[4] The general formula, A2B2O7 (where A and B are metals), represent a family of phases isostructural to the mineral pyrochlore.

Pyrochlores are an important class of materials in diverse technological applications such as luminescence, ionic conductivity, nuclear waste immobilization, high-temperature thermal barrier coatings, automobile exhaust gas control, catalysts, solid oxide fuel cell, ionic/electrical conductors etc.

Pyrochlore crystals are usually well-formed (euhedral), occurring usually as octahedra of a yellowish or brownish color and resinous luster.

The third largest deposit of niobium ore is Niobec mine west of Saint-Honoré near Chicoutimi, Quebec.

[9] More disordered structures, such as the bismuth pyrochlores,[10] have also been investigated due to interesting high-frequency dielectric properties.