baughan

Marcasite and pyrrhotite, other iron sulphide minerals, are frequently found with pyrite and are used for the same purposes.

The Economic Aspect of Geology

C. K. Leith

The forehead was painted blue and over the paint was dusted powder of marcasite.

The Works of Hubert Howe Bancroft, Volume 3

Hubert Howe Bancroft

Even when only a small proportion of mundic, pyrite or marcasite is present, it is highly objectionable for several reasons.

The Natural History of Clay

Alfred B. Searle

British Dictionary definitions for marcasite marcasite noun

1. a metallic pale yellow mineral consisting of iron sulphide in orthorhombic crystalline form used in jewellery. Formula: FeS 2
2. a cut and polished form of steel or any white metal used for making jewellery

Derived Formsmarcasitical (ˌmɑːkəˈsɪtɪkəl), adjectiveWord Origin for marcasite C15: from Medieval Latin marcasīta, from Arabic marqashītā, perhaps from Persian Word Origin and History for marcasite n.

crystalized pyrite, early 15c., from Medieval Latin marchasita, of obscure origin, perhaps via Spanish, probably from Arabic, though OED doubts this. Perhaps ultimately from Persian marquashisha [Klein]. “This name has been used for a number of substances but mainly for iron pyrites and especially for the crystalline forms used in the 18th century for ornaments.” [Flood]

marcasite in Science marcasite [mär′kə-sīt′, -zīt′]

1. A light yellow to gray, metallic, orthorhombic mineral. Marcasite is a polymorph of pyrite and looks similar to it but has a lower specific gravity, is paler in color, and often has a radiating fibrous structure. Chemical formula: FeS2.