Introducing Marcasite Jewelry

By Carlos Somaniego

A fool’s gold or iron pyrite is a golden colored mineral that looks just like gold; however it is actually a mixture of sulfur and iron. Sometimes people called white pyrite or white iron pyrite, marcasite are actually pyrite crystals that are made into jewelry. They are called marcasite jewelry.

On the other hand, people know a yellow colored mineral formed from iron as true marcasite. True marcasite is a relatively soft stone which crumbles into powder after a period of time. It does not keep well in gem form.

Often in combination with other metals like silver and other gems, marcasite is used as jewelry. It has become steeped in legends as well as pagan traditions and has been used for centuries. At this time, people believed that this marcasite can release an energy that can throw off or counter negative energies, improve one’s ability to communicate, and protect those working in dangerous occupations.

Sometimes with a greenish tint or a multi colored tarnish that is the result of oxidation, marcasite is brassy yellow in color.

Marcasite Jewelry

The colors of marcasite jewelry gem stones are black with an iridescent quality when struck by light. Some quality marcasite stones have a brilliant silver color or a bright metallic luster. The quality marcasite stones will catch the light and glow like small diamonds when they cut with many small faces at the top.

For making marcasite jewelry, marcasite is used by many jewelers in combination with sterling silver and other stones in intricate designs that are reminiscent of earlier times. For instance, we know that Art Deco inspired pieces with their intricate designs, nature inspired pieces like butterflies and bees, leaves and vines, and also mythical subjects like leprechauns, griffins, dragons and the like.

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Marcasite Jewelry

Silver Marcasite Jewelry

Introducing Marcasite Jewelry

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