What color is pyrite stone?
PYRITE – mineral, iron sulfide (Fe 2+). Marcasite dimorph. The most common sulfide in the earth’s crust. English name: Pyrite (mineral name approved by the IMA); fool’s gold First isolated/described: The mineral pyrite has been known since ancient times, long before the formal publication of its description. Probably, then, different minerals fell under the “stone that strikes fire.” Medieval alchemists called pyrite marcasite, and some jewelers continue to do so today. They learned to distinguish between iron sulfide minerals only in the 19th century: pyrrhotite was described in 1835, marcasite in 1845, and troilite in 1862. Origin of the name: The name of the mineral pyrite comes from the Greek “stone that strikes fire,” since pyrite produces sparks when it hits metal or “stone.” Other names (synonyms): Alpine diamond, iron liver ore, iron pyrite, gold blende, fool’s gold, health stone, Inca stone, cat’s gold, vitriol pyrite, sulfur pyrite. Types of mineral: When there is a significant amount of any impurity in a mineral, varieties of pyrite are distinguished by the name of this impurity, for example, gold-bearing pyrite.
Sample photos
Pyrites
Cubic pyrite crystals Photo upload date: 2012-06-28
Materials
Syngony: Cubic Composition (formula): Fe 2+ S2, pyrite contain a dumbbell-type polyanionic group (S2) 2-, in contrast to the monoanionic group S 2- in troilite. Possible admixtures of cobalt, nickel, arsenic, copper, zinc, silver, gold, thallium, selenium, vanadium. Golden yellow, straw yellow, brass yellow Trait color (powder color): Greenish black, brownish black
Transparency: Opaque
Cleavage: Imperfect
Fracture: Uneven, Conchoidal
Gloss: Metallic
Hardness: 6-6,5
Specific gravity, g/cm 3 : 4,9-5,2
Special features: The mineral pyrite is slightly soluble in nitric acid and insoluble in hydrochloric acid. When heated, the mineral acquires magnetic properties. Non-fluorescent. An iridescent tarnish is often observed on the surface of pyrite.
Selection form
The mineral pyrite forms cubic, pentagondodecahedral, and less commonly octahedral crystals. The crystal edges are characterized by rough shading. Crystal intergrowths are characteristic. More often, the mineral pyrite is found in the form of aggregates – solid granular masses; There are also dense confluent masses, radial aggregates, and spherulites. Pyrite nodules are typical for sedimentary rocks. The mineral pyrite forms thin veins and impregnations. Creates pseudomorphoses based on organic matter.
Main diagnostic signs
In aggregates and with a nonspecific form of crystals, the mineral pyrite is externally indistinguishable from the mineral marcasite. For example, a radial-radiant cake, which the Americans call “Dollar,” or black sooty masses. Often nodules offered to collectors as marcasite are pyrite or mixed (with marcasite tending to the outer layer).
Other minerals with which pyrite is easily confused differ from it in the following ways:
chalcopyrite – lower hardness (3,5-4) and more intense yellow color;
cobaltine – lower hardness (3,5) and lack of yellow color like pyrite;
pyrrhotite – lower hardness (3,5-4,5) and darker color;
gold – lower hardness (2,5-3) and yellow color of the line.
Related Minerals
Arsenopyrite, barite, galena, hematite, greigite, calcite, quartz, marcasite, pyrrhotite, pentlandite, siderite, sphalerite, fluorite, chalcopyrite, pitchblende. In the weathering crust (oxidation zones) Fe 2+ in the mineral pyrite transforms into Fe 3+ and limonite develops along the pyrite – a mineral aggregate that is a mixture of ferric iron hydroxides: goethite, hydrogoethite, hydrohematite, lepidocrocite (with a predominance of the former).
Origin
Basically, the mineral pyrite is hydrothermal, sedimentary (forms large deposits in the form of nodules at the bottom of sea basins, and is also found in most sedimentary rocks in the form of an accessory mineral); metasomatic, less often igneous origin.
The solubility of sulfides in a wide range of temperatures and pressures was studied by the Rafalsky Laboratory of Geochemical Institute of the USSR Academy of Sciences, Moscow. Calculation methods were used to establish the conditions for the precipitation of solid phases from hydrothermal solutions and the equilibrium mineral composition as a function of temperature, pressure, pH, Eh or oxygen fugacity. When carrying out equilibrium calculations, the program of Igor Konstantinovich Karpov from GEOKHI SB AN USSR, Irkutsk, was used to minimize the Gibbs free energy in the system. In addition to equilibrium calculations, Roman Parfenevich Rafalsky and Viktor Alekseevich Alekseev experimentally studied the issue of reaction kinetics in order to assess the degree to which equilibrium was achieved in the solution-rock system and the buffering effect of the host rocks.
Deposits/occurrences
The mineral pyrite is very widespread; it was mined from deposits in of Russia (Altai, Ural and other places), Italy, Spain (Rio Tinto), Kazakhstan, Canada, Norway, USA, South Africa, Japan and many other countries.
Application
The mineral pyrite was used as flint for making fire (flint, flint firearms).
Served as a raw material for the production of sulfuric acid, sulfur and iron sulfate.
When production is profitable, the mineral pyrite is a raw material for existing impurities. In particular, pyrite processing waste is one of the main sources of selenium.
The solid phase formed during the processing of pyrite into sulfuric acid is called pyrite cinders. They are mainly composed of Fe2O3 (crocus). The use of crocus and iron sulfate is described in the “Application” section of the mineral pyrrhotite.
A number of patents have been registered for the use of pyrite in the preparation of mastics, expanded clay, cements, concretes, and asphalt concretes; and also as part of the charge during shaft smelting.
The mineral pyrite continues to be used in jewelry, and is often incorrectly called marcasite.
| info@kristallov.net Rules for copying and citing materials from the Crystals.Net website MySQL: 0.0000 s, 0 request(s), PHP: 0.2343 s, total: 0.2343 s, document retrieved from cache. |
| Website map |
| © Crystals.net | Kristallov.net Copyright 2010-2017 Systematics and classification of minerals, rocks, meteorites, fossils |
It is perhaps a little unfortunate that pyrite’s main claim to fame is its nickname “Fool’s Gold” due to its similarity to the valuable metal and the fact that they are often found together. From men like Sir Martin Frobisher and Sir Walter Raleigh, North America’s first explorers, to miners during the California gold rush in the 1840s, there are many tales of men who thought they had stumbled upon the mother lode, only to find to discover that it was pyrite. and not real gold. The original “Fool” may have been Queen Elizabeth the First, who funded colonies in the new world based on a sample of pyrite sent to England by early explorers. I bet no one said that out loud! It was previously used to start fires because it could produce a spark when struck (the name pyrite comes from the Greek pyrite, meaning fire). Currently it can be used in the production of paper or lithium batteries, but we are more interested in the shape and polished version, which creates one of the few shiny metallic gems available today.
Pyrite colors
When used as a gemstone, pyrite tends to be pale yellow to coppery yellow or gold in color, although some can be dark gray or almost black. At first glance, when polished to a high shine, a piece of pyrite may certainly look like a gold nugget, but upon closer inspection, clear differences will soon be revealed.
Types of pyrite
- Rainbow pyrite is a layer of miniature rainbow-colored pyrite crystals covering the matrix.
- Pyrite Dollars are a flat disc with a radiating pattern on the surface.
Purity and cut of pyrite
Gemstones can be clear, translucent or opaque, and in some cases all three in one stone. Transparent and translucent specimens are typically cut with faceted gemstones for jewelry, while translucent and opaque specimens are typically cut and polished into rounded cabochons.
Pyrite is an opaque gemstone with a metallic luster through which light does not penetrate. The gold-colored versions are almost always ground into smooth cabochons, with oval, round, and square shapes being the most popular.
Some dark gray, almost black pyrite gemstones are cut into pears and ovals, which can be used to make very interesting pendants.
Spiritual meaning of pyrite
Pyrite is a protective gemstone that will protect the wearer from negative influences and inspire positive energy and positive thinking. Pyrite is known as the gemstone of luck, prosperity and abundance, making it ideal for the office.
If you are facing difficulties or feel the need to take action, Pyrite will give you the strength and determination to succeed and continue to fight until you win.
Pyrite has masculine energy, but this does not mean that only men can use it. This can increase a woman’s self-confidence and assertiveness, and help her break out of a submissive role. For men, pyrite can provide a sense of comfort associated with being male without having to “act” in a dominant or tough manner.
Pyrite and chakras
Chakra is an old Sanskrit word that refers to a wheel or circle in the seven energy centers of your body, each of which influences your physical, emotional or mental state.
These are the crown, third eye, throat, heart, solar plexus, sacrum and root. Each chakra is associated with a specific color, and a gemstone that has a dominant color will often be associated with a chakra point of that color.
In life, our chakras become blocked or out of alignment and need to be realigned or cleared. One way to do this is to use chakra healing stones. The colors of these gemstones or crystals correspond to individual chakras, such as red for the root chakra or orange for the sacral chakra.
Pyrite is especially effective in treating any problems associated with a blocked solar plexus chakra.
Physical signs of a blocked solar plexus chakra include stomach problems, overeating, ulcers, irritable bowel syndrome, and weight gain in the stomach area.
Emotionally, you may experience anxiety, fear of becoming intimate with someone emotionally or sexually, lack intuition, and suppress your true feelings.
A properly placed pyrite gemstone can help relieve these symptoms.
Health Benefits of Pyrite
Pyrite may have some positive benefits for your physical health. Just as it is spiritually protective, it can also protect you from the environmental pollution that plagues the modern world.
It strengthens the circulatory, endocrine and respiratory systems, giving the lungs the strength to fight bronchitis and lung diseases and promoting metabolism and sexual function.
Pyrite helps with memory and stimulates the intellect, as well as improving your persuasion and communication skills.
Pyrite price
Price list for pyrite
0,8 – 2 USD / carat
Pyrite is not a very expensive gemstone with some interesting and attractive pieces in quite substantial sizes that can make statement jewelry or a great addition to a gemstone collection.
They look impressive, but won’t break the bank!
Discovery of pyrite
Before pyrite was officially recognized as an iron sulfide by German mineralogists in the early 18th century, the term was used to describe virtually any stone that could produce sparks.
For a time, pyrite was crushed to extract sulfur, which was used to make gunpowder, and then pieces of pyrite were used as a spark mechanism to fire early pistols.
Native Americans were known to use polished pyrite gemstones as mirrors.
The earliest pyrite jewelry is found in ancient Greek earrings, pins, and amulets, and pyrite beads and rings were popular in 19th-century England, where they were sold as mourning jewelry under the name marcasite after the death of Prince Albert.
Where is pyrite found?
Pyrite is found throughout the world, but examples of the gemstone are most commonly found in Peru, Russia, Italy, Spain and the United States.
How is pyrite formed?
Pyrite is found throughout the world in all types of rocks, volcanic, metamorphic and sedimentary. It consists of iron and sulfide.
It forms at high and low temperatures as a result of the cooling and crystallization of magma, hydrothermal solutions where water heated by the magma results in a solid form, or even through the growth of stalactites caused by slowly dripping water.
Can pyrite be treated?
Some gemstones can be treated to improve their appearance, everything from heat, radiation and dyes have been used over the years.
Pyrite is not processed in any way other than the cutting and polishing processes that take place to transform a rough stone into a fine gemstone.
At GemSelect we will always let you know if any of our gemstones have been treated.
What kind of jewelry is pyrite suitable for?
Pyrite is soft enough to be cut and shaped into any shape, yet durable enough to withstand everyday use as jewelry.
Its relatively low cost and availability in large sizes and unusual shapes make it ideal for making artisan or hobby jewelry. With a little imagination, pyrite can be made into some really attractive pendants or rings.
How to care for pyrite
Pyrite is very easy to care for; from time to time, simply wash it with warm, soapy water and gently wipe dry. Avoid hard or abrasive brushes and harsh chemicals.
When storing, we recommend keeping all gemstones in separate soft bags as they can easily scratch each other.
Pyrite is rated at about 6,5 on the Mohs hardness scale, which means it is strong enough that it can wear down other gemstones such as opal or fluorite, for example. Conversely, quartz or topaz can easily scratch your pyrite.
How to distinguish real pyrite
Simply the best way to ensure that you are getting a real gemstone as described by the seller is to buy it from a reputable gem dealer that has been established for a decent period of time and has a full refund policy. (Perhaps a dealer like GemSelect)
However, if you are attending a trade show or spot a great deal on a website, this may not be an option.
Pyrite is an inexpensive gemstone, so it is unlikely that many dealers will go to the trouble of creating an authentic-looking fake.
Search online or visit a gem store to familiarize yourself with what a pyrite gemstone should look like, color, texture, and weight before purchasing.
Of course, pyrite is famous for being passed off as gold, so perhaps we should say something about that.
If you look at a piece of gold and a piece of pyrite, you will see some similarities in appearance, although the color of gold tends to be a little more yellow than the color of pyrite, which appears more coppery.
Gold will also shine a little on all sides, while pyrite will look brighter on one side or the other when you turn it in the light.
Gold is much softer than pyrite, so it will have rounded edges and will scratch very easily – even a copper penny will do the job (be careful when testing this), while pyrite is quite durable and even a knife shouldn’t scratch it.
If you can do the streak test (by rubbing the gemstones on a piece of white porcelain), the gold will leave a yellow line and the pyrite will leave a dark green residue.
This wasn’t a comprehensive guide on how to make sure your pyrite gemstone is completely authentic, but I hope it helps a little.
GemSelect currently offers short identification reports from two respected independent gemological laboratories, Asian Institute of Gemological Sciences (AIGS) and Burapha Gemological Laboratory (BGL Lab), for your choice.
Can pyrite change color?
Some gemstones, such as garnet or alexandrite, can change color dramatically under different lighting conditions—say, outside in sunlight or indoors in electric light.
Pyrite is NOT a gemstone that exhibits this phenomenon.
What’s so special about pyrite?
I’m sure Pyrite didn’t want to be called “Fool’s Gold” and didn’t intentionally trick thousands of miners into believing they were getting rich. I doubt it was ever intended to be turned into gunpowder for explosive cannons or used as a spark to fire flintlock pistols.
However, after centuries of industrial use as a source of sulfuric acid, it is time to allow pyrite to gracefully retire into display cases and jewelry boxes around the world.
I’m sure he is more than happy to be released from the depths of the earth to be turned into enchanting gemstones that we will all wear and admire.
