Marcasite is a stone that looks very impressive in silver items. Sparkling crystals have been adorning rings, bracelets and earrings for thousands of years. Essentially, this mineral is iron sulfide, which forms diamonds during crystallization. Some types of the mineral contain impurities of copper, arsenic and bismuth.
Marcasite is a stone that is very popular.
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.
origin of name
The name marcasite is ancient Arabic; originally used to refer to pyrite and marcasite. It comes from the ancient Arabic word “markashitsa” - fire stone (alchemists have the step - kasitae)
Synonyms: Radiant pyrite , spear-shaped pyrite, comb pyrite, foliated pyrite, cellular pyrite, white iron pyrite , water pyrite or water pyrite (Agricola, 1546), polyopyrite (Glocker, 1839), hydropyrite (Glocker, 1847), kyrosite (Braighauit, 1843), binarite (Frendel, 1874), partly liver pyrite - hepatopyrite (Werner, Breithaupt, 1866), partly styrian - nickel-containing marcasite (Breithaupt, 1849). Lonchidite (Breithaupt, 1849) and metalonchidite (Seidberger, 1887) are apparently mixtures of marcasite with arsenopyrite.
Marcasite
Physico-chemical characteristics
From a chemist's point of view, marcasite is a sulfide, a polymorphic variety of natural iron sulfide.
| Formula | FeS2 |
| Impurity | As, Sb, Co, Cu, Tl, Bi |
| Color | brass yellow |
| Stroke color | greenish-gray to black |
| Shine | metal |
| Transparency | opaque |
| Hardness | 6—6,5 |
| Cleavage | imperfect |
| Kink | stepped, uneven |
| Density | 4.8—4.9 g/cm³ |
| singonia | rhombic |
Sulfur and iron occupy almost one hundred percent of the composition of the mineral. A tiny part is due to impurities of copper, thallium, bismuth, cobalt, arsenic, copper, and lead. They do not affect the properties, but create a variety of shades.
Physical research methods
Ancient methods. Under the blowpipe it behaves like pyrite, becomes cracked and fused into a magnetic ball; In a closed glass tube, when heated, a sublimation of sulfur is formed.
Crystal optical properties in thin preparations (sections)
In polished sections in reflected light, marcasite is yellowish-white. Reflectivity. (in%): for yellow rays 55, for green - 52, for orange - 45.5, for red - 44.5. Bi-reflection in the air is clear: || a - white with a pinkish-brown tint, || b light yellowish, || c - creamy white (in immersion, double reflection is stronger). Highly anisotropic with a color effect ranging from green to reddish purple.
Where is the mineral used?
The scope of application of marcasite is determined by its properties and aesthetic conditions.
Jewelry
Not all jewelers like ornamental marcasite - it is too fragile and cheap.
But those who take up stone create masterpieces:
- More often, silver-gray or reddish material is used.
- Unusual “spiked” reliefs are carved from stone.
- The stone looks perfect in silver jewelry. More often it is a silver base, on which pebbles are whimsically scattered.
- The gray background is diluted with colored inexpensive stones. Chrysoprase, garnet, turquoise, cultured pearls, black onyx go well with marcasite.
A popular trend is brooches and rings with marcasite in the shape of animals or insects and marcasite inlay on ladies watch bracelets.
This is a fertile material for jewelry in the men's segment: signet rings, cufflinks, tie clips with a slight touch of brutality organically embody the masculine nature.
Jewelry with marcasite
Other areas
Examples of non-jewelry quality also found use:
- Decor. Large accessories are encrusted with an inexpensive, glossy mineral: lighters, handbags, clutches, umbrellas.
- Collecting. The object of the hunt for gatherers is specimens with fragments of plants and insects frozen inside. Colored stones or “dollars” are popular.
- Industry. The mineral is a cheap source for the production of sulfuric acid.
The prevalence and availability of marcasite allows even middle-income people to create solid collections of stones or jewelry.
Areas of use
Our ancestors used marcasite to start fires and create weapons. Only after some time they began to use it in jewelry. Great popularity came to him in the 20th century.
In addition to beads, rings, necklaces, pendants and other products, pyrite is used as decoration for watches, boxes and figurines. Figures of animals, birds, and people are cut out of it. Marcasite is widely used in industry. Sulfuric acid is made from it.
At one time there were attempts to use pyrites in construction. But the combination of sulfur with cement makes the rock very loose. Therefore, I had to abandon such an experiment.
How to wear and care
The use of marcasite requires care; you need to care for it carefully:
- The main danger for the mineral is humidity. It can become covered with a rusty film, and the release of sulfuric acid may begin. Therefore, jewelry should not be worn in rainy weather or in the pool or shower.
- Even when exposed to air, the inserts may darken or become cloudy.
To preserve the jewelry, it is recommended to cover the inserts with colorless nail polish.
- Dirt is removed with a damp cloth, then the decoration is immediately wiped dry. Household chemicals, alcohol, and ultrasonic cleaning of stone are prohibited.
Storing collection material made from marcasite is troublesome. The best option is vacuum packaging. Or saving in a dry microclimate without active air access (in a tightly closed bag).
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.
Magic properties
The magical properties of marcasite have been studied and used in both hemispheres of the planet. Medieval European alchemists added the mineral as an ingredient to create the "philosopher's stone." The Indians considered a polished stone to be a “mirror” reflecting the spiritual essence of a person.
Overall Impact
It has been established that the magic of the stone can protect the owner from injuries and accidents. Therefore, it is put in a pocket or sewn into the clothes of people in dangerous professions (EMERCOM, metallurgists, stuntmen, pilots, drilling rig workers).
Marcasite is a masculine stone that helps to reveal and express gender essence. The owner becomes bolder, more decisive, but remains cool.
It has a special meaning as a traditional children's amulet against the evil eye. Marcasite chips are placed in a bag near the crib so that the child is less capricious and sleeps better.
Restrictions
The rules for using the stone are strict:
- Body jewelry makes the owner more decisive and stronger. But they are not recommended to be worn for more than three days in a row: the person will become overly emotional, even aggressive. He will act inappropriately and thereby make enemies.
- For the same reason, the mineral is not suitable for delicate, vulnerable natures.
- As a talisman, the stone serves only a kind, decent, sincere person. He will become self-confident, and the result will be success on the business and personal front.
The use of marcasite in magical rituals is the domain of experienced magicians. Activation of sulfur in the composition of stone plus steel tools can lead to unforeseen, even tragic consequences.
The healing effect of the mineral
Lithotherapists have identified the healing properties of the stone:
- A ring or earrings with marcasites are worn to get out of depression and overcome the consequences of serious stress and upheaval. Don't panic in vain.
- The mineral is suitable for the treatment of eye diseases.
- The stone is applied to sore joints or muscles: it “pulls out” painful sensations.
- Marcasite, ground to powder, helps tumors resolve and extinguishes inflammation.
- The stone can heal the spleen, which will lead to a general improvement in the condition of the body.
- They are sprinkled on wounds: the antiseptic properties of the mineral ensure disinfection and quick healing. You can get rid of skin rashes.
The main thing when treating with marcasite is not to get carried away. The course of treatment is not delayed.
It has been noticed that golden stones are the most powerful healers.
Marcasite and Zodiac
The mineral is selective in relation to the signs of the Zodiac:
- His favorites are energetically strong, even brutal Aries, Sagittarius, Scorpio. With such a talisman, they will take care of their health and direct their energy in a peaceful direction.
- Conditionally suitable for air signs: a person needs to test the pebble for personal compatibility.
- Marcasite is strictly prohibited for domestic Cancers and delicate Pisces. Their psyche may not resist.
Compatibility table for marcasite with zodiac signs (“+++” – fits perfectly, “+” – can be worn, “-” – is strictly contraindicated).
| Zodiac sign | Compatibility |
| Aries | +++ |
| Taurus | + |
| Twins | + |
| Cancer | — |
| a lion | + |
| Virgo | + |
| Scales | + |
| Scorpion | +++ |
| Sagittarius | +++ |
| Capricorn | + |
| Aquarius | + |
| Fish | — |
The stone is energetically strong, since it is protected by Mars and Neptune at once. Therefore, it is advisable to listen to the recommendations of astrologers.
Industrial way
This natural “gift” is formed in various hydrothermal “provinces” (in parallel with pyrite and other sulfides). Among sedimentary rocks (sand, clay), it is found in coal-bearing deposits.
The largest mining deposits are located in America. For example, pink stones, somewhat reminiscent of the sky at dawn, are found in North American Massachusetts, as well as on Salt Spring Island (Canada). Light crystals are located in American and Mexican California.
There are crystals that are of interest to jewelers in the Russian Federation and distant Australia, in hot Tanzania and in the polar expanses of Sweden.
In Russia, marcasite stone can be found on the lands of the famous Kursk magnetic anomaly. Domestic minerals are quite highly valued by private collectors. But Tanzanian specimens are valued for their bright, red hue. According to African beliefs, such a bright crystal is the “blood” of soldiers who died defending their native land.
