Few people know that pyrite and iron pyrite are two different names for the same mineral. This stone has another nickname: "dog's gold". What is interesting about the mineral? What physical and magical properties does it have? Our article will tell about this.
Iron pyrite: general physical characteristics
Pyrite (not to be confused with perite) is an opaque mineral with a distinct metallic sheen. Other common names are sulfur or iron pyrites. The mineral may contain impurities of copper, gold, selenium, cob alt, nickel and other chemical elements. Does not dissolve in water. Mohs hardness: 6-6, 5.
Iron pyrite formula: FeS2. The color of the mineral is straw yellow or golden. The stone leaves behind a thin greenish-black line. Pyrite crystals are cubic in shape. They are generously covered with shallow straight furrows parallel to each other. The crystal structure of pyrite is as follows.
The word "pyrite" -Greek origin. In Russian, it is translated as "a stone that strikes fire." And this is not just a beautiful metaphor: pyrites really sparkle when struck. The mineral is distinguished by magnetic and conductive properties; in a humid environment with abundant oxygen, it decomposes.
Distribution in the earth's crust and the main deposits of the mineral
Iron pyrite is one of the most common sulphides in the world. The origin of most of its deposits is hydrothermal and sedimentary. Pyrite is formed in the bottom silt of closed seas, in the process of deposition of ferrum by hydrogen sulfide. Sometimes it is also present in igneous rocks.
Large deposits of pyrites are found in Russia, Kazakhstan, Spain, Italy, USA, Canada, Norway and Japan. In Russia, deposits of this mineral are found in Altai, the Caucasus, and also within the Voronezh region. It should be noted that pyrite is very rarely the subject of independent workings. As a rule, it is extracted from the bowels of the earth along the way, during the development of more valuable minerals.
Use of pyrite in industry
"Dog's gold" or "fool's gold" was the name given to pyrite during the Gold Rush. The crystals of the mineral sparkled so seductively that it was often mistaken for a precious metal. By the way, the Spanish conquistadors got burned on this back in the 16th century. Conquering the New World, they lured "pseudo-gold" from the American Indians with great passion.
To be fair, iron pyrite can indeed be considered gold. The crystal lattice of this mineral often contains particles of a noble metal. However, they are usually minor and cannot be extracted. Nevertheless, pyrite deposits very often indicate the presence of gold deposits in the area.
The main area of application of iron pyrite today is jewelry. However, it rarely serves as the basis for creating jewelry. Pyrite is most often used to make minor inserts for jewelry made from more valuable metals.
The stone is used as an additive in the production of cement, as well as for the production of sulfuric acid. Together with crystals of some other minerals, it is also used to create the simplest detector radio receivers. Due to its ability to extract a spark, pyrite was previously widely used in weapons production.
Iron pyrite in magic
Since ancient times, people have treated this mineral with extreme caution. He was ranked among the "male" stones. It was believed that pyrites could make a representative of the stronger sex even more determined, bold and attractive in the eyes of ladies.
The ancient Greeks considered pyrite the stone of war and the god Mars. Each soldier took it with him on military campaigns and major battles. Iron pyrite protected the warrior from death and gave courage in battle. In the dark era of the Middle Ages, alchemists showed considerable interest in stone.
In modern magic, ironPyrite is used as a protective amulet. However, the mineral must necessarily be intact and not have chips, otherwise trouble cannot be avoided. It is believed that pyrite strengthens sleep, improves mood and relieves prolonged depression.
The stone is perfect for Sagittarius and Scorpio. The rest of the zodiac signs should treat him with caution, especially Cancers.
