About Our Marcasite Jewelry

Since before the 1800’s, the term marcasite has been a term to describe both marcasite and its sister, pyrite.   They are both forms of iron sulfide, the main difference being in their crystal structure.  Marcasite in its natural state is too unstable and brittle to use in jewelry, so most commonly jewelry termed “marcasite” is technically pyrite (its more durable form), and is actually the industry norm.  It wasn’t until the late 1800’s that the distinction between pyrite and marcasite was made and by then it had already become a general jewelry term. So who are we to change the name of this awesome mineral used in jewelry for hundreds of years? We’ll leave that to the historians.

Marcasite is actually a term derived from the Arabic term describing pyrite. Confusing right?  Pyrite today is commonly known as “fools gold” because of its yellowish tone when found in nature.  Because of its tendency to crumble, most marcasite jewelry is pave’ set and may I add FABULOUS!  Truly this is a gem for all collections, so go on, mesmerize with marcasite!