The mineral pyrite or iron pyrite, also known as fool's gold, is an iron sulfide. Pyrite meaning comes from the Greek word for Pyr, which translates to fire. Pyrite is the most abundant sulfide mineral. Pyrite's metallic luster and pale brass-yellow hue give it a superficial resemblance to gold, hence the well-known nickname of fool's gold. The color has also led to the nicknames brass, brazzle, and Brazil, primarily used to refer to pyrite found in coal.
Pyrite usually
forms cuboid crystals, sometimes forming in close association to form
raspberry-shaped masses called framboids. Cattierite, vaesite, hauerite, and
sperrylite are similar in their structure and belong also to the pyrite group. Pyrite
is distinguishable from gold by its hardness, brittleness, and crystal form.
Natural gold tends to be irregularly shaped
without well-defined faces, whereas pyrite comes as either cubes or
multifaceted crystals with well-developed and sharp faces that are easy to
recognize.
Pyrite emits sparks when struck by
metal. In the 16th and 17th centuries, it was
a source of ignition in early firearms, most notably the wheellock, where a
sample of pyrite was placed against a circular file to strike the sparks needed
to fire the gun. Pyrite remains in commercial use for the production of sulfur
dioxide, for use in such applications as the paper industry, and in the
manufacture of sulfuric acid. During the
early years of the 20th century, pyrite was used as a mineral detector in radio
receivers and is still used by crystal radio hobbyists. Pyrite weathers
rapidly to hydrated iron oxide, goethite, or limonite; pseudomorphs of goethite
after pyrite are common.
Chakra: Solar Plexus and Sacral.
Zodiac: Leo.
Planet: Earth
Element: Fire and Earth
Care: Pyrite weathers rapidly. This weathering produces a characteristic
yellow-brown stain or coating, such as on rusty quartz. It is not recommended
to use anything that could leave scratches on the somewhat brittle surface of
the stone. Do not steam, boil or clean in an ultrasonic machine. To cleanse, it
is recommended to use selenite, sound, moonlight, or smoke. Do not leave in
water or direct sunlight.
Pyrite
is a stone of action, vitality, and will. It taps into your abilities and
potential. It stimulates the flow of ideas, creativity, and manifestation. It is a
very protective stone that creates a defensive shield against negative
energies, environmental pollutants, and emotional and physical attacks, such as
emotional vampires or protecting you from psychic attacks. Pyrite enhances the strength of mind and willpower. Pyrite is also sometimes considered to be
lucky, attracting wealth, prosperity, and abundance. You can place it in the
wealth corner of your home to increase these properties. It helps you overcome
fatigue by increasing mental clarity, focus, and recall. It brings chaotic thoughts to focus. Place it
near the entrance of the door or in areas where you need a boost of energy or
focus, like your workspace or office. It is a great stone for blocking EMFs, or
simply stopping those toxic thought patterns from running through your head. It
brings confidence, opens new doors of opportunity, and helps manifest goals. It
can be used to energize other crystals and amplify their healing properties.