All about the mysterious marcasite stone

Natural minerals have a special charm and magic. Marcasite stone is very interesting in its properties. Since ancient times, it was used to make fire, in the Middle Ages they were replaced with diamonds. Interest in stone has not disappeared today. He is credited with magical properties, and jewelry from it is in consumer demand. Consider the features and properties of this unusual nugget, the specifics of care for jewelry, as well as which of the zodiac signs it suits.

Marcasite is a mineral of the group of pyrites related to the variety of polysulfuric iron. The word "marcasite" is of Persian origin, in translation from the language of the ancient Persians is interpreted as "stone of light." The exact period of its discovery is unknown. The first attributes made of stone were found by archaeologists during excavations of the territories of Inca settlements in South America. Historians have established that primitive tribes with the help of marcasite received fire, a little later they began to use it to create incendiary mechanisms in weapons business. Shamans used stone in magic rites.

In the Middle Ages, interest in the extraction of the mineral increased significantly, its golden brilliance confused the miners, often they took large nuggets for precious metal. The stone was given the name “fools gold,” since in fact marcasite has nothing to do with real gold.

The use of the mineral in creating jewelry began in the 18th century. Brilliant stones attracted the attention of jewelers, and there were attempts to pass them off as diamonds and diamonds.At that time, marcasite was often confused with another stone - pyrite. They belong to the same group of natural iron sulfides, have an external similarity, but differ in the structure of crystals. In medieval jewelry, pyrite was presented as marcasite.

They learned to distinguish stones only in the 19th century. This is the merit of the Austrian mineralogist Wilhelm Heidinger. He made a detailed analysis of the external and internal structure of both minerals and was able to prove their differences. Since 1814, the name "marcasite" has been firmly assigned to one mineral with its exact scientific description.

Marcasite contains iron and sulfur in its composition. Has a rhomboid or spear-shaped crystalline structure. In nature, crystals of complex shape are often found, resembling crests, stars, snowflakes, multiple drops and berry clusters.

Often, a mineral contains impurities of bismuth, cobalt, copper, arsenic, antimony or thallium, which affect its shade. You can find crystals with orange-red, gray, black and greenish hues. Marcasite is characterized by color overflows, which depend on the type of lighting. Other names for the stone are also common - radiant pyrite and drop silver, which he received due to the peculiarities of the structure and color.

There are deposits of marcasite in Australia, Great Britain, Germany, Canada (Salt Spring Island), the USA (Massachusetts, California), Sweden, the Czech Republic and some African countries. In Russia, marcasite deposits are found in the Southern Urals, in the Kursk, Orenburg and Tula regions.

Sometimes large deposits are found in the deposits that contain fossils or prints of traces of ancient plants. Such nuggets are unsuitable for jewelry processing, and are more of historical value, they replenish the collections of mineralogists and paleontologists. They cause interest among esotericists. Pure raw nuggets often become attributes of various magical practices.

Today, the mineral is used in the chemical industry to produce sulfuric acid and in jewelry. One of the attractive varieties of marcasite is spectropyrite. It has a heterogeneous rainbow color, delighting with its flickering radiance when exposed to sunlight. To create jewelry accessories, this variety or red marcasite crystals are most often used, since they look more aesthetically pleasing and are easier to cut.

Jewelry manufacturing uses the term “marcasite” to refer to pyrite inserts in its products.

The composition of marcasite is similar to pyrite, since they both have iron in their composition. Minerals differ in the crystal structure, healing and magical properties. Let us consider in more detail the characteristics of radiant pyrite.

Marcasite - iron sulfide, consists of 46.6% of iron and 53.4% ​​of sulfur. The chemical formula is FeS2. Under conditions of high humidity it is unstable and can decompose over time to sulfuric acid (H2SO4) and iron sulfates (Fe2SO4). In the course of the reaction, the mineral flows (runaway), a rainbow coating (a combination of yellow, red and blue) appears on the surface.

The solubility is weak - it dissolves slowly in nitric and hydrochloric acids. When conducting thermal reactions, it forms a blue-blue flame with a characteristic smell of sulfur.

Despite the external hardness and opacity, the structure of the stone itself is quite fragile.It has a density of 4.8-4.9 g / cm³ and a Mohs hardness of 6-6.5. Mineral crystals have rhombic symmetry and an average imperfect level of adhesion. They often have kinks, so the stone is easily damaged and cracked.

The healing properties of radiant pyrite are due to its composition. Iron has a beneficial effect on the circulatory system, improving blood counts, and sulfur has antiseptic properties. For medicinal purposes, it is better to use stones with a golden color: they have fewer impurities of other elements.

From ancient times, marcasite, crushed to a powder state, was applied to wounds and abrasions, which contributed to their rapid healing. Marcasite powder is effective in the treatment of purulent boils and other skin rashes.

The stone enhances immunity and has a calming effect. Helps to get rid of stress, reduce anxiety, anxiety and gain peace of mind. Mineral can reduce the intensity of joint and muscle pain. To do this, it needs to be applied for some time to sore spots.

Sulfur stone is also used for cosmetic purposes. For this, the mineral is dipped in a container of water and incubated for about 30 minutes. Washing your face with this infusion helps regulate the secretion of the sebaceous glands, relieves inflammation and helps get rid of acne.

The magical features of the mineral are interesting. Esotericists believe that male energy is more characteristic of him, but he is suitable for women. In its pure unrefined form, the stone has a very high energy, so it is not recommended to use it for more than three days in a row. Marcasite brings good luck in new endeavors, responsible negotiations, protects from envy and ill-wishers.

Since ancient times, its properties have been noticed that have a beneficial effect on the emotional state of young children. In the Middle Ages, children wore marcasite beads to protect them from the evil eye.

Silver talismans are suitable for strong-minded, honest and noble people. They help to quickly realize their clean plans, protect from any adversity. Single crystals provide the best protection.

Mages recommend acquiring an amulet of radiant pyrite for men whose professions are risky (rescuers, pilots, military, miners). The amulet will add strength and protect against accidents. Marcasite will help women in stressful situations, it will help to cope with surging emotions and make the right decision.

The stone is protected by the planets Mars and Neptune, which contribute to the strengthening of its power and strength. It is believed that a high-energy mineral is endowed with the ability to influence events and change the fate of people. According to the horoscope, it is more suitable for Aries, Scorpio and Sagittarius, but it is quite acceptable to use it for other signs of the zodiac.

According to astrologers, using marcasite:

• Aries will improve their internal state and will make the right decisions;
• Gemini will strengthen immunity, achieve success in personal and work affairs;
• Crayfish will become easier to relate to life's difficulties, but according to internal characteristics it is not their stone - often it is not necessary to use it;
• Lions will improve relationships with others and reach career heights;
• The virgins will gain confidence in business and make new friends;
• Libra will increase its creativity;
• Scorpios will find peace of mind and protect themselves from envious people;
• Sagittarius will attract the attention of the opposite sex and good luck in many endeavors;
• Capricorns will find peace of mind and prosperity in the family;
• Aquarius will receive well-deserved recognition and will be charged with optimism;
• The fish will calm down in a stressful situation, but the stone does not suit them as a permanent talisman.

Marcasite processed in the jewelry workshop attracts attention with its beautiful tints, and therefore jewelry with it looks very impressive. Natural minerals such as agate, turquoise, chrysoprase, malachite and onyx are perfectly combined with it. Most often marcasites are set in silver. Silver jewelry with pearls and mother-of-pearl, surrounded by the smallest droplets of marcasite, looks very tender.

There are practically no fakes of marcasite, since its price is very low, that is, there is no point in creating imitating glass copies. But to make sure that the mineral is 100% authentic, you can perform a simple manipulation: when compressed in a fist, the synthetic material will heat up, and the natural stone will remain cold.

More often, marcasite is confused with pyrite. Despite the fact that the stones belong to the same group of minerals and have an external resemblance, they are very different in magical properties.

When considering minerals through a magnifying glass, it is noticeable that marcasite crystals are spear-shaped, and pyrite crystals are cubic. At the fracture points of marcasite there is a green tint, the color on the pyrite cleavage is golden yellow. When the radiant pyrite is wet or broken, the smell of sulfur is felt.

Products with marcasites require careful handling and maintenance. It is recommended to store them in closed caskets or bags. If the crystal lies in the same box with other stones or jewelry, then it must be wrapped in a soft cloth.

Smaller marcasite inserts framed by silver lend themselves to more pollution. They can be gently brushed with a toothbrush dipped in a mild soapy solution.and then rinse quickly under running water and wipe dry.

To maintain the sparkle of jewelry, you can purchase special jewelry napkins for caring for natural stones. They have a soft texture, do not damage the product, perfectly polish and contribute to maintaining the excellent appearance of accessories.

Marcasite jewelry attracts with its elegance and relatively inexpensive price. Direct deliveries from manufacturers of products of the marcasite group to Russian jewelry stores are handled by the domestic company Markazit. For many years, she has been collaborating with the brands Hong Factory (Thailand) and MARC (USA), which are leaders in the production of silver jewelry.

Since 2018, the company has become an official partner of the world famous Austrian brand Swarovski. Cutting Swarovski stones is considered the best, it enhances the brilliance of products and gives them a special charm.

The ideal setting for a radiant pyrite is silver. Silver jewelry looks stylish and elegant. Most often, silver plays the role of a solid base on which a placer of small processed marcasite crystals is attached. They are fixed with heavy-duty glue and jewelry “paws”.

Jewelers develop fun children's options. Earrings in the form of butterflies, dragonflies, flowers interspersed with a small placer of marcasite will appeal to young fashionistas.

In a special trend of recent years, marcasite brooches. There are many models in the form of animals and birds. Often there are lizards, turtles, cats, elephants, owls, hummingbirds, peacocks. Such accessories will add chic to any everyday look.

Look very sophisticated bracelets, they enhance the image of femininity. Wicker openwork variations with inserts of small pearls or turquoise look spectacular.

An impressive variety of rings and pendants. Rings with large cabochons made of semiprecious stones are suitable for respectable ladies. Black onyx, emerald chrysoprase framed by drop silver, look noble. For young girls, you can choose rings with small but bright stones. Beautiful models with violet amethyst, pink mother of pearl and attractive marcasites.

In terms of energy, marcasite is considered a male stone, given this feature, jewelers create jewelry for the stronger sex. They are mainly represented by large signet rings. Young people may like rings in the form of carnivorous animals (bear, lion, tiger), exotic dragons, and someone will like skull rings. Radiant pyrite is also used to inlay male cufflinks. In them, the mineral can be combined with zircon and silver.

Marcasite is an inexpensive but attractive stone. Do not be afraid of its fragility - modern methods of jewelry processing and high-quality frames contribute to a long service life.

See the next video for more on marcasite properties.