Pyrite's metallic luster and pale brass-yellow hue give it a superficial resemblance to gold, hence its well-known nickname of fool's gold. The color has also led to the nicknames brass, brazzle, and Brazil, primarily used to refer to pyrite found in coal.

HISTORY

Pyrite was highly prized by the native Indian tribes of the Americas as a healing stone of magic, and was polished into mirrors for gazing and divination. Before the 1800’s, it was favored as a decorative stone, carved into rosettes, shoe buckles, rings, snuff boxes and other ornaments, and was extremely popular in England during the Victorian Age for its use in jewelry. Pyrite’s biggest use occurred during World War II when it was mined as a source of Sulfur for producing sulfuric acid used in industry. 

COMPOSITION

Pyrite, or iron pyrite, is an iron sulfide with the chemical formula FeS2 (iron(II) disulfide). Pyrite is considered the most common form of sulfide minerals.

HARDNESS

Mohs Scale Hardness: 6 - 6.5

The Mohs scale of mineral hardness is a qualitative ordinal scale characterizing scratch resistance of various minerals through the ability of harder material to scratch softer material.

HEALTH BENEFITS

Pyrite can be used in the treatment of bones and in the healing of cell formation. It treats lung disorders and bronchitis and has been used to reduce swelling and fevers. Pyrite aids in the treatment of infectious disease, while also providing protection from the disease for the caregivers. Pyrite is helpful for any type of infection and can purify the systems of the body. Pyrite can be used to bring a feeling of increased vitality during times of hard-work or stress. Pyrite is also great for balancing one’s energetic fields. 

Pyrite supports the ideal of perfect health and well-being, drawing on universal energies to activate the nourishing energies of the body. In healing it often gets fast results, and can be beneficial in cases where no resolution seems possible. It is known for bringing out the cause of diseases for examination, and is helpful in getting to the root of karmic and psychosomatic dis-ease. [Melody, 498][Hall, 150][Megemont, 151][Gienger, 72]

This mineral shields the body from environmental pollutants, as well as contagious diseases. It may be useful in fighting colds, flu and other viruses, skin diseases and fungal infections, and may be beneficial in treatments for highly infectious diseases. It has also been used to lessen fever and reduce inflammation, and is an excellent stone of protection for caregivers and medical workers. [Melody, 498][Eason,180][Ahsian, 315]

Pyrite increases oxygen supply to the blood and strengthens the respiratory and circulatory systems. It is beneficial to the lungs, helping to alleviate asthma and bronchitis, and may be used in treating blood disorders. It assists in treatments of the bones, both in structure and cell formation, and helps prevent and repair DNA damage. [Melody, 498][Hall,150][Eason, 180]

Pyrite also stimulates proper endocrine function and is excellent for combating male impotence and infertility. [Ahsian, 315]