Shop
Stay Inspired
Save on shipping by purchasing multiple items from my store.
These totally natural Pyrite polymorph after Marcasite spherical nodules are from Java, Indonesia. Not only are they almost perfectly spherical they also display the clear Pyrite cubic formation on the outside.
This piece weighs 24g and has a diameter of approximately 2cm.
Despite the natural abundance of pyrite and marcasite and their intergrowth, the phase transformation from the thermodynamically metastable polymorph Marcasite to the stable polymorph Pyrite is yet to be fully understood.
A mineral is defined both by its chemical composition and its crystal structure. In some cases two different minerals have the same chemical composition, but different crystal structures. Known as polymorphs, these intriguing cases illustrate how the different crystal structures can result in quite different physical properties.
Pyrite has a cubic structure, metallic lustre and a yellow-gold colour that has earned it the nickname "fool's gold". With a hardness of 6 to 6.5 on the Mohs scale, Pyrite is hard enough to be used in jewelry. Pyrite is also exceptionally dense, with a specific gravity of 5.0 to 5.2, second only to Hematite.
Marcasite tends to be lighter in colour, and is sometimes referred to as White Iron Pyrite. Sometimes Marcasite has a greenish tint, or a multi-colored tarnish that is the result of oxidation. But Marcasite has an unstable orthorhombic crystal structure and is liable to crumble and break apart.
Marcasite has energies nearly identical to Pyrite, both offering up vibrations of magnitude and endurance while aligning one’s lower chakra system. For these particular pieces I am leaning toward Pyrite rather than Marcasite when it comes to their properties.
Pyrite is an enhancer crystal which means it helps enhance our focus in all aspects of life. Pyrite is also a mirror crystal. It reflects truth and reality that is often hidden from us. We often perceive people and situations inaccurately because of our own experiences or preconceived notions. This applies to our perceptions of ourselves, the way we see others and how we perceive a situation or relationship. Two often-used phrases that are highly applicable to pyrite meaning are: "Looks can be deceiving" and "Don't judge a book by its cover." Pyrite looks like something it isn't and helps us see things more clearly.
Pyrite is a very strong, masculine crystal that contains both Earth and Fire elements. It imparts masculinity, strength, sharp focus, virility and a desire for action. Pyrite is a stone of determination and persistence. It is also a very protective crystal that naturally pulls energy from the earth to strengthen one's aura against negative energies. When worn by women, it fortifies confidence and raises self-esteem.
This protective mineral stone helps one see what needs to be done and imparts the strength and confidence to complete a task. It is a wonderful workplace crystal. It will alleviate fatigue, enhance clarity and give workers a determined focus.
The spiritual healing powers of pyrite are wonderful for improving spiritual focus and clarity of perceptions. It pulls high-frequency energy into the body which stimulates a desire for action, enhances creativity and helps one recognize their own potential.
Pyrite crystals impart Earth and Fire energies in Feng Shui. Place a pyrite mirror, figurine or bowl of tumble stones in the northeast and southwest areas of your home for Earth energy. This type of energy is connected with areas of love, relationships, knowledge and skills. When placed in areas used for resting, it will provide a sense of protection and safety. Putting pyrite in the south area of a home will provide Fire energy. It will bring Yang energy, warmth, enthusiasm and a sense of action. Pyrite used for Fire energy also improves one’s standing and reputation within the family and the community.
Pyrite is a protective, shielding stone and is excellent to wear or carry as an amulet to deflect harm and danger. It is especially helpful when one is away from home or performing hazardous work. Pyrite guards against ongoing control, criticism and manipulation by a partner, parent or employer, lending the power to resist without becoming angry or upset, changing the balance of power.
A piece of Pyrite in the home or workplace energizes the area around it and imparts an immediate increase in vitality. It overcomes intellectual fatigue due to overwork and tiredness of the nervous system by stimulating blood flow to the brain, increasing mental clarity, focus and recall. Pyrite enhances the protective and assertive male energies in both men and women.