During their search for fortune, the infamous shouts amid Old West prospectors ‘There’s Gold in that riverbed!’ only to be disappointed in finding Pyrite or more commonly known “Fool’s Gold” rather than real Gold. The shiny, yellow mineral looks so similar to Gold, many prospectors were fooled into thinking they had struck it rich. Pyrite is among the some common of all minerals, found in almost every environment. Almost any rock that looks a little rusty will mostly likely contain some pyrite.Pyrite is cubic crystals composed of iron sulfide; spherical and bulbous pyrites also exist; it is found in large quantities, mainly in coal mines and near clay workings. It comes in a vast number of forms and varieties, but the most common crystal shapes are cubic and octahedral. One sought-after form is flattened nodules found in chalk, siltstone and shale called “pyrite suns’ or ‘pyrite dollars’. These nodules are usually made from thin pyrite crystals radiating from the center.
Legend & Healing
Pyrite gets its name from the Greek word pyros meaning ‘fire’ because it can give off sparks when struck – which is why it has been used to light fire since prehistoric times. In the Stone Age it was used to make fire and in the Middle Ages the alchemists believed that pyrite could be turned into gold. Being a ‘firestone’, it was attributed magic properties in legends and mythology.
Pyrite is a highly valued and sought after mineral as a healing stone in antiquity, particularly Pyrite sun is the strongest energy stone having a calming effect to the nerve center. Other healing properties of Pyrite are said to remove mental blocks and reduce anxiety. It is therefore often recommended as a touchstone during examinations. It is the symbol of resolution, with the holder having problems solved. Magical properties of Pyrite are for all star signs.
Interesting Tidbits
Pyrite should only be cleaned, discharged and recharged in dry sea salt and never come in contact with water. It needs the sun to develop its full sparkle and potential. Gold and silver shimmering pyrite sun is only found embedded in slate in the coal
mines of Illinois. Unlike pyrite, it also contains organic substances. It should be discharged among tumbled hematite stones and recharged among rock crystals.
Pyrite ranges from silver to brass yellow or golden color. It is most commonly found in Sweden, the United States, Mexico, Peru Chile, and Australia; however the most beautiful pyrites come from the Isle of Elba.
Pyrite gets its name from the Greek word pyros meaning ‘fire’ because it can give off sparks when struck – which is why it has been used to light fire since prehistoric times. In the Stone Age it was used to make fire and in the Middle Ages the alchemists believed that pyrite could be turned into gold. Being a ‘firestone’, it was attributed magic properties in legends and mythology.
Pyrite is a highly valued and sought after mineral as a healing stone in antiquity, particularly Pyrite sun is the strongest energy stone having a calming effect to the nerve center. Other healing properties of Pyrite are said to remove mental blocks and reduce anxiety. It is therefore often recommended as a touchstone during examinations. It is the symbol of resolution, with the holder having problems solved. Magical properties of Pyrite are for all star signs.Interesting Tidbits
Pyrite should only be cleaned, discharged and recharged in dry sea salt and never come in contact with water. It needs the sun to develop its full sparkle and potential. Gold and silver shimmering pyrite sun is only found embedded in slate in the coal
mines of Illinois. Unlike pyrite, it also contains organic substances. It should be discharged among tumbled hematite stones and recharged among rock crystals.Pyrite ranges from silver to brass yellow or golden color. It is most commonly found in Sweden, the United States, Mexico, Peru Chile, and Australia; however the most beautiful pyrites come from the Isle of Elba.
Two mineral specimens provided by resident Gemologist.
