Marcasite - what kind of stone is it in jewelry and who does it suit?

Marcasite - what kind of stones are these?

Marcasite is a natural mineral ranging in color from brass-yellow to shades of gray, green, and, less commonly, black.
The basic tone depends on the proportions of the inclusion of metals (cobalt, antimony, copper and others). When exposed to air, it oxidizes, causing a coating to appear on the surface of the stone - it shimmers in different colors. The stone is fragile, light, and can crumble or break from impacts or other mechanical influences. Marcasite is an amazing stone. Their extraction is complicated by an unusual property: in the open air, minerals begin to decompose. Therefore, in their original form, they are not used to create jewelry: before being used in jewelry, they are subjected to processing, after which they are no longer susceptible to air. Jewelry with properly processed minerals and proper care can last for centuries.

The minerals form as crystals in sandy sedimentary rocks or hydrothermal vents and are considered rare, but remain widely available to consumers. Jewelry with marcasites is relatively inexpensive, for example, silver earrings with these stones can be bought for 3-4 thousand rubles, where the lion's share of the cost comes from silver. Drop silver is rarely combined with expensive metals, as well as with expensive precious stones.

History of Marcasite or Drop Silver

Marcasite has been known for a very long time. In ancient times, radiant pyrite was used to make fire and was used in weapons. Then they began to cut and polish it, noticing its unusual shine in the rays of the sun. In different countries at different times, the use of the decorative properties of drip silver was distinguished by its originality and enduring interest.

• in ancient Egypt, Iran and even in Altai, drip silver was used to decorate all kinds of products. Of course, women's silver jewelry had priority. But marcasites were also used to decorate weapons and expensive interior items;
• Another known name for marcasite is “Aztec stone.” The collections of the Paris Museum and the National Museum of Lima contain marcasite mirrors of the ancient Indians with the image of their god Quetzalcoatl;
• in Europe it became widely known during the reign of King Louis XIV. The capricious court fashion required a constant change of outfits and jewelry. Diamonds were too expensive, and drop silver became an excellent substitute. Marcasite was used to decorate rings, watches, parasols and even garters;
• in Prussia of the 19th century, during the wars with Napoleon, there is a widely known story about how patriotic ladies were given iron jewelry with marcasites in exchange for donated rings, bracelets, earrings made of gold and diamonds;
• At the beginning of the 19th century there was a “boom” in the use of marcasite in jewelry. It is beginning to be used as an insert that shades and complements other precious stones. Such silver items become real works of art. Sketches for them were created by famous artists of that time. And entrepreneur Theodore Farner is widely involved in their production and sale;
• After the 30s of the 20th century, interest in products made of drip silver fell somewhat. Marcasite was used for military purposes to produce sulfur;
• in the middle of the last century there was a new round of interest in marcasite: American began to produce silver jewelry based on sketches of the thirties;
• At the end of the 20th century, drop silver conquered the world jewelry market. However, the leader in its production and sales is Thailand.

Why drip silver? Is this stone made of silver?

No, this mineral is actually iron sulfide with numerous additives. The stone consists of cobalt, iron, arsenic, lead, sulfur, thallium, bismuth and other elements. It is called drop silver to increase attention to the mineral, because it is a rather beautiful and unusual name. Outwardly, it even looks like silver: the mineral has a cold shine and is often used in jewelry in the form of small droplets. In Arabic, "Marcasite" means "fire stone".

From mineralogy

Marcasite is nothing more than radiant pyrite. The stone emits a metallic luster of brass-yellow color, and when oxidized it shimmers with all the colors of the rainbow. Its deposits are mostly located in areas where hydrothermal springs are located.

Marcasite has an external resemblance to pyrite, but differs from it in the shape of the crystals, the shade of color and the fragility of the structure. If pyrite is easily confused with gold and is called fool’s gold, then marcasite is more similar to silver, and this similarity is the key to its name - “drop silver”.

Marcasite in jewelry

The stone is best combined with silver; it is rarely framed in more expensive metals. Looks great next to pearls, turquoise, agate, carnelian, emerald, and onyx. Marcasite is used in both women's and men's jewelry. Rings, earrings, brooches and bracelets are created with it. True, bracelets and rings are rarely made due to the fragility of the stone. Jewelry with this mineral is usually inexpensive, the exception to the rule is jewelry of original design. Radiant pyrite is also used to decorate stage costumes.

Common types of cuts are pyramid and round bevel. It is in these cuts that the stone best demonstrates its beauty. However, some manufacturers are experimenting, in particular, the Swarovski company introduced drop silver in the honeycomb, dome, and checkerboard cuts. These types of treatments demonstrated the magnificent shine and iridescence of the stones.

What types of drip silver jewelry are there?

Marcasite has a long history of use in jewelry making. It has not lost its popularity today. Jewelry with this stone looks elegant and rich at a very inexpensive price, which allows the demand for them to continue.

Drop silver became especially popular among jewelry craftsmen at the beginning of the 20th century. Marcasite was used as an insert that complemented and highlighted the precious stones in the jewelry. Then the perfect combination of real silver and marcasite was noticed and they hastened to combine the noble metal and the cold shimmering mineral.

Beautiful pyrite began to be used to give jewelry an art style; with its help (droplets and small inserts) figures of birds and animals, flowers and branched trees were easily created.

In Russia, a jewelry company was founded in 2005, directly engaged in the production of products with drip silver.

Silver products with pyrites are popular among Russian jewelry connoisseurs.

Bracelets

Due to the fragility of the mineral, impressive items such as bracelets or watches cannot be made. They will bend and lose their beauty. Therefore, drip silver in these products is represented by inserts of small faceted stones, shimmering and effectively complementing the silver metal.

Marcasite is used to frame large gemstones: amethyst, garnet, turquoise and others.

Earrings

The perfect, perfect combination of silver and marcasite can be seen in the earrings. Drop silver and metal complement each other very well without unnecessary inserts in the decoration. Polished pyrite sparkling with steel light perfectly reflects noble silver.

Rings

Drop silver is well suited for framing stones in rings, beautifully drawing out various figures. In the assortment of jewelry stores you can see skillfully made dragonflies and lizards, butterflies and owls, as well as multi-colored leaves and petals. Marcasite is also used for inlaying men's massive rings and cufflinks.

Healing properties of marcasite

The ability to help in the fight against various ailments has long been attributed to the Marcasites. It is believed that they can alleviate the course of eye diseases, help with disorders of the nervous system, and relieve anxiety and depression. If a person is going through a difficult period in life, when he is subject to a lot of stress and emotional stress, folk healers will advise him to purchase jewelry with marcasite - this unusual stone will have a positive effect on his general condition and mood.

Since ancient times, people have tried to provide jewelry with drip silver for a newborn child. They say that such jewelry can protect against the evil eye and any evil influence. It is important that the decoration is always near the baby when there are strangers in the house or the child is on the street, in a public place. Marcasite will also be useful for older children: it gives children self-confidence and relieves them of fears.

It is said that radiant pyrite can relieve joint pain and speed up the healing of wounds. The mineral is crushed into powder and applied to wounds, sore eyes, and inflammatory elements on the skin. It is credited with the ability to prolong youth and preserve female beauty; in particular, the beautiful Cleopatra valued the mineral for this property.

Useful properties of marcasite and care for it

Marcasite has not only decorative, but also healing properties. It is able to charge its owner with positive energy, relieve stress, pain in the joints, eyes and promote the healing of wounds. It is said that drip silver preserves female beauty and stimulates creativity. Queen Cleopatra greatly appreciated the rejuvenating qualities of marcasite.

Jewelry made from this useful mineral is given to children to wear. It is believed that it drives away childhood fears and gives self-confidence. A marcasite pendant or beads can protect a child from the evil eye. And marcasite powder treats eye diseases and tumors. Minerals of a golden hue have the best healing properties.

The fragility of drop silver or marcasite requires careful handling and proper care. Recommended:

1. Wipe the marcasite crystals with a slightly damp and then dry soft cloth.
2. Treat with a special solution for cleaning silver.
3. Protect from shock, excess moisture and alcohol-containing solutions.
4. Store in tightly closed boxes or canvas bags with a zipper.

Drop silver makes jewelry sparkling and elegant. Proper care ensures long-term preservation. Their relatively inexpensive cost makes them accessible to a wide range of buyers. Marcasite or drop silver is stylish, inexpensive and very beautiful.

The magical properties of marcasite

This mineral can “charge” its owner with powerful emotional force. The stone exhibits its properties best in men's hands, although women can also experience its positive influence. When a person begins to be “friends” with marcasite, changes begin in his life - sadness and pessimism go away, emptiness is replaced by good spirits.

They say that the power of radiant pyrite is so great that it is dangerous to interact with it around the clock. Experts recommend wearing jewelry and talismans with drip silver for a maximum of 3 days in a row, and then take a break for 2-3 days or even more if you feel the need. If you break this rule and wear a product with radiant pyrite continuously, then the person will become overly emotional and restless.

Important: radiant pyrite will help only sincere, honest people. If its owner harbors evil within himself and acts dishonestly towards other people, then Marcasite will not help. This is a stone with character; it gives its powerful power only to those who deserve it.

They say that for the best manifestation of the capabilities of marcasite, it should be worn without “neighbors”: remove jewelry with other stones and leave them in the box. But there is no strict prohibition here: if you do not feel discomfort when wearing jewelry with different stones, then do not limit yourself.

Marcasite is suitable for Aries, Sagittarius, Scorpio. Cancers and Pisces are advised to avoid contact with the stone.

History of the stone

Until 1814, it was believed that marcasite was the same as pyrite. Both gems belong to sulfur pyrites, can produce a spark, and are similar in appearance. The Austrian mineralogist Wilhelm von Haidinger, after conducting a chemical analysis of the crystals, found that they had a different formula, and the names should also be different.

Marquisite is called “fool's gold”.

Due to its brassy hue, marcasite was nicknamed radiant pyrite. Its other name is drip silver. The most ancient samples of stone were discovered in the tombs of the Incas. Along with pyrite, the mineral was used by shamans in magical rituals. It could be used to create a flame, which is why the gem was used in the incendiary mechanisms of ancient guns.

Almost every nation told its own stories about pyrite and marcasite. Thus, the Spanish conquistadors mistook pyrite nuggets for precious metals. For this they were ridiculed by educated people in their homeland. Hence the nickname for both sulfur minerals is “fool’s gold.”

In the 18th century, marcasite began to be used as a substitute for diamonds. The most beautiful stone samples can be as beautiful as cheap diamonds, but cost significantly less. Of course, people who bought into such deception were also ridiculed by high society.

How to care for a product with marcasite

Untreated stone cannot be stored for long periods of time. But if the jewelry is well-processed and properly cared for, then it can be preserved for posterity. Products with marcasite can be stored for hundreds of years, they can be passed on by inheritance as a family heirloom. Here is the mandatory care plan:

• regularly wipe the stones with a soft cloth - first wet, then dry;
• periodically treat with a silver cleaning solution;
• avoid ultrasonic cleaning;
• store away from heat sources, do not leave in direct sunlight;
• products with radiant pyrites should not be washed under a powerful stream of water, nor should they be immersed in hot water;
• store separately from other jewelry, best of all - in special fabric bags, in a closed sectional box.

Jewelry with marcasite requires careful handling. They must be protected from impacts and excess moisture - do not throw jewelry on the table, do not leave it in the bathroom, remove it before bathing. A careless blow may cause the mineral to crack and the jewelry will be irrevocably damaged. Alcohol-containing solutions are not suitable for caring for drip silver items - read the ingredients of cleaning products before using them. For your neatness and careful attitude, marcasites will reward you with durability and unchanging beauty!

What is drip silver?

Drop silver
Drop silver has nothing in common with the noble metal, except for its external resemblance. The mineral has jewelry value as an ideal material for making exquisite silver jewelry. Without knowing what drip silver is, it is not easy to see the line between the illusion of a jewel and the original. Small inclusions of mineral on the products effectively imitate droplets of noble metal.

"Marcasite" is the trade and historical name for pyrite, which has a hardness of 6-6.5 on the Mohs scale. Real marcasite is not used in making jewelry due to its high fragility. Marcasite is the general name for a family of minerals; they are also called “iron pyrites.” They are used to make elegant jewelry with the effect of aged silver, creating the illusion of sophistication and nobility.