Benefit of Marcasite Jewellery

Marcasite is a popular gemstone with a rich history of usage. Its dark metallic colour and clean lines of monochrome sparkle are an ideal complement for a variety of different jewellery styles. It is particularly popular in vintage-inspired pieces but looks just as fresh today.

Marcasite comes from the mineral pyrite. The two are identical chemically, but pyrite is a much more robust metal that is less brittle and less susceptible to tarnish. Pyrite was once used as a substitute for gold in the jewellery industry. The Victorians often wore marcasite as it was less expensive, and the Victoria and Albert Museum has a pair of shoes buckles that use this material dating back to the 1780s.

Despite its low cost and old-world charm, marcasite can be quite difficult to manipulate for jewelry making purposes. It can react to moisture and release sulfuric acid, which is a dangerous substance. As a result, it needs to be handled with great care in order to ensure it is safe to work with. It also can’t be soldered and must be set in sterling silver in order to be made into jewellery.

What is the Benefit of Marcasite Jewellery?

Genuine marcasite is often a mixture of pyrite and copper, and this gives it a brassy golden hue that some people mistake for gold. For this reason, it is often referred to as ‘fools gold’. However, it is also often used to accent and add detail to other more precious gems.

Aside from being a beautiful piece of marcasite jewellery, this gemstone has a number of healing properties. It is believed to help alleviate stress and anxiety by calming the mind and relieving irritability. It also promotes clear thinking and enhances the flow of oxygen to the brain, easing symptoms of fatigue and lethargy. It is also said to relieve bronchitis and asthma, as well as helping the body to overcome depression and feelings of hopelessness.

The best way to protect and care for your marcasite is to store it in a dry place away from heat and other sources of friction that could damage the stone or its setting. It is also a good idea to keep marcasite separate from other jewellery as it can be reactive to certain metals and chemicals. To clean your marcasite, you can soak it in water for a few minutes. While doing so, try to focus on your imagination on a lake with crystal clear waters and a pine tree fragrance.

If you love the look of marcasite, make sure to browse our range of Preciosa marcasite gemstones at Cooksongold. We are proud to offer this stunning gemstone in a wide variety of shapes and cuts, all available at a competitive price. Explore the collection today to find your perfect marcasite piece.