Marcasite

Marcasite is a metallic-looking mineral often used in vintage and antique-style jewelry. Despite the name, what’s commonly referred to as "marcasite" in jewelry is actually pyrite, as real marcasite is too brittle for crafting.

Overview:

Chemical Composition: Iron sulfide (FeS₂)

Crystal System: Orthorhombic (true marcasite)

Color: Pale bronze to metallic silver-gray

Luster: Metallic, shiny

Hardness: 6–6.5 on the Mohs scale

Common Shapes: Faceted stones or rose-cut for sparkle

Key Features:

Vintage Charm: Often set in sterling silver, marcasite jewelry has a distinct Art Deco or Victorian flair.

Sparkle without Glamour: Its subtle shimmer gives an understated elegance—perfect for classic, antique-inspired designs.

Durability: While pyrite (used in jewelry) is relatively sturdy, true marcasite is prone to crumbling and rarely used outside of collections.

Metaphysical Associations (for those who appreciate symbolism):

Thought to stimulate intellect, enhance willpower, and ground energy.

Sometimes called a "stone of expression" and is believed to boost creativity.