Amazing and unusual Marcasite stone - magical and healing properties, photo of the mineral, how to distinguish a fake

History and origin

No one knows the exact time of discovery of marcasite. It is only known that the ancient Egyptians, as well as Indian tribes, knew about the stone. Historically, until 1814, this name meant both marcasite itself and pyrite. In 1814, Wilhelm Heidinger, a mineralogist from Austria, described this gem in detail, proving that it was a mineral different from pyrite.

Mineral – Marcasite

The first purpose of this stone among our ancestors was to extract fire. A little later, radiant pyrite (the second name for nugget) began to be used by gunsmiths. The next stage in the evolution of the use of the mineral was the processing of stones for the purpose of making jewelry.

The European popularity of marcasite came during the reign of Louis XIV. What is surprising is that this gem served as a substitute for the most expensive stones in the world - diamonds, although often the name marcasite hid faceted pyrite. It was only in the 19th century that the mineral was turned into metals and distinguished from pyrite.

Historical fact! During Napoleon's reign, women donated their gold jewelry to the war effort. In return, ladies received products with marcasite (often with pyrite), the popularity of which increased in the post-war period and reached its apogee in the 20th century. At the same time, in addition to iron, steel began to be used to make jewelry.

The name of the nugget originates from the Persian “marcasita” and is interpreted as “stone of sulfur”. In addition to the official name, this mineral has many names:

• radiant pyrite - the name was given based on the brass (yellow) color of the nugget;
• drop silver - the name of the times of Napoleon, when small marcasite (pyrite) crystals were processed into hexagonal pyramids and inserted into jewelry;
• Inca stone is the name given to the stone thanks to an ancient artifact - the Aztec marcasite mirror, which depicts the main deity of the Quetzalcoatl tribe.

Thus, the popularity of marcasite over many years is just a name. In fact, the history of the mineral was created by pyrite. Even medieval alchemists called pyrite and all sulfur compounds by the common name “marcasite.” French jewelers once carved roses from pyrite, setting them in metals. But these decorations were sent to the people under the name marcasite.

Its counterpart, pyrite, was once unloved by jewelers. This was due to the fact that radiant pyrite is extremely short-lived - the nugget quickly oxidizes in air and does not like moisture. And the “life” of pyrite is much longer. However, the range of modern drop silver jewelry is very wide. Moreover, very often radiant pyrite is adjacent to expensive stones.

Mining locations

Marcasite deposits are of hydrothermal origin. The mineral occurs together with sulfides, in particular with pyrite, although the latter is less common.

Radiant pyrite is found in small quantities throughout the world:

• Russia (Kursk Magnetic Anomaly) stores in the depths samples of a mineral of collection value.
• USA and Canada are a pink gem.
• Tanzania – red.

The mineral is also found in Bolivia, France, and the Czech Republic. Suitable material for jewelers is mined in Australian lands.

Mineral deposits

Inca stone is mined in many countries around the world.

Deposits of “drop silver”:

• Russian radiant pyrite was discovered more than two centuries ago; industrial mining began later.
• The main extraction of stone is carried out in deposits of Canada, Australia, Sweden, Africa and the USA.
• Salt Spring Island in Canada and Massachusetts in the USA are famous for deposits of pink marcasite.
• Red crystals are mined in Tanzania on the African continent.

Note! Rare Inca stones were found in the Russian magnetic anomaly in the Kursk region.

Physical properties

Marcasite, together with pyrite, is an iron polysulfide. These minerals differ in their structural structure - marcasite crystallizes with rays, like water, and pyrite creates cubes. In addition, marcasite forms at a lower temperature than pyrite.

Also read: Tiger's Eye - a stone associated with the eyes of the devil

In an environment, especially with high humidity, marcasite is extremely unstable. This creates difficulties not only during processing, but also during extraction. As the mineral breaks down, it releases sulfuric acid.

Chemically radiant pyrite often contains impurities of various metals, such as copper, bismuth, thallium, lead, arsenic, and cobalt. These impurities penetrate into marcasite deposits from hydrothermal solutions. Metal inclusions affect only the shades of the mineral, but not its properties.

Description of the stone

From the point of view of physics and chemistry

Physical properties:

• hardness – 6 out of 10 on the Mohs scale;
• fracture – conchoidal, uneven;
• density – 4.9 g/cm3;
• there is no transparency;
• syngony – rhombic.

The chemical formula of the mineral is FeS2. When crushed, it decomposes into HNO3. This releases a lot of sulfur. Melts at a temperature of 605°C.

It is formed from slightly acidic, almost neutral solutions. Obtained during interaction with H2S and ferrous oxide sulfate.

Appearance

The mineral marcasite is yellow in color, with all sorts of gray, green, black, and red shades. When oxidized, its surface becomes covered with a coating that shimmers in all sorts of tones.

The unique feature of the stone is its bronze metallic sheen.

The nugget takes on different shades due to the impurities it contains - copper, cobalt, bismuth, antimony, arsenic. Sometimes it preserves the remains of insects and the bark of ancient trees.

Jewelers especially value red marcasite combined with pyrite. This type can be cut. In its pure form, the stone is fragile. It is difficult to process.

Due to the property of the mineral to transform under the influence of solar radiation, it attracts jewelers from all over the world.

Production

Gems are mined in the USA, Canada, and Tanzania. Specimens suitable for cutting are imported from Australia and Sweden.

Samples for collecting are found in the Russian Federation (Kursk Magnetic Anomaly). A lot of marcasite is mined in the Urals. Continuing the topic, we recommend that you read the article “About Ural Gems.”

Marcasite is mined simultaneously with iron ore and other metals. There are isolated nuggets. But more often processed raw materials are used.

Varieties and colors

The main color of marcasite is yellow or yellow-orange. The variety of impurities in the chemical composition of the mineral determines the different additional shades of the stone:

• grey;
• black;
• green;
• red.

A natural nugget is unattractive. The beauty of the stone is revealed after processing. And sunlight reveals an iridescent play of colors in marcasite, which, combined with a metallic luster, makes the gem very attractive.

A special subspecies of marcasite, spectropyrite, stands apart. This rare nugget is especially loved by jewelers, as it is endowed with all the colors of the rainbow at the same time.

Among a number of special stones, red marcasite stands out, which is easier to process than other varieties. There are also specimens of radiant pyrites, inside of which various organisms, insects or tree bark were wedged and froze there for centuries. Such samples are formed by drips, that is, they do not crystallize.

Colors and varieties of marcasite stone

Sometimes marcasite is called “drop silver”. Remarkably, it does not contain silver. And it acquired this name due to its specific metallic luster. The stone is a large crystal that is characterized by opacity. Among the shades of marcasite, one can distinguish greyish, pinkish, dark pink and reddish. Jewelers prefer to use red minerals to create jewelry, since cutting them does not pose any difficulties.

Stones of other colors are also known in nature. They come in green and even black tones. There are orange-yellow specimens, distinguished by a shade of green. Each gem has a metallic luster. However, if marcasite undergoes oxidation due to exposure to air masses, the surface becomes covered with a multi-colored coating.

Spectropyrite is one of the varieties of this mineral. It has an amazing rainbow coloring. Marcasite can easily be confused with this stone, especially when its edges are not visible. But it has a specific sulfuric smell. This is how it differs from sceptropyrite.

Medicinal properties

Radiant pyrite is endowed with properties that help a person cope with certain diseases. Among them:

• eye diseases;
• joint diseases, muscle pain;
• depression, nervous disorders after suffering stress, panic attacks, unreasonable fears;

Drop silver works as a strong antiseptic. Marcasite powder disinfects and heals wounds, in particular purulent ones, and also fights skin rashes and inflammations. The stone is used to eliminate freckles, moles, and warts. It is believed that specimens of golden, warm colors have stronger healing properties than gems of cool shades.

An important observation of lithotherapists is the ability of marcasite to heal lesions of the spleen. However, it is worth noting that spleen diseases are a secondary process. That is, there is a more serious pathology that led to damage to this organ. Therefore, after eliminating the problem with the help of radiant pyrite, the overall picture of the disease becomes blurred.

Who is it suitable for?

Prolonged contact of the mineral with the skin is undesirable, since the gem can enhance the negative aspects of the personality.
Marcasite stone should not be worn by overly emotional and impressionable people. With prolonged contact with a person, it can harm him and lead to a nervous breakdown or a strong reaction to stress. The crystal can only touch the skin for a few hours, and after that it is better to remove it and hide it in a dark and dry place. This is due to the fact that the characteristics of the stone can enhance all the negative qualities of a person.

Under extreme magnification, stone crystals look like diverging rays or snowflakes.

Magic properties

Marcasite is endowed with powerful energy. This nugget influences human emotions, character, and destiny itself. Therefore, radiant pyrite is considered a stone of the strong half of humanity - men. The owner of such a talisman will gain emotional strength that he has not experienced before.

Dropping silver has an effect on children. In order to protect a child from the evil eye, our ancestors used children's beads made of marcasite. If you need to overcome the whims, stubbornness or irritability of your child, then it is recommended to keep a collectible pyrite crystal in the house. The amulet must be placed out of the child's reach.

People endowed with a strong character and extraordinary thinking can carry marcasite. This stone has certain requirements for its owner. If a person is timid and cowardly, the mineral will only strengthen the complexes given by nature - for losers, any business started will bring even more trouble, timid individuals will lose the remnants of determination, and cowards will flinch at any sound or movement.

For those who fit the parameters of marcasite, the mineral will fully help. By contacting a person, the talisman will give strength and determination, the person will begin to move towards his aspirations without much preparation or much thought.

Important! The positive effects of the gem will end 3 days after continuous contact with the owner. If you don’t take a break, something like a system failure will occur - the efforts made will no longer bring any sense, the desire will turn into excessive fussiness, the person will become a pedantic person with a disoriented understanding of good and evil.

Drop silver jewelry is also very useful for kind, open, positive people. The stone will relieve such individuals from fears and protect them from troubles on the path of life.

Also read: Serpentine - the importance of the mineral for humans

Marcasite is used to perform magical rituals. However, a certain combination of stone with other elements creates the danger of evil spirits from the otherworldly dimension entering our world. Radiant pyrite is a tandem of sulfur and iron.

It is believed that the sulfur smoke from the smoldering mineral, complemented by the edge of the knife that it envelops, creates a passage between the past and the future. This passage serves as a bridge for everything that exists in parallel worlds.

People whose activities involve constant danger simply need marcasite. From ancient times to today, this gem has been considered a strong amulet. There is a belief among the military that to protect yourself from a bullet, sew marcasite into your body armor. Radiant pyrite will protect firefighters, stuntmen, rescuers, pilots and all those who risk their lives every day for the sake of people and their favorite business.

Properties and uses of stone

Magicians and alchemists, healers and clergy of different nations recognized marcasite as having special healing and mystical properties. The ability to make fire alone gave the stone a supernatural quality and aroused reverence.

Physicochemical characteristics

Chemical formula FeS2, iron disulfide. It is an opaque stone with a stepped, uneven fracture. With medium hardness (6-6.5 on the Mohs scale), the crystal is very fragile. The formation temperature is lower than that of pyrite. When heated, sulfur evaporates from the gem.

Marcasite, from a chemical point of view, is very unstable. At high humidity it decomposes into sulfuric acid and iron sulfates.

The characteristic multi-colored tarnish on the surface of the stone is a sign of oxidation. Metal impurities do not affect the properties of the mineral; only the color depends on them.

Medicinal properties

For medicinal purposes, crystals are used for nervous disorders, depression, and stress. It is believed that the mineral harmonizes the space around a person, allowing you to get rid of anxiety and even overcome panic attacks.

It has a healing effect for eye diseases, pain in joints and muscles.

In modern medicine, quite a few sulfur-based drugs are used to heal wounds and treat skin diseases. With the help of marcasite, purulent wounds and inflammations are healed; the mineral is used for skin irritations. Water infused with crystal will help get rid of acne and smooth out wrinkles.

Gems of golden warm shades are valued as the most effective.

The magical properties of marcasite

It is believed that tabular crystals, due to their flat edges, have extraordinary frequency properties. The stone is an excellent harmonizer of opposites, providing energetic balance. Gems of this shape resolve conflicts and smooth out misunderstandings.

The stone is subordinate to Neptune and Mars. The mineral sharpens the character traits of its owner, gives determination, and bestows the ability to move towards the intended goal. But people who are cowardly and timid by nature can completely lose their determination.

You can work continuously with a marcasite talisman for no more than three days. Further, all efforts in business will become useless, fussiness and formalism will appear.

The mineral is considered a masculine stone, enhancing qualities such as courage, masculinity, and determination. For warriors and people of dangerous professions, marcasite will become a powerful amulet. The military has a superstition: to avoid a bullet, you need to sew a crystal into your clothes.

Marcasite beads were previously used as a talisman for young children. A collectible copy of the crystal will relieve whims, calm the child, and reduce irritability.

In magical rituals a combination of marcasite and a steel knife was used. When the mineral smoldered, sulfur smoke was released, which enveloped the blade and created a passage to parallel worlds, serving as a connection between the past and the future. However, such practices are considered dangerous due to the possible penetration of dark entities into our world.

The combination is possible with minerals ruled by Venus. Neptune and Mars are friends with her, which means they are suitable: emerald, pearl, sapphire, malachite, belomorite, amazonite.

You can often find combinations with diamond, beryl, garnet, chrysoprase, turquoise, and black onyx.

Who is suitable according to their zodiac sign?

Zodiac compatibility:

1. For its protection, the stone chooses strong and charismatic signs: Aries, Scorpio, Sagittarius.
2. For Gemini, Libra, Aquarius, before choosing jewelry, it is better to experiment by checking personal compatibility with the stone.
3. For gentle, vulnerable Pisces and soft, homely Cancers, marcasite is contraindicated due to its psycho-emotional characteristics.

Compatibility with other stones

Marcasite is one of the minerals that directs two planets at once - Neptune and Mars. This determines such a strong energy level of the gem. It is difficult to combine radiant pyrite planetarily with other stones. For example, Neptune is friends with the Sun, Moon and Jupiter, and Mars is at enmity with them. Both planets have a good relationship with Venus. The minerals of this planet include:

• malachite;
• amazonite;
• pearl;
• belomorite;
• sapphire;
• emerald.

Of course, jewelers combine stones in jewelry without taking into account the compatibility of planets or elements. Therefore, on store shelves there are combinations of marcasite with: turquoise, carnelian, cubic zirconia, ruby, onyx, zircon, agate or chrysoprase.

Popular combinations of drop silver and Swarovski stones, as well as expensive minerals such as diamond, emerald or beryl. Items complemented with pearls or mother-of-pearl, as well as garnet, are not uncommon.

Story

The exact year of discovery of marcasite is unknown, but was discovered in antiquity. The origin of the name comes from the Latin word “marcasita”, borrowed from Persian, and translated means “stone of sulfur”. Also known as “radiant pyrite”.

Since ancient times, it has acted as a means of producing a flame, due to its ability to form sparks upon impact. In the Middle Ages, pyrite and products made from it were sold under the name “marcasite,” and it was also used to designate any sulfur compounds. In the 18th century this tradition continued. Jewelry, mirrors and decor made from faceted pyrite were also called marcasite, a habit that continues to this day. They began to be distinguished only in the 19th century.

There are legends that Cleopatra and Tsarina Maria Feodorovna loved to decorate their clothes with products made from this gem and highly valued its shine and noble color. However, most likely these were products made of pyrite.

Jewelry with mineral

Despite the fact that a couple of centuries ago jewelers did not like marcasite because of its physical properties, today store shelves are full of all kinds of products from different craftsmen. The best metal for this nugget is silver. Marcasite either solos in jewelry or is combined with various gems, including the most expensive gemstones.

Ring with Marcasite

The price of marcasite jewelry depends on the quality of the stone and setting, as well as what minerals it complements. Radiant pyrite itself is inexpensive and accessible - a stone with a diameter of 1.5 cm is estimated at 400 rubles. Products with rarer nuggets of radiant structure cost from 2,000 thousand rubles per piece, depending on the quality of the frame.

The stores offer a range of products for every taste:

• Rings. Silver jewelry marcasite + turquoise costs from 900 rubles, a combination with chrysoprase is estimated at approximately 1000 rubles, and a combination with cultured pearls costs from 1300 rubles. For a ring with malachite or black onyx you will have to pay about 4,000 rubles.
• Brooches. A product with an insert of turquoise and enamel starts from 2000 rubles, with garnet – from 3000.
• Pendants. Marcasite + onyx is estimated at 2500 rubles.
• Earrings. A vintage silver item with enamel or chrysoprase costs about 3,000 rubles. A more massive piece with solo marcasites costs 3,700 and more.
• Bracelets sell for an average of 3,000 rubles.

Also read: Siderite - a simple “piece of iron” or a precious stone?

Watches are also inlaid with drop silver. Such an accessory costs at least 15,000 rubles. The range of products does not end there. Jewelers present all kinds of models of men's cufflinks, signets, and tie clips. Tiaras, hairpins, and combs with this mineral are not uncommon.

Marcasite figured brooches depicting animals, birds or insects are popular. The inexpensive gem has even conquered fashion houses - the collections of famous designers shine with accessories using marcasite. Even the handles of handbags are decorated with the mineral.

Bracelets:

Jewelry with Marcasite:

Stone price

The cost is influenced by the place of production (Asian accessories are much cheaper), the manufacturing method (manual or machine), and the brand. Prices:

• marcasite solo ring made in Thailand - from 600 rubles;
• ring with black onyx (Thailand) - from 1,500 rubles;
• Swarovski marcasite ring - from 1900 rubles;
• Swarovski ring with black onyx - from 2500 rubles;
• marcasite-solo earrings - from 1,500 rubles;
• bracelet with a mineral - from 2200 rubles;
• Swarovski bracelet - from 3900 rubles;
• brooch “Owl” (garnet, marcasite, onyx) - 1900 rubles;
• watches - from 6500 rubles.

Decorative stone has powerful energy, protects the owner from troubles and enhances his positive qualities.

In jewelry, marcasite looks stylish and elegant at a low price.

Do you have items with marcasite in your jewelry collection? Write comments, repost, send the article to your friends on social networks.

Care instructions

The fragility, as well as other physical properties of radiant pyrite, require careful handling of this mineral. This stone breaks from blows and does not like moisture and direct sunlight. In air, the gem oxidizes, causing a characteristic iridescent film to appear on the surface of the mineral.

Cleaning marcasite involves periodically wiping it with a damp cloth, then with a dry one. Do not wash under running water or clean with alcohol. You can store accessories in a box with other jewelry, after placing them in a canvas bag.

Care and storage

The silver setting for marcasite is fragile, like the pyrite itself.

Required care:

• Wipe the crystals with a damp, then absorbent cloth.
• It is necessary to beware of the influence of moisture on the mineral and protect it from shock.

To store marcasite, it is better to use a canvas bag that can be placed in a box.

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Astrological compatibility

Astrologers have determined that marcasite does not favor all signs and not all elements. Air signs should be more careful when choosing such a talisman, and Water constellations should avoid this gem altogether.

(“+++” – the stone fits perfectly, “+” – can be worn, “-” – is strictly contraindicated):

Marcasite will be an ideal tandem with Sagittarius, Scorpio and Aries - people with strong energy. The stone will bring good luck to these signs in all endeavors and will help to establish and maintain physical health. The same cannot be said about Pisces or Cancers - for them the stone is dangerous due to failures and failures. Radiant pyrite will help Capricorns move up the career ladder.

Is this stone right for you?

Interesting Facts

When broken, marcasite releases sulfuric acid. Our ancestors considered this process a kind of “biting” of the stone, attributing to the mineral a struggle for its spiritual essence.

Notable personalities of past eras revered marcasite for its properties. Thus, Queen Cleopatra was confident in the rejuvenating abilities of the mineral, and Empress Maria Feodorovna did not part with radiant pyrite throughout her life, believing that it brought her good luck.

Medieval alchemists used marcasite during their experiments. They assumed that gold could be extracted from this mineral.

By coincidence, it was not only marcasite that hid pyrite behind it. In the National Mineral Collection of the United States there is an exhibit in which marcasite is called pyrite - this is the Arizona pyrite dollar. Despite the name, the exhibit is crystallized radiant pyrite.

The main use of marcasite is in industry - the mineral serves as a source of sulfuric acid production.

Uses of marcasite stone

They tried to use Marcasite in construction as an additive to cement. However, such attempts were unsuccessful. When exposed to atmospheric air, it becomes completely unstable. For this reason, using it in the construction industry is risky and impractical. The stone is used to produce sulfuric acid.

Marcasite is fragile. Due to the influence of air and water, it is destroyed. True, jewelry masters turn a blind eye to the difficulties in processing and create beautiful jewelry from gemstones.