Description of the marcasite stone and magical properties: meaning for humans. Marcasite or drop silver Healing properties of the stone

English name of the mineral Marcasite

origin of name

The name marcasite is ancient Arabic; originally used to refer to pyrite and marcasite. It comes from the ancient Arabic word “markashitsa” - fire stone (alchemists have the step - kasitae)

Synonyms: Radiant pyrite, spear-shaped pyrite, comb pyrite, leafy pyrite, cellular pyrite, white iron pyrite, water pyrite or water pyrite (Agricola, 1546), polyopyrite (Glocker, 1839), hydropyrite (Glocker, 1847), kirosite (Breighauit, 1843), binarite (Frendel, 1874), partially liver pyrite - hepatopyrite (Werner, Breithaupt, 1866), partly styrian - nickel-containing marcasite (Breithaupt, 1849). Lonchidite (Breithaupt, 1849) and metalonchidite (Seidberger, 1887) are apparently mixtures of marcasite with arsenopyrite.

Chemical composition

From the formula FeS 2: Fe - 46.55; S - 53.45. Sometimes there is some deficiency of S. It often contains an admixture of As; impurities of Ni, Co, Bi, Sb, and Cu are also noted.

Varieties Black powdery variety - melnikovite-marcasite

Crystallographic characteristics

Rhombic system, 3L 2 3PC.

Class rhombic-bipyramidal D 2h 12 -Pnnm. Axle ratio. 0.762:1:1.218.

Crystal structure

Marcasite crystals are characterized by their spear-shaped or tabular shapes, which distinguishes them from pyrite crystals. In concretions and dense masses it is not easily distinguished from pyrite. Such formations found in sedimentary rocks are often traditionally mistaken for marcasite without testing, but testing shows that about 80% of such nodules are composed of pyrite. A fresh fracture is characterized by a greenish tint, which is not characteristic of pyrite. In polished sections under a microscope, it is easily distinguished from pyrite by the strongly pronounced effects of optical anisotropy. It also differs significantly from pyrite in its diffraction pattern.

Satellites. Pyrite, chalcopyrite, sphalerite, galena, pyrrhotite and other sulfides. Marcasite, under the influence of atmospheric oxygen, transforms into brown iron ore with the release of sulfurous and sulfuric acids, which decompose surrounding minerals.

Origin and location

In nature, marcasite is much less common than pyrite. It is found in both endogenous and exogenous mineral formations.

Marcasite of endogenous origin is observed in hydrothermal, predominantly vein deposits. As a rule, it is formed in the very last stages of mineralization. Most often, it is established in drusy voids in the form of overgrown crystals, mostly small, sometimes in the form of dust-like deposits on crystals of quartz, calcite, galena, sphalerite, fahlores and other minerals, less often in the form of crusts and spherulite forms.

Formed mainly at low temperatures. It is present in the form of nodules in coals, often in brown coals and limestones. In chalk deposits in northern France, radial concretions of marcasite with a brown oxidation crust composed of limonite are found. Marcasite concretions were often mistaken for meteorites.

In sedimentary rocks, mainly in coal-bearing sandy-clayey deposits, marcasite occurs mainly in the form of concretions, irregularly shaped grains and pseudomorphs of organic remains, as well as fine black sooty substance (melnikovite). Based on its macroscopic features, it is sometimes mistaken for pyrite.

Under conditions of oxygen weathering marcasite decomposes more easily than pyrite, with the formation of iron sulfates and free sulfuric acid, and in conditions of lack of oxygen - also native sulfur. Ultimately, the oxidation of marcasite produces iron hydroxides (limonite). Experimental studies have established that marcasite, unlike pyrite, is relatively easily formed from acidic solutions at lower temperatures. In contrast to pyrite, it does not form large deposits in nature in the form of continuous ores.

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Mineral Change

During metamorphism processes under conditions of elevated temperatures and elevated pressure marcasite turns into pyrite. Many concretions in sedimentary rocks that have preserved the columnar and radial structure of marcasite aggregates, upon detailed study in reflected light, turn out to consist of pyrite, which confirms the instability of marcasite and its transition over time to pyrite as a result of polymorphic transformation.
In the oxidation zone it produces the same products as pyrite.

Marcasite deposits

Of the hydrothermal sulfide deposits in which marcasite, along with pyrite, is found in more or less significant quantities, Blavinskoye in the Orenburg region (Southern Urals) should be noted as an example. It is represented here by fine-crystalline, sporadically distributed aggregates. In addition to pyrite, sphalerite, wurtzite, chalcopyrite, quartz, etc. are found in association with marcasite.
Sedimentary marcasite-containing rocks are widespread in many regions of Russia. These include, for example, coal-bearing deposits of the Moscow region brown coal basin (Tula region), containing various forms of marcasite and pyrite nodules. The Kuryi-Kamensky and Troitsko-Bainovsky deposits of clay deposits on the eastern slope of the Middle Urals (east of Yekaterinburg) are famous for the variety of forms of marcasite nodules. In addition to spherical nodules, kidney-shaped concretions, concretions with a radial arrangement of individuals ending in well-defined spear-shaped twins, are widespread here.
Among the foreign ones, it should be noted the hydrothermal deposits of Clausthal and Freiberg (Germany), in which perfectly formed crystals of marcasite were found, etc.

Practical use

Doesn't have it. Marcasite, which produces clusters, can serve as a raw material for the production of sulfuric acid and sulfur.

Physical research methods

Ancient methods. Under the blowpipe it behaves like pyrite, becomes cracked and fused into a magnetic ball; In a closed glass tube, when heated, a sublimation of sulfur is formed.

Crystal optical properties in thin preparations (sections)

In polished sections in reflected light, marcasite is yellowish-white. Reflectivity. (in%): for yellow rays 55, for green - 52, for orange - 45.5, for red - 44.5. Bi-reflection in the air is clear: || a - white with a pinkish-brown tint, || b light yellowish, || c - creamy white (double reflection is stronger in immersion). Highly anisotropic with a color effect ranging from green to reddish purple.

Marcasite or radiant pyrite is chemically an iron sulfide. The mineral contains arsenic, antimony, cobalt, thallium, bismuth, and copper as impurities. In the Middle Ages, the term "marcasitae" denoted pyrites and all sulfur compounds. Scientists began to distinguish different subspecies of sulfur-containing minerals only in the 19th century.

Marcasite deposits are located in the USA, Canada, Russia, Australia, Africa and Sweden, namely:

• Pink stones are mined in Canada and the USA;
• Light-colored specimens were found in California;
• Rich red crystals native to Africa;
• High-quality and easy-to-cut jewelry samples are mined in Sweden, Australia, and the USA;
• Specimens of collectible value were found in Russia.

Marcasite has been known to mankind for a long time. Thus, one of the ancient Aztec artifacts was found - a mirror made from this mineral, with the image of the deity of the Quetzalcoatl tribe. For this reason, marcasite was even called the stone of the Incas.

But for a long time, sulfur-containing minerals were not distinguished, and at first the term “marcasite” meant two stones at once: marcasite itself and, which outwardly resembles the first. Only at the beginning of the 19th century, the Austrian mineralogist Wilhelm Heidinger proved their difference, after which the name “marcasite” was firmly assigned to one mineral with its full scientific description.

Marcasite is also known by another name: “radiant pyrite,” which refers to its brassy yellow color. Previously, pyrite was used to make fire, and was widely used in weapons. Later, it was noticed as a jewelry stone and began to be used in the creation of jewelry.

In the Middle Ages in Europe, marcasites were used to replace diamonds. And during the Napoleonic wars, jewelry with them was given to women in exchange for gold jewelry. Marcasite gained particular popularity after the war, when they began to be combined with iron and steel.

In the 20th century, marcasite began to be called “drop silver”, and its popularity reached its peak.

Marcasite is an iron pyrite, like pyrite, but with a different morphology. Pyrite has crystals of regular cubic shape, while marcasite has ray-shaped crystals, similar to snowflakes. Such “snowflakes” are voluminous and weighty. Often, needle-shaped marcasite crystals form in star-like clusters and brass blots. And marcasite deposits can preserve the imprint of the organism caught in their trap.

By chemical nature, marcasite is an iron sulfide. The mineral is colored in shades of yellow, green, gray, and also black.

Crystals have a cubic system. Their hardness on the Mohs scale is 6. Specific gravity is 4.9 g/cm3. Conchoidal at the fracture.

Marcasite contains impurities of lead, thallium, arsenic, cobalt, bismuth and copper, which can affect the color shade of the stone.

A well-known variety of marcasite is the mineral spectropyrite. It is widely used in jewelry due to its unusual and beautiful iridescent iridescent color.

Alchemists of the Middle Ages used the magical powers of marcasite. Marcasite beads were believed to be an effective means of protection against the evil eye.

The stone is considered masculine, capable of endowing its owner with significant emotional strength. With its help, a man gains prudence and courage. But you cannot wear it on your body for more than 3 days, so as not to harm yourself.

Amulets and talismans made from marcasite are suitable for honest, open-hearted and open-hearted people. They also help magicians. Marcasite eliminates doubts and fears of its owner, gives self-confidence and promotes the development of leadership qualities.

Marcasite does not combine with other stones. It is also not recommended for very sensitive people.

Marcasite is good for relieving stress and treating depression. They are also used for eye diseases. It is believed that marcasite reduces the manifestations of joint and muscle pain, for which it is applied to damaged areas.

In addition, marcasite is used in the healing of purulent abscesses. The powder made from it has anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties, with its help wounds heal faster and skin irritations go away.

Golden marcasites are considered healing. They have a harmonizing effect on the human condition, reduce excitability, and help fight panic attacks and fears. The gem calms and puts a person in a positive mood.

Marcasites were often hung around children's necks as an amulet to eliminate fearfulness, tearfulness and a tendency to hysterics.

In industry, marcasite is used in the production of sulfate acid. In construction, it was used as an additive to cement, but the stone is unstable and therefore inconvenient.

As for jewelry, marcasite is poorly processed, is a fragile mineral exposed to air and water, but despite this, it continues to be used in the creation of jewelry and does not lose its popularity.

The color palette of marcasite varies from yellow-orange to green, gray and black. The stone has a beautiful metallic luster, and when oxidized, multi-colored patterns appear on its surface. The gem looks most beautiful in silver frames and white gold. It is also often used in combination with iron and steel.

Jewelry with marcasite must be protected from impacts and other mechanical influences, as well as from the influence of air and water. For this reason, they are stored in tightly closed boxes, in soft fabric, separately from any other jewelry.

To clean the crystals, gently wipe them first with a damp and then with a dry cloth. Products set in silver can be cleaned using special care products.

Jewelry with marcasites is best suited for zodiac signs such as Aries, Scorpio and Sagittarius; they have a positive effect on their internal state and life events. This mineral is not recommended for representatives of the water element, namely Pisces and Cancer, as it will only bring them trouble.

It should be remembered that jewelry with marcasite cannot be worn without removing it for more than 3 days.

A gold ring with marcasite is estimated at $200 to $250, and silver earrings with marcasite inlays can be purchased for about $80 to $100.

Confusion with names is common in mineralogy. For example, the famous "Arizona pyrite dollar", which is an exhibit in the US National Mineralogical Collection, is actually crystallized marcasite. The confusion of the concepts “pyrite” and “marcasite” is rooted in the history of France, when at one time pyrite was at the peak of popularity and so-called “golden roses” were made from it. They began to be called by the Persian word “marcasite,” which is still used by the French today to designate faceted pyrite and steel settings for it. That is, gemological marcasite means pyrite or products made from it in a steel frame. But true mineralogical marcasite is iron sulfide, the crystals of which are formed in the form of rays or snowflakes.

In this article:

Marcasite stone is considered a rather unusual mineral, and all because its chemical composition can be very diverse. Aztec mineral and drop silver are both names associated with marcasite. Initially, pyrite was also classified as marcasite, since these stones have similar physicochemical properties. However, in 1814, mineralogist Wilhelm Heidinger managed to prove that marcasite and pyrite are completely different stones. It was then that the specialist formed a comprehensive description of marcasite and classified it as a separate mineral.

Marquisite stone

Peculiarities

Why did marcasite as a stone receive other names, for example, radiant pyrite? The stone has this name because of its yellow (fiery) tint. In ancient times, people used pyrites to start fires and also to make weapons. Later, precious jewelry and decorative items began to be made from the gem.

It is also interesting that during the reign of Louis XIV in Europe, marcasite acted as a substitute for diamonds. In the 19th century, jewelry made from metal alloys began to be inlaid with stone. During the Napoleonic wars, marcasite gained particular popularity, for which there is an explanation. All women in France who had gold jewelry with stones donated them to support the army, and in return received jewelry with marcasites. Products were made not only from iron, but also from steel. The 20th century saw the peak of popularity of radiant pyrite: jewelry with it was considered incredibly fashionable.

Why is marcasite called the stone of the Aztec tribes? The answer is simple: in the Museum of Man in Paris you can find such an unusual exhibit as a marcasite mirror, which depicts the ancient Indian deity - Quetzalcoatl.

Marcasite as a stone is characterized by the following properties:

• has increased fragility and lightness, so it cannot be used in jewelry;
• used in industrial production as a raw material for the production of sulfuric acid;
• has a base of light orange color, on which you can see a shimmer, the color of which varies from black to green;
• has a pronounced metallic luster;
• When oxidized, a multi-colored coating appears on the surface.

A type of marcasite called spectropyrite is used in jewelry, and all because this mineral has an attractive rainbow color.

Marcasite in esotericism

Even in ancient times, humanity appreciated the power of the energy of marcasite, and not just its beauty. The marcasite gem has the following magical properties:

1. Bring a person good luck in all areas of life. Despite the fact that the stone has masculine energy, jewelry with it has become the choice of many rulers famous in human history. For example, Empress Maria Feodorovna never denied herself jewelry with this stone. Among the admirers of marcasite, one can highlight Cleopatra, who wore marcasite as talismans that helped preserve beauty and youth.
2. Gives a person protection from damage and the evil eye. It is recommended for children to wear marcasite beads and bracelets.
3. It can become a reliable talisman of kind and sympathetic people.
4. In the form of a talisman, it restores a person’s mental balance and also calms the nervous system. However, due to the strong energy of the stone, it should not be worn constantly.
5. A talisman made of marcasite is useful to wear for people whose profession involves a high level of risk. For example, marcasite will give pilots, drivers, stuntmen and military personnel protection from misfortunes and sudden death.

Marquisite pendant

It is worth noting that marcasite is indicated only for strong-willed individuals. If a person has such qualities as apathy, lack of initiative, laziness, passivity and emotional instability, then marcasite will not suit him as a talisman.

In lithotherapy it is used in the treatment of eye and skin diseases. It is believed that the stone helps to effectively combat problems such as warts and inflammation on the skin. Marcasite also helps cleanse the blood and normalize its parameters. The gem, in addition, helps to improve the functioning of the spleen and liver.

As for astrology, the marcasite stone is patronized by planets such as Neptune and Mars. The gem as a talisman is suitable for Aries, Scorpios and Sagittarius, since under the influence of this stone their representatives become more successful and cheerful. As for zodiac signs such as Cancer and Pisces, marcasite is not suitable for them, since its energy is too aggressive for these suspicious and sensitive people.

As for jewelry, marcasite is often combined with other jewelry stones. Onyx, agate, turquoise, emerald and carnelian will not only help reveal the magical properties of marcasite, but will not dampen its energy. As for the metal from which the frame for marcasite is made, steel and silver are often used for this purpose. It is not converted into gold, since the value of this metal is not comparable to the price of marcasite.

Selecting precious stones for jewelry or as amulets or amulets is a rather responsible and serious matter. You need to know well which minerals suit you according to your zodiac sign, whether they correspond to your birthday, what properties they have on their own and how they will influence your character, actions, mood, and health. Moreover, if you are going to wear a new thing in an ensemble with other gems, the question again is: do the stones match, what properties activate each other. To make it easier for you to navigate the world of gems, let's talk about some of its representatives. Namely, about marcasite.

For people who are far from mineralogy and geology, this name means little - marcasite. The stone is not one of the “star” stones; it is not as popular as diamonds, rubies, and emeralds. However, having heard the combination “radiant pyrite”, we immediately nod our heads in understanding: how, we know! Indeed, unique deposits of “drop silver” (the nugget was so poetically nicknamed for its silvery-metallic shine) were found in the Urals quite a long time ago - back in the 19th century. In the 20th they began to intensively mine it for industrial purposes. According to the chemical composition, marcasite stone is iron sulfide; Some of its samples contain impurities of arsenic, bismuth, and copper, which give the mineral different color shades. If pyrite is heated, it will begin to emit distinct sulfur vapors. This particular feature was noticed in the East. There, from the Persians and Arabs, the mineral received its name: “marcasite” - “sulfur stone”, “sulfur substance”.

Jewelry processing

In their raw form, iron sulfide nuggets have green, gray-yellow, reddish and black hues and are not very noticeable. However, in bright sunlight or electric light, the stone begins to “play”: sparkle, shimmer, showing delightful beauty and rich colors. These properties make marcasite valuable to jewelers. Although the stone is fragile and requires special subtleties in processing and care in handling, it looks very profitable in jewelry. Especially in a silver frame, harmonious with its shine. It would be great if you come across products made from marcasite in combination with carnelians, agate or turquoise. Not only is this combination successful in itself, but each mineral effectively emphasizes and highlights the advantages of the other. It is also profitable in the esoteric, occult sense.

Astrological parameters

It is clear that not every lover of cabochons (this is the traditional cut of pyrite) is suitable for this gem. Who is recommended to wear marcasite stone? Which zodiac sign is it most suitable for? Astronomers believe that Aries and Scorpios can first decorate themselves with a gem. It is also shown for Sagittarius and Leo. The energy of the Sun and Pluto (radiance and brimstone, Light and the Underworld) made the mineral a powerful occult object that can do a lot. Therefore, it is suitable primarily for enterprising, extraordinary people, with a flexible mind, a steely will and, oddly enough, the highest aesthetic demands. And these, of course, are representatives of fire symbols. Well, the esthete Scorpio, of course! After all, the conjunction of these planets occurs precisely in the sector of this constellation.

Magic properties

Speaking about the role of the mineral in magic, one cannot help but recall another, very indicative name: “Inca stone”. According to ancient Indian legends, when a huge mirror was polished from a very rare large nugget, the supreme god of this wise, talented people was reflected in it. Since then, marcasite stone (properties) began to be considered a magical stone. The Zodiac symbol corresponding to the mineral is endowed with great magical power. But specifically in occult matters, it is better to use it for a dedicated person, a master. And in everyday life, astronomers advise representatives of extreme professions associated with risk to life to have a piece of pyrite with them. These are military personnel, law enforcement officials, sailors, pilots, firefighters, researchers, athletes, etc. There is even a saying: “Do you want to avoid being hit by a bullet? Sew marcasite into your body armor!” Its magical properties protect a person from danger, protect against threats of violent death and accidents. However, the gem also makes considerable demands on its owner.

Related energy drinks

It is better for people of an apathetic character, lazy and weak-willed Oblomovs not to try to “tame” him. The mineral will push them to act rashly, adventurously, fraught with very unpleasant consequences. And for restless adventurers (in the best sense of the word), for don Quixotes thirsting for exploits with their heroic goals, it’s as if marcasite was created. The magical properties of the stone manifest themselves completely specifically when “communicating” with such a person. They have almost related energetics, which is why the mineral can serve as an excellent assistant to its owner. It should be activated on the 21st lunar day.

Medical indicators

What other beneficial properties do marcasite products exhibit? The stone helps cleanse the body at different levels: physical, energetic, spiritual. Ancient healers also noticed this unique property. If a person with fractures, wounds on the body, or burns wears a ring with pyrites, then healing will go much faster and more painlessly, restoration and renewal of tissue will take even less time. And even the scars will be completely invisible. There are legends that Cleopatra herself highly valued marcasite. Drop silver was one of her favorite jewelry, and she owes her remarkable beauty and youth to this stone. Astromine experts do not dispute the rumors - they are well aware of the unique qualities of the gem. In lithotherapy, it enjoys great respect due to its ability to restore hormonal balance, give the body good nutrition, and normalize all internal processes. Thanks to its anti-inflammatory properties, powdered marcasite was used to treat infectious eye and skin diseases and remove warts. It was advised to wear the stone to anyone with a weak immune system or rapid fatigue. Golden samples of pyrites helped cope with depression, melancholy, and melancholy.

This is interesting

Marcasite has been used as a jewelry ornamental stone since the times of old civilizations. We talked about Cleopatra, but even for a long time before this queen ascended the throne of Egypt, pyrite was known as a beautiful gemstone. Tribal leaders and rulers of entire nations adorned themselves with it, and presented it to the gods as an atoning sacrifice or gift to achieve the mercy of heaven. The “Inca stone” became especially popular in the Middle Ages and beyond. It even competed with diamonds and was cut exactly like the king of jewelry - in the shape of a rose. Pyrite inlay adorned gold and silver items: buckles, pendants, pendants, men's and women's rings, earrings and many other luxury and everyday items. The fashion for setting stones changed: first it was made of gold and silver, then steel and steel. But the elegance and uniqueness of jewelry remained the hallmark of the mineral. And one more thing we forgot to mention: marcasite is a stone that brings good luck!

Marcasite in the East is called “sulfur stone” or “sulfur substance” because of its odor, which is especially strong when heated. The mineral consists of iron sulfide. The impurities of various substances included in it give the gem its own unique color shades.

Marcasite is not as valuable as other minerals, but has special properties related to magic. It was often used by alchemists in their experiments.

It is also suitable for strong women, although it is a stone for men. Cleopatra was sure that she owed her youth and beauty to Marcasite.

Magical properties of the stone:

• Marcasite bestows emotional strength on its owner.
• If the owner of the gem is a sensitive person by nature, then he will develop bad character traits.
• It becomes a talisman that brings good luck only to people who are pure in soul, with a kind heart, sincere and open.
• The stone is worn to gain confidence and get rid of fears.
• For men, the mineral gives prudence and courage. But if he is with you for more than three days, then increased anxiety will appear.
• Marcasite beads protect small children from the evil eye.
• Recommended to be worn by unusual people whose lives are full of dangers - extreme sports enthusiasts, pilots and stuntmen.

Note! In order for the stone not to subjugate its owner, its owner must have a strong character. A weak person will turn into indecisive and timid.

Who is suitable according to their zodiac sign: compatibility in astrology

Marcasite is patronized by Neptune and Mars, giving it energetic power.

Who is suitable according to the horoscope:

Note! The crystal is able to influence the fate of its owner, even change his life.

What color and what it looks like: types of stone

What does marcasite look like:

• The presence of the metal’s shine gives rise to another name – “drip silver”.
• Shades of color can be grayish, reddish or dark pink.
• There are minerals of unusual shapes that have imprints of insects or tree bark.

Note! Natural crystal, colored red, is loved by jewelers; it lends itself well to cutting.

The types of crystals differ in color. There is a subspecies of marcasite - spectropyrite, which has a rainbow color.

How much does it cost: price

The mineral itself is inexpensive. A product in which a crystal is inserted into a silver frame has a small price.

The cost of jewelry increases if it contains expensive diamonds and gold.

Note! Work done by hand is highly valued.

Products and decorations made of stone and its use

Pay attention to the characteristics of the crystal: it is fragile and is destroyed by exposure to water and air. That is, its processing causes difficulties.

The unprocessed nugget is unremarkable in appearance. But as soon as rays of light, either electric or solar, hit it, it begins to sparkle, “play,” and shimmer with all the colors of the rainbow.

Jewelers love marcasite; it goes well with silver and white gold.

It also coexists with other gems.

Note! Jewelry made from Inca stone, as marcasite is romantically called, is also used for exoteric and occult purposes.

Medicinal properties: do they exist?

The value of marcasite for medicinal purposes was noted in ancient times.

Healing properties of Inca stone:

• Helps cleanse the blood and help heal the spleen.
• Prevents nervous breakdowns, supports mental exhaustion, and charges with positive energy. The amulet was used to eliminate tantrums in children.
• “Drip silver” in powder form is used to treat wounds.
• Used to treat ulcers, eye diseases, tumors.
• If you apply the mineral to a sore joint, it will relieve pain. It also helps with muscle pain.
• Being a strong antiseptic, it disinfects and fights inflammatory processes.
• People with skin problems will benefit from wearing radiant pyrite.

Note! Enhanced healing properties of the golden mineral.

How to distinguish a fake: checking for authenticity

To determine the authenticity of a gem, pay attention to:

• If the hardness is high, the natural mineral is easily damaged. May break if simply dropped.
• If marcasite cracks, you can smell a strong sulfur smell.
• A real crystal is characterized by the release of sulfur when it gets wet.

Note! Marcasite and pyrite are different minerals.

Mineral deposits

Inca stone is mined in many countries around the world.

Deposits of “drop silver”:

• Russian radiant pyrite was discovered more than two centuries ago; industrial mining began later.
• The main extraction of stone is carried out in deposits of Canada, Australia, Sweden, Africa and the USA.
• Salt Spring Island in Canada and Massachusetts in the USA are famous for deposits of pink marcasite.
• Red crystals are mined in Tanzania on the African continent.

Care and storage

The silver setting for marcasite is fragile, like the pyrite itself.

Required care:

• Wipe the crystals with a damp, then absorbent cloth.
• It is necessary to beware of the influence of moisture on the mineral and protect it from shock.

To store marcasite, it is better to use a canvas bag that can be placed in a box.

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