PYRITOHEDRON Meaning and
Definition
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A pyritohedron refers to a unique geometric shape or crystal structure formed by the mineral pyrite. Pyrite is an iron sulfide mineral known for its distinctive metallic luster and brass-yellow color. The pyritohedron is one of the crystal habits observed in the crystallization process of pyrite, where it displays a distinctive symmetry and arrangement of its faces.
In terms of its physical characteristics, a pyritohedron is classified as a polyhedron with twelve identical and congruent faces. These faces are arranged in pairs of six, parallel to each other and forming angles of approximately 135 degrees. The pyritohedron's faces are usually quadrilaterals or irregular pentagons, often giving the overall shape a dodecahedron-like appearance.
The pyritohedron is a significant crystal habit of pyrite and its presence is notable due to its distinctive appearance. It is commonly observed in mineral specimens, and its unique geometric pattern contributes to pyrite's aesthetic appeal as a mineral collector's item.
Beyond its crystal structure, the pyritohedron has little impact on the physical or chemical properties of pyrite itself. However, the presence of a pyritohedron formation can be an indicator, along with other factors, of the mineral's crystallization process and growth conditions. Consequently, the pyritohedron holds value not only from a visual and aesthetic standpoint but also as a means of studying and understanding pyrite's formation.
Common Misspellings for PYRITOHEDRON
- oyritohedron
- lyritohedron
- -yritohedron
- 0yritohedron
- ptritohedron
- pgritohedron
- phritohedron
- puritohedron
- p7ritohedron
- p6ritohedron
- pyeitohedron
- pyditohedron
- pyfitohedron
- pytitohedron
- py5itohedron
- py4itohedron
- pyrutohedron
- pyrjtohedron
- pyrktohedron
- pyrotohedron
Etymology of PYRITOHEDRON
The word "pyritohedron" is derived from two Greek words: "pyrite" and "hedra".
The term "pyrite" comes from the Greek word "pyritḗs", meaning "of fire" or "inflaming". Pyrite is a naturally occurring iron sulfide mineral that often has a distinctive metallic luster and a gold-like appearance. It was named so due to its ability to create sparks when struck against metal or stone, resembling fire.
The term "hedra" originates from the Greek word "hédra", which means "seat" or "base". In geometry, a hedron refers to a solid polyhedron (a three-dimensional figure with flat faces) that could be classified into different types based on their face arrangement and symmetry.
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