Few people know that pyrite and iron pyrite are two different names for the same mineral. This stone has another nickname: "dog gold." What is interesting mineral? What physical and magical properties does he possess? This will tell our article.
Iron pyrite: general physical characteristics
Pyrite (not to be confused with perite) is an opaque mineral with a distinct metallic luster. Other names used are sulfur or pyrite. The mineral may contain impurities of copper, gold, selenium, cobalt, nickel and other chemical elements. Not soluble in water. Mohs hardness: 6–6.5.
Iron Pyrite Formula: FeS 2 . The color of the mineral is straw yellow or golden. After a stone leaves a thin greenish-black line. Pyrite crystals are cubic in shape. They are generously covered with shallow straight furrows located parallel to each other. The crystalline structure of pyrite has the following form.
The word "pyrite" is of Greek origin. It is translated into Russian as "stone carving fire." And this is not just a beautiful metaphor: when struck, the pyrite really sparks. The mineral is distinguished by magnetic and conductive properties, in a humid environment with abundant access of oxygen, it decomposes.
Distribution in the earth's crust and major mineral deposits
Iron pyrite is one of the most common sulfides in the world. The origin of most of its deposits is hydrothermal and sedimentary. Pyrite is formed in the bottom silt of the closed seas, during the deposition of ferrum by hydrogen sulfide. Sometimes it is also present in igneous rocks.
Large deposits of pyrite were found in Russia, Kazakhstan, Spain, Italy, the USA, Canada, Norway and Japan. In Russia, deposits of this mineral are found in Altai, the Caucasus, and also within the Voronezh region. It is worth noting 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.
The use of pyrite in industry
"Dog gold", or "gold of fools" - so called 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 were burned on this back in the 16th century. Having conquered the New World, they with great excitement lured "pseudo-gold" from the American Indians.
In fairness, it is worth noting that iron pyrite can indeed be considered gold. The crystal lattice of this mineral often contains particles of a noble metal. However, they are usually insignificant and not recoverable. Nevertheless, pyrite deposits very often indicate the presence of gold deposits in the area.
The main field of application of iron pyrites today is jewelry. However, it rarely serves as the basis for creating jewelry. Most often, minor inserts for jewelry made of more valuable metals are made from pyrite.
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 simple detector radios. Due to the ability to extract a spark, pyrite was previously widely used in weapons production.
Iron Pyrite in Magic
Since ancient times, people have been very careful about this mineral. He was ranked among the "male" stones. It was believed that the pyrite can make the representative of the stronger sex even more decisive, bold and attractive in the eyes of the ladies.
The ancient Greeks considered pyrite a stone of war and the god of Mars. Each soldier took him with him on military campaigns and major battles. Iron pyrites 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, iron pyrite is used as a protective amulet. However, the mineral must necessarily be whole and not have chips, otherwise trouble can not be avoided. It is generally accepted that pyrite strengthens sleep, improves mood and eliminates prolonged depression.
The stone is perfect for Sagittarius and Scorpio. The remaining signs of the zodiac should be treated with caution, in particular - Cancer.