Marcasite Meaning and Properties
Marcasite History
The metallic shine of marcasite has been valued by numerous civilizations since antiquity. Marcasite is named for the Medieval Latin term "marcasita," a derivative of the Arabic word "markaschatsa," meaning "fire stone." This term doesn’t refer to marcasite's beautiful metallic shine. Marcasite can actually spark when struck with iron or flint.
The Ancient Incas, Greeks and Egyptians all valued marcasite. It was not uncommon to see Cleopatra herself adorned in marcasite gemstones. Marcasite jewelry was especially popular during the 18th and 19th centuries in Victorian and Edwardian jewelry when it was commonly cut into tiny stones and set in sterling silver. While in mourning for her husband, Queen Victoria wore demure, dark marcasite jewelry in place of other sparkling jewels she deemed less appropriate to her widowhood.
The Art Nouveau period and the Gilded Age weren't shy about using marcasite, often creating jewelry with tiny marcasite gems alongside pearls, diamonds or brightly colored gems. Popular vintage marcasite jewelry produced during the Art Nouveau period is often found in nature-inspired brooches or pendants such as leaves, flowers, butterflies and bees, and can include pearls, diamonds or brightly colored gems.
While this genre of fashion never went entirely out of style, marcasite's popularity saw a boom in the 1990s and has remained in a position of prestige. With its nod to romantic Victorian and Edwardian fashion, the 20th Century couldn't get enough of the vintage appeal, cementing marcasite's timeless status.
Marcasite Metaphysical Properties
Marcasite is said to be a gemstone used for powerful meditation. Marcasite gems aid in introspection and tend to resonate more strongly with higher, more spiritual chakras. According to many beliefs, marcasite is a talisman associated with wisdom, courage and expression.
Metaphysical properties of marcasite also suggest it is a stone that inspires creativity when it comes to the arts and architecture. The stone helps fight intellectual fatigue, making it a favorite of students.
Marcasite Geological Properties
Marcasite is iron sulfide with an orthorhombic crystal structure, meaning its crystals form microscopic columns. It is not uncommon for marcasite to be confused with pyrite. Pyrite is iron sulfide with a cubic crystal structure. While these stones have the same chemical formula with short bonding distances between sulfur atoms, the structures differ in how they bond. Marcasite is also less common than pyrite and tends to weigh slightly less. Surprisingly, marcasite and pyrite were not identified as distinct minerals until 1845. Before then, both were called marcasite. Today, most marcasite jewelry stones are actually pyrite, as true marcasite is both brittle and unstable, forming sulfuric acid as a by-product in conditions of high humidity.
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Proper Care of Marcasite
Marcasite is a gemstone that requires extra attention to care and cleaning than others. Marcasite gems can tarnish when exposed to high humidity, so it's best to not submerge the stone in water or use steam cleaners and boiling methods. Harsh chemicals can dull the shine of marcasite. To clean marcasite, gently wipe with a very soft, damp cloth. Dry with a clean, soft and absorbent cloth that does not contain rouge or other impregnations. Ensure the stone and surrounding settings are completely dry. It is best to store marcasite jewelry in low-humidity conditions alongside an anti-tarnish strip.
To learn more about marcasite and other gemstones, order your copy of Walter Schumann's revised and expanded edition of Gemstones of the World.
Designing with Marcasite
Most commonly, marcasite is combined with polished or antiqued sterling silver for a classic, timeless look. Black gemstones such as onyx, jet and spinel are favorites for pairing with marcasite gemstones. The silvery glint of marcasite creates heightened drama alongside these black-colored gems. Harkening back to the Gilded Age, marcasite is also a favorite to use in conjunction with pearls of all colors from bright white to creamy pastels as well as darker hues like Bordeaux.
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**Please note that all metaphysical or healing properties listed are collected from various sources. This information is offered as a service and not meant to treat medical conditions. Fire Mountain Gems and Beads® does not guarantee the validity of any of these statements.
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