Remember discovering that sparkling golden rock in the wild, holding it up in joy, thinking you've discovered gold? Then being told that it’s just fool's gold?

There is nothing foolish about this mineral – Pyrite. Concealing fire within their gleaming elegance, pyrite crystals have historically been used for jewelry and as iron ore. Known to mineral collectors and gemstone buyers as fool's gold, pyrite bears a visual resemblance to gold with its pale, brassy-yellow hue and its metallic shine. It has misled several gold miners over the years who took it for the real thing.

Cut to the present day, it is respected as a gemstone in its own right, and exceptional pyrite jewelry is highly sought after. Cabochons of any size can be cut from larger pyrite crystals. They find a place in jewelry, similar to the older Victorian era marcasite jewelry. More and more now, Pyrite stone’s stability makes it a likely replacement for “marcasite” stones in jewelry. Pyrite is often faceted in rose-cut fashion with flatbacks.

So, how did “Pyrite” get its name?

Did you know that “Pyrite” - meaning of this name is derived from the Greek word “pyr” for fire - is not named because of its fiery hue. It rather means 'a gemstone that strikes fire' because of the sparks produced when pyrite is struck like a flint.

As an added attraction for new jewelry collections of crystals and stones being designed, a piece of good-quality pyrite is a must-have. What exactly is pyrite, its true meaning, connection with chakras, and most importantly, its various uses and metaphysical properties? All the answers to your queries are crafted into this pyrite buying guide.

What is Pyrite?

Pyrite is iron sulfide (FeS2), chemically speaking, and  is known to be one of the most common sulfide minerals used for centuries as iron ore. Although it is commonly mistaken for gold because of their similarity, funnily enough, certain pyrite deposits are often discovered with trace amounts of actual gold in them. Pyrite may contain up to 0.37 percent of gold by weight in certain deposits, such as the Carlin-type gold deposits. Formed as cuboids (Farmboids – when the cuboids are closer-knit), it is easy to discern pyrite stones' crystal formations.

Where is Pyrite Found?

Being the most abundant of all sulfide minerals, pyrite occurs in most geological environments and nearly all rock types. Fine crystals from the following localities are popular: Canada, Italy, Spain, Russia, England, Austria, Germany, Mexico, Switzerland, and Sweden.

The Three C’s of Pyrite:

Color: Pyrite ranges in several hues, from a light golden yellow to a paler gray color, depending primarily on the inclusions found inside the stone. Pyrite also has a distinctive shiny luster and glow that contributes to its elegance as a whole, making each pyrite color variant as desirable as the other.

Clarity:   that this iron sulfide looks like, pyrite does not rate high on clarity. Its opacity, lack of transparency, and some natural inclusions end up influencing its color and metallic luster and result in variance.

Cut: Pyrite is often cut into beads, cabochons, and faceted shapes. Naturally, though stronger than marcasite, pyrite is still a fragile stone and requires cautious handling and cutting.  Owing to its lack of transparency and its homogeneous, opaque nature, it can be cut in different shapes with its integrity preserved well.

Another interesting fact is that it can naturally occur and be mined in perfectly cubic forms that look like they’ve been cut and polished by a jeweler. This lends a distinct “organic” feel to pyrite. This inexpensive element can also be carved into different faceted forms or molded into tiny shapes and sculptures.

Reasonably priced pyrite pieces of different cuts, shapes, and hues are available aplenty to inspire innovative jewelry designs.

How to take care of pyrite?

Pyrite is more brittle than malleable and is about 6 to 6.5 Mohs on the hardness scale.  Depending on the style of jewelry, pyrite needs to be cleaned with care – especially when cleaning marcasite jewelry that incorporates pyrite, as small pieces of pyrite can dislodge and fall out. For pyrite jewelry, warm water, gentle liquid soap, soft cloth or brush, and a soft hand do the trick. Abrasive cleaning materials or hard chemicals should be avoided to preserve the integrity of the stone’s surface.

To help preserve pyrite, silver, or other gemstones used in marcasite jewelry against abrasions, avoid any situation where they may rub against each other. Keep them in separate cases, wrapped in a piece of fabric.

Pyrite and Its Chakra Connection:

An earth element, pyrite resonates with fire energy, symbolizing the warmth and the lasting presence of the sun. Said to possess magical and healing powers, the Native American Indians used it as a meditation and ceremonial tool.

With energies that are believed to resonate directly with the solar plexus chakra, pyrite is said to activate an individual’s will. Masculine in nature, it is a stone of action, vitality, and will, and it taps into one’s abilities and potential, stimulating the flow of ideas.

An exceptional stone in demand for increasing self-confidence, pyrite is a perfect option for those looking to stimulate the second and third chakras to enhance willpower and mental strength.

Pyrite uses and healing properties: 

• Pyrite has been used widely as a cheaper gold or marcasite substitute for jewelry and accessories. (Often referred to as "white iron pyrite," crystal-shaped marcasite is fragile and fractures much quicker than pyrite – making it less than ideal for use in jewelry.)
• Thanks to its ability to produce sparks when struck, pyrite was used in the 16th and 17th centuries to ignite firearms.
• Pyrite is commonly used for the industrial processing of sulfur dioxide. Sulfur dioxide is used in many industries. It is an integral part of sulphuric acid manufacturing and is also used in manufacturing paper.
• Pyrite can act as a semiconductor and has found use in many applications, such as lithium batteries, radio antennas, solar solutions, etc.

Pyrite metaphysical properties:

• Pyrite is admired by many who believe in crystal healing for giving positive energies to the wearer.
• It's also hailed as a must-have item for offices and businesses since it's a sign of prosperity, good luck, and abundance.
• Pyrite is known to block harmful energies and keep you safe from physical risk.
• Pyrite is also used as an environmental stone that will shield you from environmental contamination.
• It is also believed to create a connection to Mother Nature, supporting you when you need motivation and mental power.

Pyrite birthstone:

Not a traditional birthstone, pyrite is said to bring fortune and prosperity and is frequently associated with the zodiac sign Leo.

Where should you buy pyrite gemstones?

A stone widely in demand, pyrite is available as loose stones in shops and specialized stores for gemstones and crystals. A quick online search can show several choices for pyrite, but if you’re looking to purchase good quality natural pyrites, why not opt for the best from the best? At GemsforJewels, we offer pyrite stones as strands in shapes like cubes, tyres, and squares. Available in gold, silver, copper, and natural colors, these gemstones are worth having. So, don’t pass the opportunity to order stunning pieces of pyrite for your jewelry designs and collections!

*Disclaimer: Any of the claims related to the healing benefits, uses, and metaphysical properties of this or any other gemstone are not guaranteed or validated by this Gemstone Guide. All the information provided in this guide should in no way be used as a substitute or alternative for medical advice. *