What are the benefits of pyrite? All about fool's gold...

Nicknamed "fool's gold" at the time of the gold rush in the American West, pyrite is a true wonder of nature.

Pyrite, Fool's Gold

Pyrite has multiple origins; sedimentary, magmatic or from hydrothermal deposits . Some meteorites contain traces of it. It is found more particularly in environments that have been exposed to very high temperatures and it is common to find pyrite crystals within skarns, these limestone rocks generated in contact with magma flows.

Its name comes from the Greek “ pyros ” meaning “fire”. It was used by the Ancients as a "firestone" capable of lighting a brazier with the sparks it produces when subjected to shock.

In the 1870s, at the time of the gold rush in the United States, pyrite was commonly referred to as "fool's gold" . Gold panners and miners then regularly confuse it with gold, because of its similar luster and color. It is nevertheless possible to differentiate these two minerals without risk of error: the pyrite powder is black in color verging on green while the gold powder remains yellow.

Nowadays, pyrite is used in the industrial sector, for the manufacture of sulfuric acid and the extraction of sulfur.

It is also a gem appreciated in jewelry and lithotherapy for its unique characteristics.

The origin of pyrite?

Pyrite is composed of crystals having a dodecahedral shape with multiple pentagonal faces which are commonly called: pyritohedra.

Its hardness varies between 6 and 6.5 depending on the deposits where it is extracted, which also varies on its color being mostly golden, but also noticeably gray with a metallic shine.

The main deposits of pyrite are found in Spain, France, Italy, Peru and Slovakia.

What is the history of pyrite?

Prehistory

According to experts, its use dates back to prehistoric times . Anthropologists estimate that the first men were able to make fire by hitting a block of pyrite with a flint chip, the sparks generated being used to ignite branches, moss or tinder.

antiquity

The medicinal virtues of the stone were put to good use during the time of ancient Greece. It is known to help protect against "blood rot", believed to be the source of several diseases. Most often, it is worn directly on the skin, in an amulet around the neck .

The Romans will favor its aesthetic qualities and use the gem to make various jewels, including necklaces and bracelets.

New world

From the 13th to the 16th century, the Incas used large quantities of pyrite to make thick convex mirrors. Called "burning mirrors" , these ritual objects are used during religious ceremonies for their ability to reflect sunlight and light a brazier without any human intervention.

Middle Ages

In the Middle Ages, pyrite was renowned for its medicinal properties . Pyrite powder mixed with water is used to make eye drops used to treat eye infections.

Then during the Renaissance, pyrite found its use as a “firestone”: it generated sparks that ignited the powder of the first firearms on the battlefield.

Today

During the 20th century, pyrite stone was used as sulphur. Today, this figure has dropped to 8%, corresponding to approximately 6.6 million tonnes extracted per year. Namely that 90% of this volume alone comes from China. Unlike hematite or magnetite, pyrite stone is not used to make steel, because its extraction cost is significantly higher. Suffice to say that this stone is widely used in industry, even today.

Pyrite stone is also used in the manufacture of sulfuric acid, in powder metallurgy deposits in the production of gold, copper, nickel or even cobalt. It was also able to shine in radio reception, known as a pyrite radio to modulate the amplitude.

What are the benefits of pyrite in lithotherapy?

Diffusing soothing energy, this semi-precious stone is linked to the root chakra (or base chakra) as well as the solar plexus chakra . Known for bringing dynamism, vitality and determination, it allows multiple uses according to your needs.

On a mental level

Its golden color makes it an intellectual and spiritual stone. It is not uncommon to see his concrete, rigorous, hard and constructive sides. Pyrite offers organization to those who wear it and who have difficulty in this area.

It is particularly recommended to use it to improve memory and increase concentration . An anchor stone, it helps to focus on the present moment and helps to get rid of parasitic thoughts.

On a physical level

Pyrite purifies the respiratory system, so it is ideal for anyone who has difficulty breathing. Thanks to its high iron content, pyrite is excellent for fighting red blood cell deficiency. It also allows you to develop your capacity to resist fatigue and de facto increases your capacity for intellectual work.

Due to its chemical composition combining iron and sulfur, pyrite also improves the texture of the skin and contributes to the acceleration of the growth of hair, beard and nails.

Small natural pyrites

Pyrite is associated with the Iron Wedding: 41 years of marriage

You will find on our shop oussia.com , raw pyrites and natural stone jewelry .

raw pyrite

How to clean and recharge pyrite?

Pyrite is a fragile gemstone that requires meticulous maintenance to prevent it from degrading over time. For the maintenance of your stone, we must distinguish two things: cleaning for aesthetic reasons and energy purification.

It is strongly advised not to wash it by immersing it in water for a long time : it contains iron and can therefore oxidize.

For optimal maintenance, remember to dust it regularly so that the stone can retain its beautiful golden shine. The ideal is to keep it in a box or a fabric pouch so as not to damage it. It is best not to store it with other stones or jewelry to prevent them from clashing.

To clean it energetically, you can use fumigation ( incense, San Paulo ) or bury it in the ground for several days.

Pyrite, like most lithotherapy minerals, must be recharged frequently in order to continue to provide you with all its benefits in lithotherapy. To do this, put it in the sun's rays.

What are the stones associated with pyrite?

Renowned since Antiquity for its action on blood circulation, pyrite can be used with stones to which similar functions are attributed, such as black onyx , tourmaline or jasper .

To multiply its benefits on vitality, it can be combined with tiger's eye, amber.

If you want a pyrite bracelet or a combination of several natural pearls, connect to our online store oussia.com ... with more than 40 pearls combining aesthetic quality and the virtues of lithotherapy, we manufacture to measure and will respond at your specific request.

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