Drop silver in jewelry – stylish and inexpensive

History and origin

No one knows the exact time of discovery of marcasite. It is only known that the ancient Egyptians, as well as Indian tribes, knew about the stone. Historically, until 1814, this name meant both marcasite itself and pyrite. In 1814, Wilhelm Heidinger, a mineralogist from Austria, described this gem in detail, proving that it was a mineral different from pyrite.

Mineral – Marcasite

The first purpose of this stone among our ancestors was to extract fire. A little later, radiant pyrite (the second name for nugget) began to be used by gunsmiths. The next stage in the evolution of the use of the mineral was the processing of stones for the purpose of making jewelry.

The European popularity of marcasite came during the reign of Louis XIV. What is surprising is that this gem served as a substitute for the most expensive stones in the world - diamonds, although often the name marcasite hid faceted pyrite. It was only in the 19th century that the mineral was turned into metals and distinguished from pyrite.

Historical fact! During Napoleon's reign, women donated their gold jewelry to the war effort. In return, ladies received products with marcasite (often with pyrite), the popularity of which increased in the post-war period and reached its apogee in the 20th century. At the same time, in addition to iron, steel began to be used to make jewelry.

The name of the nugget originates from the Persian “marcasita” and is interpreted as “stone of sulfur”. In addition to the official name, this mineral has many names:

• radiant pyrite - the name was given based on the brass (yellow) color of the nugget;
• drop silver - the name of the times of Napoleon, when small marcasite (pyrite) crystals were processed into hexagonal pyramids and inserted into jewelry;
• Inca stone is the name given to the stone thanks to an ancient artifact - the Aztec marcasite mirror, which depicts the main deity of the Quetzalcoatl tribe.

Thus, the popularity of marcasite over many years is just a name. In fact, the history of the mineral was created by pyrite. Even medieval alchemists called pyrite and all sulfur compounds by the common name “marcasite.” French jewelers once carved roses from pyrite, setting them in metals. But these decorations were sent to the people under the name marcasite.

Its counterpart, pyrite, was once unloved by jewelers. This was due to the fact that radiant pyrite is extremely short-lived - the nugget quickly oxidizes in air and does not like moisture. And the “life” of pyrite is much longer. However, the range of modern drop silver jewelry is very wide. Moreover, very often radiant pyrite is adjacent to expensive stones.

Mining locations

Marcasite deposits are of hydrothermal origin. The mineral occurs together with sulfides, in particular with pyrite, although the latter is less common.

Radiant pyrite is found in small quantities throughout the world:

• Russia (Kursk Magnetic Anomaly) stores in the depths samples of a mineral of collection value.
• USA and Canada are a pink gem.
• Tanzania – red.

The mineral is also found in Bolivia, France, and the Czech Republic. Suitable material for jewelers is mined in Australian lands.

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.

Note! Rare Inca stones were found in the Russian magnetic anomaly in the Kursk region.

Physical properties

Marcasite, together with pyrite, is an iron polysulfide. These minerals differ in their structural structure - marcasite crystallizes with rays, like water, and pyrite creates cubes. In addition, marcasite forms at a lower temperature than pyrite.

In an environment, especially with high humidity, marcasite is extremely unstable. This creates difficulties not only during processing, but also during extraction. As the mineral breaks down, it releases sulfuric acid.

Chemically radiant pyrite often contains impurities of various metals, such as copper, bismuth, thallium, lead, arsenic, and cobalt. These impurities penetrate into marcasite deposits from hydrothermal solutions. Metal inclusions affect only the shades of the mineral, but not its properties.

Chemical properties of stone

From a scientific point of view, this gem is a polymorphic variety of iron polysulfide and has the chemical formula FeS. A small amount of impurities in it (antimony, arsenic, cobalt, copper, bismuth and even thallium) is considered normal.

Its second popular name, radiant pyrite, largely describes the appearance of the crystal. Because it has a specific metallic luster of brass-yellow color. However, in the conditions of the Earth's atmosphere, he himself and his appearance are still not very stable. Because with high humidity, it tends to collapse over time, forming fragments of sulfuric acid H2SO4 and iron sulfates.

Varieties and colors

The main color of marcasite is yellow or yellow-orange. The variety of impurities in the chemical composition of the mineral determines the different additional shades of the stone:

• grey;
• black;
• green;
• red.

A natural nugget is unattractive. The beauty of the stone is revealed after processing. And sunlight reveals an iridescent play of colors in marcasite, which, combined with a metallic luster, makes the gem very attractive.

A special subspecies of marcasite, spectropyrite, stands apart. This rare nugget is especially loved by jewelers, as it is endowed with all the colors of the rainbow at the same time.

Among a number of special stones, red marcasite stands out, which is easier to process than other varieties. There are also specimens of radiant pyrites, inside of which various organisms, insects or tree bark were wedged and froze there for centuries. Such samples are formed by drips, that is, they do not crystallize.

Use and processing

As we already mentioned, marcasite disintegrates in air. However, it is worth noting that after processing, the stone becomes impervious to air. Often, the stone is used for scientific purposes. In jewelry, you can most often find marcasite in vintage jewelry. It goes best with silver.

Medicinal properties

Radiant pyrite is endowed with properties that help a person cope with certain diseases. Among them:

• eye diseases;
• joint diseases, muscle pain;
• depression, nervous disorders after suffering stress, panic attacks, unreasonable fears;

Drop silver works as a strong antiseptic. Marcasite powder disinfects and heals wounds, in particular purulent ones, and also fights skin rashes and inflammations. The stone is used to eliminate freckles, moles, and warts. It is believed that specimens of golden, warm colors have stronger healing properties than gems of cool shades.

An important observation of lithotherapists is the ability of marcasite to heal lesions of the spleen. However, it is worth noting that spleen diseases are a secondary process. That is, there is a more serious pathology that led to damage to this organ. Therefore, after eliminating the problem with the help of radiant pyrite, the overall picture of the disease becomes blurred.

Magic properties

Marcasite is endowed with powerful energy. This nugget influences human emotions, character, and destiny itself. Therefore, radiant pyrite is considered a stone of the strong half of humanity - men. The owner of such a talisman will gain emotional strength that he has not experienced before.

Dropping silver has an effect on children. In order to protect a child from the evil eye, our ancestors used children's beads made of marcasite. If you need to overcome the whims, stubbornness or irritability of your child, then it is recommended to keep a collectible pyrite crystal in the house. The amulet must be placed out of the child's reach.

People endowed with a strong character and extraordinary thinking can carry marcasite. This stone has certain requirements for its owner. If a person is timid and cowardly, the mineral will only strengthen the complexes given by nature - for losers, any business started will bring even more trouble, timid individuals will lose the remnants of determination, and cowards will flinch at any sound or movement.

For those who fit the parameters of marcasite, the mineral will fully help. By contacting a person, the talisman will give strength and determination, the person will begin to move towards his aspirations without much preparation or much thought.

Important! The positive effects of the gem will end 3 days after continuous contact with the owner. If you don’t take a break, something like a system failure will occur - the efforts made will no longer bring any sense, the desire will turn into excessive fussiness, the person will become a pedantic person with a disoriented understanding of good and evil.

Drop silver jewelry is also very useful for kind, open, positive people. The stone will relieve such individuals from fears and protect them from troubles on the path of life.

Marcasite is used to perform magical rituals. However, a certain combination of stone with other elements creates the danger of evil spirits from the otherworldly dimension entering our world. Radiant pyrite is a tandem of sulfur and iron.

It is believed that the sulfur smoke from the smoldering mineral, complemented by the edge of the knife that it envelops, creates a passage between the past and the future. This passage serves as a bridge for everything that exists in parallel worlds.

People whose activities involve constant danger simply need marcasite. From ancient times to today, this gem has been considered a strong amulet. There is a belief among the military that to protect yourself from a bullet, sew marcasite into your body armor. Radiant pyrite will protect firefighters, stuntmen, rescuers, pilots and all those who risk their lives every day for the sake of people and their favorite business.

Historical reference

Name confusion

Marcasite stone has been known since antiquity. The name sounds like an aristocratic title. But it has nothing to do with him.

The word came into Latin from Farsi and means “fire stone.” The Arabs understood that the mineral was just a compound of iron and sulfur.

People did not immediately understand what marcasite was. For a long time it was equated with pyrite. Confusion is endemic to the science of rocks.

Today there are two concepts of marcasite:

1. Gemological (jewelry brand) - products made of pyrite placed in a frame.
2. Mineralogical – iron sulfide, which is radiant pyrite.

The gemological mineral is characterized by slow degradation. Therefore it lasts longer. This is what jewelers use.

Real radiant pyrite oxidizes quickly. Destroyed by exposure to liquid. They love to collect it. Jewelers rarely use it.

Use in antiquity

The oldest mentions of this stone are known from the time of the Incas. The fragile material was used as jewelry and mirrors. They also performed magical rituals with him. With its help it was possible to make fire.

In the 18th century, stones were used to replace diamonds. Some gold miners mistook pieces of marcasite for ingots of the precious metal.

Only a hundred years later, thanks to the efforts of the scientist Wilhelm Heidinger, pyrite began to be separated from marcasite.

Compatibility with other stones

Marcasite is one of the minerals that directs two planets at once - Neptune and Mars. This determines such a strong energy level of the gem. It is difficult to combine radiant pyrite planetarily with other stones. For example, Neptune is friends with the Sun, Moon and Jupiter, and Mars is at enmity with them. Both planets have a good relationship with Venus. The minerals of this planet include:

• malachite;
• amazonite;
• pearl;
• belomorite;
• sapphire;
• emerald.

Of course, jewelers combine stones in jewelry without taking into account the compatibility of planets or elements. Therefore, on store shelves there are combinations of marcasite with: turquoise, carnelian, cubic zirconia, ruby, onyx, zircon, agate or chrysoprase.

Popular combinations of drop silver and Swarovski stones, as well as expensive minerals such as diamond, emerald or beryl. Items complemented with pearls or mother-of-pearl, as well as garnet, are not uncommon.

Jewelry with mineral

Despite the fact that a couple of centuries ago jewelers did not like marcasite because of its physical properties, today store shelves are full of all kinds of products from different craftsmen. The best metal for this nugget is silver. Marcasite either solos in jewelry or is combined with various gems, including the most expensive gemstones.

Ring with Marcasite

The price of marcasite jewelry depends on the quality of the stone and setting, as well as what minerals it complements. Radiant pyrite itself is inexpensive and accessible - a stone with a diameter of 1.5 cm is estimated at 400 rubles. Products with rarer nuggets of radiant structure cost from 2,000 thousand rubles per piece, depending on the quality of the frame.

The stores offer a range of products for every taste:

• Rings. Silver jewelry marcasite + turquoise costs from 900 rubles, a combination with chrysoprase is estimated at approximately 1000 rubles, and a combination with cultured pearls costs from 1300 rubles. For a ring with malachite or black onyx you will have to pay about 4,000 rubles.
• Brooches. A product with an insert of turquoise and enamel starts from 2000 rubles, with garnet – from 3000.
• Pendants. Marcasite + onyx is estimated at 2500 rubles.
• Earrings. A vintage silver item with enamel or chrysoprase costs about 3,000 rubles. A more massive piece with solo marcasites costs 3,700 and more.
• Bracelets sell for an average of 3,000 rubles.

Watches are also inlaid with drop silver. Such an accessory costs at least 15,000 rubles. The range of products does not end there. Jewelers present all kinds of models of men's cufflinks, signets, and tie clips. Tiaras, hairpins, and combs with this mineral are not uncommon.

Marcasite figured brooches depicting animals, birds or insects are popular. The inexpensive gem has even conquered fashion houses - the collections of famous designers shine with accessories using marcasite. Even the handles of handbags are decorated with the mineral.

Bracelets:

Jewelry with Marcasite:

Marcasite in silver

Many fashionistas who want to look unique will appreciate silver earrings with marcasite or any other jewelry with this stone:

• The advantage of such products is their incredibly attractive appearance and relatively low cost. This option is especially suitable for young ladies; it will perfectly emphasize their freshness and tenderness;
• the design of the products largely depends on the skill of a particular jeweler; some craftsmen are able to create masterpieces that in appearance resemble jewelry made of white gold with diamonds and are in no way inferior to them.

Marcasite - silver jewelry

For girls who want to buy earrings with marcasites, silver will be the most suitable type of metal. This is the most winning combination that looks truly unsurpassed. As for the combination with other stones, delicate blue turquoise or a stone such as onyx will look very harmonious. However, the combinations can be absolutely anything, for example, garnet, ruby, sapphire and other stones are perfect.

Care instructions

The fragility, as well as other physical properties of radiant pyrite, require careful handling of this mineral. This stone breaks from blows and does not like moisture and direct sunlight. In air, the gem oxidizes, causing a characteristic iridescent film to appear on the surface of the mineral.

Cleaning marcasite involves periodically wiping it with a damp cloth, then with a dry one. Do not wash under running water or clean with alcohol. You can store accessories in a box with other jewelry, after placing them in a canvas bag.

Astrological compatibility

Astrologers have determined that marcasite does not favor all signs and not all elements. Air signs should be more careful when choosing such a talisman, and Water constellations should avoid this gem altogether.

(“+++” – the stone fits perfectly, “+” – can be worn, “-” – is strictly contraindicated):

Marcasite will be an ideal tandem with Sagittarius, Scorpio and Aries - people with strong energy.
The stone will bring good luck to these signs in all endeavors and will help to establish and maintain physical health. The same cannot be said about Pisces or Cancers - for them the stone is dangerous due to failures and failures. Radiant pyrite will help Capricorns move up the career ladder. Is this stone right for you?

Suitable for names and zodiac sign

The zodiac compatibility of the stone is quite extensive. But the mineral is best suited for fire signs and signs with strong natural inclinations: Sagittarius, Aries, Leo, Scorpio. The bright nature of these signs will be reinforced by the influence of the gem. With its help, people will gain greater confidence and strengthen their intuitive sensitivity. With these features, the doors are open for career growth and increasing the profitability of your own business. Who is not suitable for marcasite according to their horoscope? These are Cancer, Virgo and Libra. Beware of wearing the mineral, as it suppresses the good beginnings in people of these signs and enhances weaknesses.

By name, the mineral is suitable for the following female names:

• Anna;
• Alice;
• Aster;
• Galina;
• Zoya;
• Vladlena;
• Ustinya;
• Anastasia;
• Catherine.

And male names:

• Andrey;
• Paul;
• Alexander;
• Matvey;
• Raphael;
• Nathan;
• Plato;
• Seraphim;
• Dmitriy.

Interesting Facts

When broken, marcasite releases sulfuric acid. Our ancestors considered this process a kind of “biting” of the stone, attributing to the mineral a struggle for its spiritual essence.

Notable personalities of past eras revered marcasite for its properties. Thus, Queen Cleopatra was confident in the rejuvenating abilities of the mineral, and Empress Maria Feodorovna did not part with radiant pyrite throughout her life, believing that it brought her good luck.

Medieval alchemists used marcasite during their experiments. They assumed that gold could be extracted from this mineral.

By coincidence, it was not only marcasite that hid pyrite behind it. In the National Mineral Collection of the United States there is an exhibit in which marcasite is called pyrite - this is the Arizona pyrite dollar. Despite the name, the exhibit is crystallized radiant pyrite.

The main use of marcasite is in industry - the mineral serves as a source of sulfuric acid production.