What is marcasite?

General information about marcasite:

Marcasite is a very attractive crystal commun very similar to pyrite and often mistaken as pyrite.

It was named after an Arabic or Moorish name commonly used to describe pyrite and metallic bronzed minerals in 1845.

It is an opaque white brassy yellow when fresh and becomes a shiny dark grey to black, with brass yellow hues through light green to dark green. Some say that is can have brown tones to it.

Often faceted in small rose cuts and used alone or to enchance other gemstones.

Usually found on silver jewelry. 

Hardness : 6 to 6 1/2

This mineral deteriorates easily due to it's chemical mixture and can cause enough heat in it's natural habitat, to cook an egg.

This is why it must be tarnished to protect it from air exposure.

It is found almost worlwide, which makes it affordable to consumers.

This was a very popular stone in the Victorian era and still is today. This is why marcasite can often be found on antique jewelry settings.

This mysterious stone is thought to rid of negative energy, improve one's communication skills, and protect from danger.