History and origin
The stone owes its name to the ancient Greeks - translated from their language, pyrite means “carving fire.” This name accurately describes its properties - the nugget really has a golden, fiery color. With its help, ancient people struck sparks to ignite a flame.
Another historically known name for pyrite is “fool’s gold.” Due to its external resemblance to the precious metal, it was often mistaken for gold.
The greed of the Spanish conquistadors played a cruel joke on them - they took the mined rock from the population of the American continent even before its discovery by Columbus, hoping to get rich. But, having brought this mineral home, they were made fools, subjected to ridicule by more experienced gold miners.
This is interesting: Throughout the history of the stone, other names have been mentioned: “Inca gold”, “cat gold”, sulfur or iron pyrite.
Since the times of Ancient Egypt, pyrite has been used as a mirror and also as an ornamental stone. Hindus believed that a pyrite amulet around the neck protected against attacks by crocodiles.
Europeans of the Middle Ages made all kinds of jewelry from firestone - bracelets, watches, shoe buckles. However, these objects were of little pleasure to the eye, because under the influence of moisture, pyrite quickly oxidizes and loses its attractiveness.
Noble ladies of Napoleonic times proudly wore jewelry with pyrite inlays. The fact is that it was customary to donate jewelry to the needs of the French army. In return, the women received a pyrite stone, which they later loved to brag about, boasting of their generosity and participation in charity.
An interesting story is described in the chronicles of the Swedish city of Falun. In one old mine, miners found the remains of a long-dead miner. There didn't seem to be anything strange, other than the fact that the body was petrified.
In those days, people firmly believed in the existence of all evil spirits, so they took it for the tricks of gnomes or trolls. Many years later, scientists found a simple solution to this phenomenon - in the right environment, minerals such as pyrite completely displace organic matter, replacing it with themselves. The body of the Falun miner is a prime example of this.
Deposits of "Inca gold"
A unique feature of pyrite is that it is mined in parallel with other, more valuable metals - cobalt, copper or zinc. Deposits are located all over the world, so there is no need to carry out separate, costly mining - the mineral is found wherever there is pyrite ore.
The largest deposits are located in the United States, Russia, and Sweden. Mining is also carried out in Azerbaijan, Norway, and Spain. However, only Italy supplies valuable samples that are loved by jewelers all over the planet.
Physical properties
Pyrite is iron sulfide. It is present in almost all geological rocks, only in magma its proportion is very small, but some types of sedimentary rocks can consist entirely of pyrite and silicon.
The mined samples of fire stone most often have a cubic shape, as well as almost ideal faces with a mirror reflection. The only drawback is that the stone quickly oxidizes when in contact with water or air.
Also read: Ammonite - the source of ancient magic
| Property | Description |
| Formula | FeS2 |
| Hardness | 6—6,5 |
| Density | 4.95—5.10 g/cm³ |
| Melting temperature | 1177—1188 °C |
| Cleavage | Imperfect. |
| singonia | Cubic. |
| Kink | Conchoidal. |
| Shine | Metal. |
| Transparency | Opaque. |
| Color | Straw yellow, golden. |
Pyrite roasting, application and oxidation of pyrite.
The development of pyrite deposits is carried out mainly for the purpose of extracting impurities present in the mineral. The stone is rich in valuable elements, namely gold, cobalt, nickel. Natural pyrites mined in the South African deposit contain a proportion of uranium.
Natural pyrite tends to oxidize in air and is transformed into limonites or goethites.
It is known that without pyrites the production of sulfuric acid is impossible. This process is called pyrite roasting, and it is very important for the economy of any country.
Large pyrite crystals are in high demand among collectors; smaller specimens are used by jewelers to create jewelry.
The healing power of fire stone
The healing properties of pyrite were discovered by healers of ancient times. A stone tied to the body helped relieve joint pain. It was tied to the leg of women in labor so that childbirth would be quick and easy.
A pyrite crystal placed around a baby's neck helped the child maintain a healthy, restful sleep. It was also believed that the mineral could cope with bleeding, leprosy, lichen, cataracts and remove freckles.
Interesting fact: Despite the fact that pyrite fights depression and psychological disorders, it is absolutely contraindicated for people with a high emotional threshold, too hot-tempered and vulnerable, as it can enhance these qualities.
Modern esotericists, lithotherapists, as well as traditional healers attribute a wide range of medicinal properties to pyrite:
- relieves nervous tension, helps drive away fatigue and depression;
- improves sleep quality, increases the body's performance;
- helps improve the functioning of the respiratory organs and circulatory system;
- protects and eliminates infectious and viral diseases;
- eliminates fungal skin infections;
- increases muscle tone;
- helps treat infertility.
It is believed that pyrite can cope with chronic diseases, relieve fever, chills, and protect a person from complications caused by the flu. As in ancient times, the mineral is credited with the ability to restore strength and increase endurance, so the stone is advised to be worn by people doing hard, exhausting work.
Pyrite stone has magical properties.
Ancient records have been found that say that natural pyrite gem has been used by magicians since ancient times as a powerful magical attribute. Therefore, in the Middle Ages it was very popular among healers. Current practicing healers insist on taking pyrite crystals without cracks or splits in order to achieve maximum impact from the stone.
From time immemorial, the natural gem pyrite was classified as a “male” stone. Thanks to its qualities, the natural mineral pyrite gives its owner power and strength, both mental and physical. Manifestations of this power must be handled very carefully. The stone is also known for its help in winning in the love field.
It is advisable to wear pyrite jewelry for no more than five days in a row, because increased emotional outbursts can cause anxiety to the owner of the gem. It was not for nothing that the Spartans considered pyrite stone a generator of courage in battles, unbridled courage and reckless bravery. The warriors believed that the mineral pyrite was a revered stone of the war deity Mars himself. Based on the opinion of the ancient Greeks, the mineral protected against sudden death and betrayal in open battle, bestowed strength, imparted perseverance and drove away fear to many generations of warriors.
Nowadays, natural stone has not lost its qualities and is very helpful for people whose occupation involves the risk of physical impact - military, police, security guards. He is considered one of the talismans of people who fight crime and uphold the law. Pyrite stone is great for people with the profession of firefighters and rescuers.
However, not only representatives of law enforcement agencies will benefit from wearing pyrite products. After all, the natural stone pyrite gives the owner optimism, cheerfulness, good spirits and purposefulness. Keeping the semi-precious stone pyrite with you is also worth it for those people who may give up in difficult circumstances. Pyrite jewelry is also useful for loners (renegades), who are accustomed to independence and like to make decisions alone, but for some reason are forced to reckon with, obey, or put up with other people’s requests. In such difficult precedents, pyrite gem favors to avoid squabbles, intrigues and conflict situations.
The magic of golden edges
And again, the chain of references goes back to ancient times, starting with the ancient Greeks, who attributed to the stone an indescribable protective power for men, considering it a symbol of Ares, the god of war.
Each warrior had a protective crystal with him. It was believed that this amulet bestows incredible strength, both physical and sexual. Greek men believed that the stone gave them determination, fearlessness, and protected them from death.
In the not so distant times of the Middle Ages, pyrite was used by alchemists for experiments. And modern psychics also resort to using the stone to restore the energy field after energy-intensive rituals or rituals. Only for these purposes is a perfectly smooth stone, without chips or cracks, suitable, since a damaged stone will harm its owner.
This is interesting! Pyrite is a capricious stone. It cannot stand the proximity of other minerals besides Serpentine or Hematite. Only strong-willed and strong-willed people can wear a talisman all the time. For others, a tandem with a stone for more than three days can cause serious harm, making the owner nervous, irritable, even to the point of clouding his mind.
As a talisman, pyrite is suitable for people in dangerous professions - military personnel, firefighters, law enforcement officers. It is able to protect, give physical and moral strength, awaken courage, endurance, and help in making important decisions.
To experience the magic of the mineral, you must have pure thoughts and good intentions. The slightest falsity or evil pyrite will turn against the owner.
A talisman with this stone gives a person confidence, determination, and determination. It will be a special assistant for passive individuals who are prone to inaction in difficult situations and often give up and are afraid to make independent decisions.
Also read: Wollastonite - a talisman against the evil eye and black magic
Although pyrite has become famous since ancient times as a male talisman, endowing a person with purely masculine character traits, this nugget is still useful for the weaker half of humanity. A woman will look more attractive in the eyes of the opposite sex by wearing such a talisman. And for married ladies, the stone will help revive faded passion and return the former freshness to the relationship.
Jewelry with pyrite
Despite the prevalence of the mineral in nature, as well as the low cost of its extraction, jewelry with pyrite is highly expensive, especially if made from precious metals:
- a silver ring with an insert will cost from 18 thousand rubles, a solid pyrite ring is estimated from 20,000-22,000 rubles, and a gold one – from 90,000 rubles;
- prices for earrings range from 17,000-30,000 rubles;
- bracelets starting from 900 rubles to 2500;
- beads will cost 5,000–9,000 rubles.
Despite the high cost, such jewelry is popular. Although the prices of simpler jewelry stores are an order of magnitude lower than the cost of jewelry from designer houses. And costume jewelry will generally cost the buyer a ridiculous amount, since pyrite itself is an inexpensive mineral, and many alloys for jewelry are affordable.
What stones does it go with?
Pyrite is a self-sufficient, powerful and non-contact mineral. It does not like being in the neighborhood, and it is aesthetically difficult to combine with other ornamental, semi-precious, and especially precious stones. The only exceptions to the rules are serpentine and hematite; they go well with “Inca gold” in all respects. Iron pyrite treats metals favorably, feeling excellent in a frame made of precious gold or silver, as well as cupronickel and other jewelry alloys.
Varieties
There are two types of pyrite found in nature:
- Bravoit. Due to the fact that a fifth of its composition is entirely nickel, these samples are distinguished by their bright brass-yellow color.
- Marcasite is distinguished by a special crystal lattice structure, has a rich golden hue and silvery tints.
In rare cases, pyrite crystals contain small inclusions of pure gold. When mining, you encounter both individual crystals and cubes of different sizes, but of an absolute, ideal shape with the same unsurpassed edges, chiseled by nature itself.
Colors and varieties
Pyrite is opaque and has a rich metallic luster. Due to its yellowish, straw, brass or golden hue, it resembles gold. Silvery and bluish samples are much less common.
Mineralogists also classify the following minerals as pyrites:
- Marcasite is a radiant mineral with silvery tints, a similar chemical formula, but a different crystal lattice structure. It is also called “drop silver”.
Marcasite in suspension
- Bravoite is a mineral containing up to 20% nickel, which is why it has a rich golden-yellow hue.
Bravoit
- Chalcopyrite or copper pyrite containing copper. It is much softer than its iron counterpart, has a brass tint and, when oxidized, reveals a rusty-yellow iridescent coating.
Chalcopyrite
How to distinguish a fake?
Today, plastic or glass fakes can be passed off as pyrite. However, recognizing a natural mineral is not that difficult. Firstly, natural pyrite is not translucent, which distinguishes it from glass or plastic. Secondly, if it is a fake with a coating, you just need to run your fingernail over it and the genuine material will be revealed under the scratch.
It happens that pyrite is not counterfeited, but on the contrary, it is passed off as gold. In this case, it is enough to test the metal for softness, and also try to make a scratch on the glass - gold will be softer, it will leave a dent on it, and it is easier to scratch the glass with pyrite. Moreover, a product made of pyrite cannot be refined, with small details; most often, pyrite jewelry is solid and massive.
Why are there two compartments in the lighter?
The lighter contains liquefied gas under high pressure. ... To prevent the lighter from being torn apart by internal pressure, especially in extreme conditions, say, in a car parked in the sun, the opposite walls are pulled together by what you called “separation.”
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Caring for mineral products
Pyrite jewelry requires special, careful care. The stone itself is hard, but very fragile, so it should be protected from mechanical influences, as well as from the influence of chemical agents.
The main advice for preserving the original appearance of the stone is to coat the new, washed, dried product or insert with colorless varnish. Then the decoration will be able to please the eye longer.
Even with very careful care, pyrite will lose its appearance over time, and may even collapse. For collectors, it is recommended to store pyrite specimens in a vacuum, and for those who cannot afford it, they can at least simply boil it in paraffin.
Also read: Lapis lazuli is a symbol of heaven, power and justice
Compatibility with Zodiac signs
(“++” – 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 | + |
In astrology, pyrite stone is considered the patron of the fire element. This nugget is most favorable to Aries and Leo. Representatives of this sign, who take an active life position, will preserve and increase their energy. Such people will gain confidence, determination, faith in success, and will overcome all obstacles with this talisman.
Scorpios and Sagittarius can also count on the favor of pyrite. The nugget will endow these signs with physical and emotional strength, endurance, protect them on long journeys, bringing good luck in travel. Gemini will receive the magical help of pyrite in the professional sphere - it will help them move up the career ladder in the near future.
Other zodiac signs will not feel the power of the fire stone. Pyrite is very strong and also demanding. This is a stone of iron will, capable of not only imparting strength, but also taking it away, leaving a person energetically depleted, lethargic, and sad.
A pyrite crystal can cause the greatest danger to signs that belong to the water element. The stone can cause particular harm and damage to vital energy to Cancers, so people born under this constellation are better off avoiding such a talisman altogether.
An interesting fact is that pyrite is protected by two planets of the solar system – Neptune and Mars. This is what, according to astrologers, gives the stone incredible energy, as well as the magical ability to influence the life events of many people.
Pyrite occupies a special place in the Chinese teachings of Feng Shui. The unique abilities of the stone are used by these people to attract prosperity, family happiness, financial wealth, and good luck into the home. All kinds of figurines, coins and other figures are made from the mineral.
To protect the house from evil forces, such decor is placed at the entrance, and to lure money - in the south-eastern zone of a residential building or office. A Chinese pyrite coin placed in a purse or wallet helps solve many problems, attract finance, and gives confidence.
Note
Having so many names, preserved in the bowels of the earth for so many centuries, pyrite has conquered people with its power since ancient times. Despite its simplicity, not standing next to gold in value, although it can rightfully be called its twin brother, this stone still took its significant place for people and became a reliable patron for many.
In the modern world, a stone capable of striking a fire is no longer considered something great and divine, however, if you look into the depths of the past, you can understand that it was precisely such human discoveries that, year after year, helped man rise to such heights of civilization and now help him maintain his position. them.
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Pyrite deposits
In jewelry, the use of the mineral is limited. Deposits of this stone are developed in most cases to separate the impurities it contains: precious gold, copper, uranium, nickel.
A large number of pyrite deposits are concentrated in mineral deposits formed from sediments and hydrothermal solutions circulating in the bowels of the Earth: in marine clay and lignite basins. Minerals also form in small quantities in volcanic magma.
Large deposits of pyrite have been developed in Western Europe, the USA, Canada and Kazakhstan. In Russia, the rock is mined in the Urals, the Caucasus and Altai.
