Sulfur stone—as the name “marcasite” is translated from Arabic—has other useful properties. It can become a powerful talisman for a person who is interested in the magic of gems. Lithotherapists also use it to alleviate the illnesses of their patients.
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.
What is a stone
For mineralogists, marcasite is ordinary iron pyrite:
- Its crystals radiate like snowflakes. Sometimes they form star clusters.
- When heated, the sulfur evaporates from it.
- In air it oxidizes, becoming covered with a shiny iridescent film (tarnishing effect).
- The main places where stones are formed are hydrothermal vents and sedimentary deposits.
This is the brother of pyrite. Until 1814, these minerals were not distinguished, since their composition, color, and basic characteristics are almost identical. Marcasite was considered a jewelry variety of pyrite.
The most famous example of a fallacy is the “Arizona pyrite dollar.” In fact, the exhibit of the US National Mineralogical Collection is not pyrite, but crystalline marcasite.
Australian mineralogist Wilhelm Heidinger brought clarity by proving: marcasite and pyrite are different 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.
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: Alunite – a natural healing mineral
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.
| Property | Description |
| Formula | FeS2 |
| Impurity | As, Sb, Co, Cu, Tl, Bi |
| Hardness | 6 — 6,5 |
| Density | 4.8 - 4.9 g/cm³ |
| Kink | Stepped and uneven |
| singonia | Rhombic |
| Cleavage | Imperfect |
| Shine | Metal |
| Transparency | Opaque |
| Color | Brass yellow |
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.
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.
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.
Marcasite jewelry
Due to its fragility, the mineral is difficult to work with and crumbles when cut. Real masterpieces emerge from the hands of masters who have coped with a difficult task.
The most common stones in jewelry are those with golden or pinkish hues. For frames they often resort to silver. The light metal adds contrast to the warm tones of the gem; crystals set in gold, on the contrary, are lost.
- Vintage mineral jewelry is impeccable and elegant. In combination with business or formal wear, they are suitable for both a respectable woman and a young lady.
- Brooches, pendants, and earrings in the style of the Victorian era will add sophistication to the look and complement the outfit in both dark and light colors.
- Silver bracelets inlaid with gemstones will complete the look of a sophisticated girl.
- Rings made of light metal with a mineral insert will ensure the attention of others to the owner of any age. In the last decade, the making of rings and brooches in the shape of animals and insects has become a popular trend.
- Watches will become an integral part of the image of a business woman.
- Men's jewelry (signets, cufflinks, tie clips) will emphasize masculinity, and in combination with zircons or diamonds - high status.
View this post on Instagram
Publication from RUBIN JEWELERY SALON NETWORK (@rubin_stavropol) July 20, 2021 at 10:05 PDT
In 2012, the Swarovski brand introduced new methods of cutting marcasite, which created a new fashion trend and attracted a young audience to the products.
View this post on Instagram
Posted by Silver Jewelry (@silver_sm925) Nov 13, 2021 at 2:40 PST
Jewelry with gemstones require special care:
- Avoid mechanical stress and high humidity.
- Make sure that perfume and household chemicals do not come into contact with the mineral.
- Remove dirt from products only with special care products or a dry soft cloth.
See our review of stone jewelry:
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.
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: Hyacinth - protector from adversity
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.
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.
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".
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: Danburite – decoration of mineralogical collections
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:
Price
Prices for marcasite jewelry are available even in silver (925°) assortment, rub.:
- earrings with chrysoprase – 2,250 – 3,100;
- earrings with pearls – 7,700;
- ring – 3,400;
- ring with chrysoprase – 2,690;
- bracelets – 5,500 – 13,700.
Ring with marcasite
Collectible material costs 650 – 3,500 rubles. depending on the deposit, quality and dimensions.
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.
Application
One of the uses of stone is to obtain sulfuric acid from it. Samples that are not able to “boast” of their beautiful shine, which is so relevant for jewelers, are put into industrial production. At one time it was even added to cement during construction, but due to its poor resistance to various atmospheric changes, this function of sulfur stone had to be abandoned.
In turn, drop-shaped varieties, as well as bright shades characteristic of this mineral, are used in jewelry production.
Specialists especially appreciate its ability to combine well with white metal, which allows it to reveal the entire color gamut in the best possible way. So, silver makes the most beautiful setting for jewelry with this gem.
Such jewelry consists of silver frames with bright gems scattered throughout them. These small minerals are fixed using ordinary “paws”, and for additional durability they are fixed with special glue.
Various figurines (animals) are also made from the mineral, which can be easily purchased in the store. Retail establishments offer the widest range of products, as they say, even with home delivery. Among them are brooches, earrings, bracelets, signets and much more.
But in men's cufflinks it is often combined with zirconium or small diamonds. In addition, fashionable handbags and bags are inlaid with marcasite. Our “comrade” also appears as jewelry in the collections of the most famous fashion designers.
However, every owner of such a product should protect it from various types of shocks, shocks, and friction. Because radiant pyrite is a rather fragile “creation”. It should also be kept away from water, as it tends to oxidize strongly.
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):
| Zodiac sign | Compatibility |
| Aries | +++ |
| Taurus | + |
| Twins | + |
| Cancer | — |
| a lion | + |
| Virgo | + |
| Scales | + |
| Scorpion | +++ |
| Sagittarius | +++ |
| Capricorn | +++ |
| Aquarius | + |
| Fish | — |
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?
Suitable for names and zodiac sign
The zodiac compatibility of the stone is quite extensive. But the mineral is best suited for fire signs and signs with strong natural inclinations: Sagittarius, Aries, Leo, Scorpio. The bright nature of these signs will be reinforced by the influence of the gem. With its help, people will gain greater confidence and strengthen their intuitive sensitivity. With these features, the doors are open for career growth and increasing the profitability of your own business. Who is not suitable for marcasite according to their horoscope? These are Cancer, Virgo and Libra. Beware of wearing the mineral, as it suppresses the good beginnings in people of these signs and enhances weaknesses.
By name, the mineral is suitable for the following female names:
- Anna;
- Alice;
- Aster;
- Galina;
- Zoya;
- Vladlena;
- Ustinya;
- Anastasia;
- Catherine.
And male names:
- Andrey;
- Paul;
- Alexander;
- Matvey;
- Raphael;
- Nathan;
- Plato;
- Seraphim;
- Dmitriy.
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.
How to distinguish marcasite from a fake
Marcasite is rarely counterfeited. Its price is low, and there are many places to get it. It doesn’t even make sense to imitate a mineral using plastic or glass. However, if you still suspect a fake, squeeze the crystal in your fist. A real stone will remain cold, a fake will heat up immediately.
Another problem is much more pressing. Sulfur stone can be confused with its related mineral, pyrite. Despite their external similarity, the magical properties of crystals are quite different. So it’s still better to know the rules on how to distinguish two types of pyrite from each other.
- If you examine marcasite under a magnifying glass, you will notice that its crystals have a spear- or tabular shape.
- When fractured, the gem looks greenish, unlike pyrite.
- When drops of water fall on a mineral, it begins to smell of sulfur.
If you cannot determine the type of stone yourself, take it to a jeweler for inspection. High-tech equipment helps to distinguish breeds from each other with one hundred percent probability.
