Attractive stone Pyrite - the history of occurrence, variety and photo of the mineral, what properties it has and who will suit it according to the zodiac

A wide variety of minerals in nature makes it possible to create various materials and resources necessary for a comfortable human life. Some stones are used in jewelry and folk medicine. One of the interesting and attractive specimens is pyrite. This article is devoted to him, which will tell about its varieties, properties and applications.

What is this stone

Translated from the Greek language, "pyrite" literally means "cutting fire." According to the chemical formula, the mineral consists of sulfur and iron. Therefore, another name is characteristic of the mineral - gray or iron pyrites.

In ancient times, pyrite was used by the Incas - the inhabitants of America - as a device with which to get a vital fire. When the stones collide, a spark is formed, giving rise to a flame. In addition to this property, pyrite is able to reflect objects due to its smooth, mirror-like surface. So people used it as a mirror.

History of occurrence

Pyrite belongs to igneous minerals.It is formed as a result of the precipitation of iron by hydrogen sulfide at the bottom of closed water basins.

The mineral gained fame in the Inca era. The ancient inhabitants who inhabited the territory of modern America used pyrite in their everyday life. Over time, interest in the stone did not disappear, they began to actively introduce it into everyday life, releasing various jewelry and talismans.

Varieties

Pyrite is mostly found in golden hues. Minerals in gray color are observed much less frequently.

Marcasite

It has a slightly yellowish tint. Marcasite crystals are made in the form of rays. It is not used to create jewelry because it tends to oxidize quickly.

Bravoite

The mineral is 20% nickel. It is actively used in jewelry, is a material for creating jewelry.

Distribution and deposits

The mineral is ubiquitous. Especially large deposits were recorded in Russia, in the United States, Kazakhstan, Italy and Norway.

In the Russian Federation, pyrite deposits have been recorded in the Degtyarsky, Berezovsky and Katalinsky deposits in the Urals. A small part of the reserves is concentrated in Altai and Komi. In other areas of the country, a small amount of pyrite can be found in the form of small grains in gray clays.

It is usually found near hot springs, and also indicates nearby gold deposits. During mining, pyrite is extracted from ore with other useful minerals.

Application

The areas of application of pyrite are quite wide. Industry is the main area. The material is the basis for the creation of concrete, cement and steel in construction. It serves as a raw material for the creation of sulfuric acid and sulfur directly.The mineral is actively used in the weapons industry.

Pyrite gained wide popularity in jewelry. Products from such a stone look very impressive and elegant. In addition, they are not as expensive as gold or silver jewelry, so they are available to everyone.

Properties

Physiochemical properties

Pyrite belongs to the class of sulfides. Its crystals resemble gold bars, but the difference is noticeable in the form of shading on the faces.

• The color of pyrite is usually golden yellow or straw yellow. There may be a tint film on it, reminiscent of glare in a gasoline puddle. Rainbow stones are especially prized by collectors.
• Hardness on the Mohs scale ranges from 6 to 6.5. It all depends on the presence of nickel in the composition. With an increase in the percentage of nickel in the mineral content, its hardness decreases.
• Pyrite is a dense mineral. It is not transparent and has a metallic luster and conchoidal fracture.
• The cleavage of a mineral, that is, the ability to split under mechanical action in certain directions, is very imperfect.
• Pyrite has a cubic system. Therefore, crystals in the form of cubes are often found in nature. It is rare to find pyrite octahedrons.
• Pyrite is distinguished from the proposed analogue by such a property as high hardness. If you press on the gold, then as a result, a depression forms in it. With pyrite, this trick will not work.

Medicinal properties

There are opinions that pyrite has medicinal properties. He is able to drive away all diseases and ailments from his owner. It is enough just to apply a mineral to a diseased, problematic area of ​​\u200b\u200bthe body, and then everything bad and heavy will “stretch out”.

Rumor has it that pyrite can cure diseases such as skin fungus, cataracts, and infertility.It can fight infections and protect against various viruses. Pyrite also reduces joint pain and normalizes blood flow in the body.

In addition, pyrite can improve human performance and normalize sleep. It will be a wonderful decoration for people with a routine, heavy work schedule, because after a hard day, the stone will help return the spent energy.

magical properties

Even in ancient times, in the Inca era, the stone was considered a magical amulet. According to people, he was able to protect against the attack of alligators.

Pyrite amulets endowed warriors of various times with courage. Young people went to battles and battles with a stone, because they believed that he could protect them from injury.

Healers and psychics unanimously say that an ideal stone without visible damage can heal the body and soul. But pyrite with a chip or other defect, on the contrary, can become a magnet for problems and life's troubles.

Pyrite inspires self-confidence and becomes a powerful helper on the love front. Natural antidepressant saves from scandals and conflicts in the home circle. It is especially suitable for the male half of the population, personifying strength of mind, courage and resilience.

Jewelry and care

Pyrite jewelry has a rough and heavy appearance. Such characteristics do not spoil the appearance of jewelry, so they always look elegant, stylish and elegant. Today, pyrite is used to create bracelets, earrings, rings, necklaces and pendants.

Pyrite products are delicate. It is necessary to avoid mechanical influences and prolonged exposure of the mineral to the sun's ultraviolet rays.

It is prone to decay in normal environments.It is best to store stones in a vacuum or lower them into a container with paraffin. Such manipulations should slow down the decay of pyrite. For a longer preservation of the item, it is worth covering its surface with transparent nail polish.

The aqueous environment significantly accelerates the destruction of the mineral, because drops of water form sulfuric acid, which has a detrimental effect on the structure of pyrite.

Who is suitable for pyrite stone

Pyrite jewelry is suitable for people with an active lifestyle.

It is recommended to acquire crystals for those who are associated with dangerous professions. It can add endurance, courage and protect from extreme situations.

When answering the question of who is more suitable for jewelry with pyrite, you should pay attention to the signs of the zodiac. The mineral is especially good for Aries, Leo and Sagittarius. While it is categorically contraindicated for Cancers. The rest of the representatives of the constellations can wear products without fear.

Also, you should not purchase such products for emotional and sentimental individuals.

How to distinguish pyrite from a fake

Despite the rather low cost of the material, some cunning types are trying to benefit for themselves by replacing the mineral with glass or plastic.

In any case, it is not difficult to notice the catch. It is enough to direct the product to the light. If the stone transmits the sun's rays or is at least a little transparent, then this is an imitation.

Checking for hardness will also not be an extra procedure. When scratching the material with a fingernail, pyrite is not deformed. The same goes for glass. An attempt to spoil a real pyrite jewelry with it will fail.

Compatibility with other minerals

Pyrite is an energetically strong stone related to the fire element. In a duet, only hematite and serpentine can cope with it.

Turquoise, garnet and jasper look good in combination with pyrite, but with this combination, their energy properties of the mineral are lost.

Interesting Facts

• Pyrite looks like gold. Because of him, people often fought with each other. There are cases in history when a person, mistakenly mistaking pyrite for gold, lured it from others and thus tried to benefit for himself, but in the end remained in the cold. So the stone was called "fool's gold".
• Mineralogists were once confused by the appearance of the stone, or rather its brilliance. The metallic radiance baffled scientists, so they rushed about in doubt about the ownership of pyrite. Numerous disputes arose, where some said that pyrite was a stone, while others attributed it to metals.
• Previously, alchemists tried to isolate gold from pyrite. They believed that the external similarity should be justified by the presence of a noble mineral in the composition. It has now been proven that pyrite does not contain gold, but often its deposits indicate the proximity of the jewel.
• During the Patriotic War with the French, Napoleon's troops received from the locals their personal jewels and ornaments. In return, the population was given pyrite, which became a kind of symbol of patriotism and the highest degree of love for one's country.
• According to healers, the mineral should be tied to the leg of a woman giving birth. So the contractions will become more moderate, and the girl will more easily transfer the process of having a baby into the world.
• Pyrite is able to replace organic residues, forming pseudomorphs. There are cases when the mineral replaced the corpses of people, which subsequently decayed in a humid or oxygen environment.
• There is a mineral - perite.The difference in the name lies in just one letter, but at the same time these are really different stones with different physical properties and chemical formula.

From ancient times to the present day, pyrite has been widely used in various fields of human activity. Its physical and chemical properties make it possible to produce materials that play an important role in construction. And the magical and healing properties give a person benefits and protect against diseases and ailments.

Pyrite stone photo collection