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

There is something initially surprising, unusual and even poetic in the very name of this mineral - marcasite. Moreover, the name of this crystal - the twin of pyrite - is of Persian origin, which means "stone of sulfur".

Chemical properties of stone

From the point of view of science, this gem is a polymorphic variety of iron polysulfide and has the chemical formula FeS. A small amount of impurities in it (antimony, arsenic, cobalt, copper, bismuth and even thallium) is considered the norm.

Its second popular name, radiant pyrite, largely describes the appearance of the crystal. Because it has a specific metallic sheen of brassy yellow color. However, in the conditions of the Earth's atmosphere, he himself, his appearance is still not very stable. Because at high humidity it tends to break down over time, forming fragments of sulfuric acid H2SO4 and iron sulfates.

Fool's Gold and more

If we turn to history, it should be noted that until 1814 our "hero" was considered the same as pyrite. Since these two gems, outwardly similar to each other, are included in the group of sulfur pyrites. At the same time, they are able to strike a spark.But at the beginning of the 19th century, thanks to the chemical analysis of these crystals, Wilhelm von Haidinger, a mineralogist from Austria, had a chance to prove that their molecular component is different. And, therefore, their names should also differ.

In many nations there is evidence of the use of this mineral. After all, even ancient people actively used the original purpose of this representative of the geological world - the extraction of fire. At the next stage in the development of mankind, it began to be used in their work by gunsmiths, and then jewelry specialists also joined the process.

Famous conquistadors revered his nuggets as representatives of precious metals. However, returning to Spain, the conquerors were publicly ridiculed by the most educated people of their homeland. As a result, after those events, radiant pyrites began to be called nothing more than "fool's gold."

In turn, because of the ancient artifact - the marcasite "mirror" of the Aztecs - this crystal was also called the stone of the Incas. It is noteworthy that the ancient inhabitants of Central America entrusted this “mirror” with the image of the most valuable subject for them - the main deity of the Aztec tribe “Quetzalcoatl”.

European popularity came to marcasite during the period when France was ruled by Louis XIV, also known as the "king - the sun." It began to be used as a substitute for diamonds. (Although there have been numerous fakes that used faceted pyrite). But it should be noted that the best samples could not be inferior to poor diamonds. Although they were much cheaper. However, people who believed such a deception were also ridiculed in high society.

But the time of Napoleon came, and another interesting fact related to marcasite entered history. It was then called drip silver. The fact is that French women donated their gold jewelry for military needs, and in return received items made from our “good friend”. And often - in combination with pyrite. Well, this crystal achieved its maximum popularity already in the 20th century.

Stone colors

Because marcasite is an iron sulfide, it appears silvery, although the main color of marcasite is yellow and yellow-orange itself. Due to various impurities, the raw gem can also have red and green, gray with yellowish and even black additional shades.

Among other important characteristics that attract the attention of experienced jewelers is the ability of sulfur stone to “play” with lights in the sun, shimmer and shine. And marcasite-spectropyrite is even capable of shimmering with all the colors of the rainbow. This can be seen in the photo of marcasite.

From time to time, in its natural deposits, nuggets and fossils of traces of the most ancient forms of life come across. Therefore, such specimens are exceptionally valuable not so much for jewelers as for paleontologists who study prehistoric traces of plants and prints of ancient creatures. This form of "storage" allows scientists to obtain DNA samples from even the earliest inhabitants of the Earth.

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 deposits of production are located in America.For example, pink stones, somewhat reminiscent of the sky at dawn, are found in North American Massachusetts, as well as in 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 appreciated 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 the fighters who died defending their native land.

Application

One of the uses of stone is the production of sulfuric acid from it. Samples that are not able to “show off” their beautiful brilliance, which is so relevant for jewelers, go into industrial production. At one time, it was even added to cement during construction, but due to poor resistance to various atmospheric changes, this function of sulfur stone had to be abandoned.

In turn, varieties that have the shape of a drop, as well as having bright shades characteristic of this particular mineral, are used in jewelry production.

Especially appreciated by experts is its ability to blend well with white metal, which allows it to reveal the entire color gamut in the best possible way. So, the most beautiful frame for jewelry with this gem is obtained from silver.

Such jewelry is a silver frame, on which bright gems are “scattered”.These small minerals are fixed by means of ordinary “legs”, and for additional durability they are fixed with special glue.

They also make various figurines (animals) from the mineral, which can be easily bought at the store. Trading establishments offer the widest range of products, as they say, even with home delivery. Among them are brooches, earrings, bracelets, seals and much more.

But in men's cufflinks it is often combined with zirconium or small diamonds. In addition, fashionable handbags and bags are encrusted from marcasite. Our “comrade” also comes across as jewelry in the collections of the most famous fashion designers.

However, each owner of such a product should protect it from all sorts of shocks, shocks, friction. Since radiant pyrite is a rather fragile "creation". Also, it must be kept away from water, as it tends to oxidize strongly.

Counterfeiting

Since the price of marcasite is not very high, and it is mined in many places, it is rarely forged. It just doesn't make sense to imitate with glass or plastic. However, in case of doubt, you can check for authenticity very quickly. To do this, simply squeeze the crystal in your fist. In this case, the real mineral will remain cold, and the fake sample will heat up with a “fly”

It is more difficult not to confuse our "friend" with his "relative" - ​​pyrite. After all, despite the similar appearance, their composition and properties (especially magical ones) change greatly. You need to know that, unlike pyrite, it looks greenish on the bend. Under a magnifying glass, marcasite has an annular or tabular crystalline form.Moreover, its crystals have a flattened-wedge shape, in contrast to the cubic or octahedral forms of pyrite. If drops of water fall on it, a slight smell of sulfur may appear.

If it is impossible to make an analysis on your own, it is logical to take the sample to a jeweler, who will give a 100 percent accurate answer.

On guard of health

Radiant pyrite has a number of healing properties that help people overcome dangerous ailments and diseases. These include various joint and muscle pains, eye diseases, nervous disorders, panic attacks, and depression.

Powder from this stone successfully fights against various skin inflammations. It is noticed that it helps especially well in diseases of the spleen. Marcasites of warm, golden shades of color are considered the most effective.

Magic crystal

Decorations made from our marcasite have quite impressive success in the field of magic. This gem is endowed with a rather powerful energy that allows you to influence the human character, emotions, and even his fate. Therefore, it is especially relevant for the male population of the planet. The owner of a talisman made of radiant pyrite, upon acquiring it, acquires exceptional emotional strength, which he did not have before.

This representative of the geological "brotherhood" has a beneficial effect on children, allowing them to be protected from the evil eye and other negative events in fate. Therefore, it is by no means surprising that our ancestors used special marcasite beads for children.

The experience of overcoming various kinds of whim, irritability, and stubbornness in a child is positive.To do this, you need a collection copy of radiant pyrite in the house, which should be located out of the child's access to it.

An important point. A sulfur stone product has strict requirements for its future owner. Only individuals with truly strong character traits and creative thinking can have such a talisman with them. Then the crystal will greatly enhance these positive properties. Timid, cowardly people, losers will only get the opposite effect - all negative traits will interfere with their life with even greater force.

In a word, any person who is lucky enough to deal with such a peculiar and multifaceted gem can confidently look into the future.

Photo of the mineral Marcasite