Gem of the Week: Pyrite

Pyrite has been connected to protection and peaceful resistance. It helps the wearer balance the power between themselves and the people around them. Pyrite is a metallic stone usually with a silver or light gold sheen. 

    

Pyrite is most well known by its nickname, fool's gold. Pyrite has been used in many unique ways compared to most other gemstones. It was used as a fire starter in Ancient Roman times, and later became a source of ignition in firearms in the 16th and 17th centuries. Pyrite has been used in the creation of Iron Sulfate and Sulfur Dioxide. It's used in batteries, and in the 20th century was used in radios. Pyrite has a whole genre of jewelry to itself called Marcasite jewelry. This style of jewelry features Pyrite set into silver and was popular during the Victorian era.