Pyrite Crystal Meaning, Properties, And Information

All About Pyrite: The Meaning Of Pyrite Crystals And Fool's Gold Crystal Healing Properties

Iron Pyrite is one of the most famous minerals and crystals in the world, and is especially well known by its other name "Fool's Gold".

Read on to learn about Pyrite's meaning, what Pyrite is made of, the history of Pyrite, the crystal healing properties of Pyrite, and more information and interesting facts about Pyrite. 

Let's learn more about why Pyrite is such an interesting mineral, and of course, where to buy Pyrite crystals!

What Is Pyrite Made Of?

Pyrite is also known as Iron Pyrite, for this mineral is composed of iron and sulfur (it is an iron sulfide mineral with a gold metallic lustre).

Pyrite is often mistaken for being Gold due to its golden colouring and tendency to be found in the same rocks as gold: Fool's Gold is thus a term that has been given to Pyrite. 

What Is Healer's Gold Made Of? 

Healer's Gold is a rare Pyrite variety that not only contains gold Pyrite (an Iron Sulfide Mineral), but also black Magnetite (an Iron Oxide Mineral). 

The combination of Pyrite and Magnetite creates a striking stone that has variously been named as Healer's Gold or Apache Gold. 

What Does Pyrite Look Like? 

Each unique Pyrite Crystal shimmers and shines with gorgeous golden hues which reflect like a mirror and contrast strikingly against clouds of jet-black, creating a marvellous tapestry of colour.

Healer's Gold is a particularly aesthetically pleasing type of Pyrite, for it contains both the metallic golds of Pyrite and the inky blacks of Magnetite, creating striking patterns and vibrant arrays of colour. 

What Is The Natural Crystal Shape Of Pyrite?

Iron Pyrite most commonly forms in a cubic crystal habit, however some unique forms of Pyrite display an unusual botryoidal crystal habit.

A crystal habit describes the overall shape and trend of growth of crystals in a crystal cluster: in a cubic crystal habit, crystals tend to form mainly in cube shapes.

However, in a botryoidal crystal habit, crystals tend to form in globular, spherical patterns similar in appearance to a cluster of grapes. 

The botryoidal crystal habit is common to minerals such as Malachite, Chrysocolla, and Malacholla, but is rarely seen in Pyrite: making these Botryoidal Pyrite Crystals very rare indeed. 

Natural Botryoidal Pyrite Crystals For Sale Online

Pyrite is an incredibly versatile stone, and this new, rare Botryoidal Pyrite available to buy online at Madagascan Direct showcases some strikingly unique crystal shapes. 

These naturally formed crystal sculptures demonstrate the incredible power of nature in forming unusual crystals. 

Hand-polished in our workshop to to maintain their gleaming lustre, these natural Botryoidal Pyrite Specimens shimmer and shine with a warm, golden glow. 

Each Natural Botryoidal Pyrite Crystal has been sympathetically polished to retain their natural botryoidal, globular shape. 

 

Where To Buy Pyrite Crystals: Natural And Polished Pyrite Crystals For Sale At Madagascan Direct

Natural Pyrite Crystals can be cut and polished into a range of different polished crystal shapes, which lend themselves well to crystal healing practises or the art of home decor with crystals. 

There are a variety of cut and polished Pyrite Crystal Shapes available to buy online at Madagascan Direct, including:

Pyrite Palm Stones, Pebbles, And Gallets For Sale 

Pyrite Towers And Pyrite Obelisks For Sale

Pyrite Spheres And Pyrite Crystal Balls For Sale

Pyrite Crystal Slices For Sale

How Hard Is Pyrite?

Pyrite measures 6 to 6.5 on the Mohs Scale of Mineral Hardness, which means that it is a durable mineral resistant to some scratching, but care should still be taken not to damage the crystal surface. 

Pyrite Crystal Care

Iron Pyrite has a largely metallic composition and therefore the stone is susceptible to rusting when exposed to water.

To clean your Pyrite Crystal, it is best to avoid using water at all, or to only use small amounts of water and dry the stone as soon as possible, in order to stop the Pyrite from rusting. 

Pyrite As A Secondary Mineral

 

Pyrite often occurs as a secondary mineral in other minerals: most notably, as a secondary mineral in Lapis Lazuli.

The inclusion of Pyrite in Lapis Lazuli, with its celestial gold colouring, is often said to increase the beauty of this royal-blue mineral by adding the striking contrast of a gold mineral. 

Pyrite In Fossils

 

Pyrite can sometimes be seen in the shells of fossils, such as ammonites: but why does this happen?

In summary, it's all about chemicals!

Iron Pyrite, as an iron sulphide, needs iron and sulphur to form, and can only form when there is little oxygen available in the environment: these chemical conditions co-incidentally are also created during the decomposition of organic material.

Consequently, Pyrite can be formed as a mineral when organic material, such as an ammonite creature, decomposes and creates the right chemical conditions. 

As part of the fossilisation process of ammonites, these sea creatures died, and during their decay, the organic material in their shells was slowly replaced by other minerals present in the sediment where the remains were. 

As Pyrite can be created as a mineral during the decomposition process of ammonites, sometimes Pyrite minerals made in the surrounding sediment became one of the very minerals that replaced the organic material of the ammonite shells during the mineral replacement process of fossilisation. 

Thus, fossilised ammonite shells containing Pyrite can sometimes be found. 

Where Does Pyrite Come From? 

Pyrite can be found all around the world in many different locations. 

Since Pyrite can be found in various guises all around the world, it is not a surprise to discover that Pyrite has historically been used by many different cultures and civilisations for a range of different purposes.

Pyrite History

The name for the mineral "Pyrite" is derived from the Greek word for fire ("Pyros"), and Pyrite was thus named because when struck against a hard surface or another Pyrite Stone, it gives off fiery sparks.

Pyrite has been found in Pre-Historic Burial Mounds, indicating that humans used Pyrite to ignite fires long before the mineral was officially named. 

Pyrite was also widely used in Ancient Mesoamerica, where the Mayans polished it to create Pyrite Mirrors, for the reflective nature of the stone's surface ensured it was perfect for this role. 

What Is Pyrite Used For? 

Pyrite's many uses, both past and present, span the gamut from industrial use as an important sulfur and iron ore, to cultural, aesthetic, and spiritual use in mineral collecting, crystal decoration and ornaments, and crystal healing.

One famous use of Pyrite is in Marcasite Jewellery: although the name of this jewellery suggests it is made of the mineral Marcasite, it is in fact made from Pyrite, which is similar in composition but much more stable, ensuring it can be cut and polished into gemstones. 

Pyrite's Uses As A Sulfur Ore And Iron Ore

In the past, Pyrite was an important ore for sulfur.

Although less commonly used nowadays as a sulfur ore, rocks containing Pyrite are still mined today as a way of procuring gold, which sometimes grows next to Pyrite. 

Iron Pyrite also used to be an important iron ore, however it is now only used as a minor ore for iron because of the difficulty in extracting iron from it in comparison to other ores. 

Major iron ores today are now usually Hematite or Magnetite based, as iron oxide minerals such as these are easier to process and extract iron from. 

Pyrite Crystal Meaning, Energy, Aura, Spirituality, & Symbolism

The crystal meaning of Pyrite is vast, for Pyrite is associated spiritually with many different metaphysical properties and concepts.

Primarily, Pyrite is associated with ideas of protection, purification, fire, vitality, creativity, passion, bravery, wealth, prosperity, abundance, and good luck. 

Many crystal healers believe that Pyrite strongly embodies masculine energy, and can be the perfect yin to the yang of feminine energy stones such as Moonstone. 

Pyrite: Good Luck Stone & Stone Of Prosperity And Abundance

Pyrite has long been believed to be a Good Luck Stone, a Stone of Prosperity, and a Stone of Abundance, due to its royal metallic gold colouring that evokes imagery of wealth and good fortune. 

Pyrite is said to symbolise and attract good luck, fortune, and success (for example, financial success, and prosperity of health and wellbeing).

In Feng Shui, it is recommended that you try placing a Pyrite Crystal in the South East Corner of your home or workplace (the Wealth, Abundance and Prosperity area of a location) to improve your fortunes. 

You can pair Pyrite with another Abundance Stone to enhance the powerful energy and good luck properties of these crystals.

Most green crystals and gold crystals are Stones of Abundance.

More specifically, other popular Abundance Stones include: 

• Citrine (also known as the "Success Stone")
• Tiger's Eye (also known as Tiger Eye Stone, this crystal greatly increases the inner drive to achieve success: you can learn more about the crystal meaning of Tiger's Eye in our blog about Tigers Eye)
• Malachite (a Stone of Prosperity and Abundance as well as a Transformation Stone)
• Moss Agate (both Green Moss Agate or Tree Agate and Purple Moss Agate are great choices as Abundance Crystals)
• Lapis Lazuli (a Stone of Royalty which is powerful in its own right, but given that it has Pyrite inclusions, is an especially potent crystal for attracting wealth, fortune, and abundance)
• Amethyst (a majestic purple crystal which attracts spiritual abundance as well as wealth and good fortune)
• Ametrine (a powerful combination of both Amethyst and Citrine)

Pyrite: Protection Stone & Stone Of Strength, Courage, And Bravery

Pyrite is a Stone of Strength, and has been used as a Protection Stone throughout history. 

Pyrite symbolises courage, bravery, fortitude and resilience, perseverance, victory, and the triumph over fear and adversity. 

Pyrite is a stone for warriors, meant to protect one as they engage in mental or physical battles, gifting them with the strength to overcome obstacles and setbacks in their fights to achieve ultimate success and victory. 

Consequently, Pyrite has oft been prized for its use as a Protective Talisman or Amulet of Protection, for both its spirit of strength and vitality and its propensity for prosperity and good fortune. 

You can use Pyrite with other Protection Stones such as Black Tourmaline, Smoky Quartz, and Black Obsidian to make crystal grids for protection. 

Most black crystals are powerful crystals for protection: you can learn more about different black crystals for protection in our blog about black crystals, and you can also learn more about the crystal meaning and uses of Black Obsidian in our blog about Black Obsidian. 

Pyrite: Fire Stone, Fire Element Crystal & Stone Of Creativity

Pyrite embodies potent elemental Fire Energy with regards to both the Classical Elements and the Chinese Five Elements (Wuxing/ Five Phases). 

The fiery energy of Pyrite Stones infuses them with the spirit of bravery, motivation, will-power, imagination, passion, and creativity; symbolising the bravery of experimentation and the courage to try new things by charging into uncertain situations without fear. 

Pyrite is therefore a stone for innovators, entrepreneurs, and creatives. 

In Feng Shui, it is recommended that you try placing a Pyrite Crystal in the South Corner of your home or workplace (the Fame, Reputation and Recognition area of a location), or the West Corner (the Creativity and Children area of a location), to harness Pyrite's passionate, creative energy, and to inspire performing feats worthy of earning fame and fortune. 

You can pair Pyrite with other Fire Element Crystals to harness the intensely stimulating energy of such crystal healing stones.

Most red crystals, orange crystals, and gold crystals resonate with elemental fire energy. 

More specifically, other Fire Element Crystals include: 

• Carnelian (also known as Cornelian)
• Sardonyx Banded Agate
• Noreena Jasper (also known as Australian Red Picture Jasper: you can learn about the crystal healing properties of Noreena Jasper and more information in our blog about Noreena Jasper)
• Tiger's Eye (you can learn more information about the uses of Tiger's Eye in our blog about Tiger's Eye Stone)
• Sunstone

Pyrite Crystal Healing Properties: What Can Pyrite Be Used As A Crystal Healing Stone For? 

Pyrite is a powerful Crystal Healing Stone known for many metaphysical properties, including; protection from negative energies, enhancement of creativity, invoking of bravery and a warrior's spirit, and invigoration of the spirit via the ignition of motivation, confidence, and will-power. 

Crystal healers believe that Pyrite's connection to the Fire Element gives it an intense fiery energy that gifts its user with a powerful sense of determination and vitality; if looking for crystals to boost confidence, Pyrite is the perfect stone for you. 

Pyrite is also believed to be an excellent stress relieving crystal: It protects its user and helps them to feel safe and secure by keeping them grounded and by improving their self-esteem and confidence. 

Consequently, Pyrite is a powerful crystal healing stone for anxiety and low mood, as well as a useful crystal for low self-esteem and crystal for tiredness. 

Pyrite Chakras: How To Use Pyrite As A Chakra Healing Crystal

Pyrite tends to resonate most with the Lower Chakras: the Root Chakra (Base Chakra), Sacral Chakra, and Solar Plexus Chakra.

Using Pyrite As A Root Chakra Crystal Healing Stone

Pyrite is a powerful Root Chakra Crystal Healing Stone, much like Black Tourmaline, Black Obsidian, and Smoky Quartz. 

When used as a Root Chakra Healing Crystal, a Pyrite Stone grounds, protects, and stabilises its user, steadying them on their personal journeys of growth and transformation. 

Pyrite has been used as a Protection Stone for millennia, and this spiritual practice goes all the way back to times when Pyrite was used as an amulet to ward off evil spirits. 

Combine a Pyrite Crystal with a crystal that connects to the higher chakras such as Amethyst, Fluorite, or Indigo Gabbro; to keep you stable and grounded even as you explore psychic, astral, and spiritual realms. 

You can buy higher chakra crystals online at Madagascan Direct, including Third Eye Chakra Crystal Healing Stones and Crown Chakra Crystal Healing Stones. 

Using Pyrite As A Sacral Chakra Crystal Healing Stone

Pyrite Crystals exude the fiery energy that is characteristic of the Sacral Chakra, and therefore can be used as Sacral Chakra Crystals to enhance joy, vitality, and pleasure.

The Sacral Chakra is the body's centre of creativity, passion, and bravery, and thus Pyrite Crystals embody these properties; Sacral Chakra Stones such as Pyrite Crystals are highly motivating and associated with carnal pleasures, sexuality, joy, and desire. 

Pyrite Stones are incredibly energising when used as Sacral Chakra Healing Crystals, evoking a highly physical sense of determination, motivation, and will-power that lends itself well to acts of courage and bravery. 

A stone for warriors and adventurers, Pyrite is said to ignite one's bravery and to encourage a spirit of creativity, experimentation, and innovation in its user: try combining a Pyrite Crystal with another Sacral Chakra Crystal Healing Stone to give your creativity a big boost if you're feeling lacking in inspiration and creative spirit. 

In addition to Pyrite Crystals, other examples of powerful Sacral Chakra Crystal Healing Stones include:

• Carnelian Crystals
• Sardonyx Banded Agate Crystals
• Tiger's Eye Crystals
• Sunstone Crystals
• Orange Calcite Crystals
• Optical Honey Calcite Crystals
• Citrine Crystals
• Yellow Quartz Crystals (Golden Healer Quartz Crystals)
• Hematoid Quartz Crystals (Fire Quartz Crystals)

Using Pyrite As A Solar Plexus Chakra Crystal Healing Stone

Pyrite is said to be most powerful when used with the Solar Plexus Chakra: this chakra is the centre of determination and an iron will, meaning Pyrite is a fantastic crystal for increasing self-confidence, enhancing personal power, and improving assertiveness.

Pyrite Crystals exude a sunny, joyful energy which energises and lifts one's mood, reflecting its fire element energy and bright colours. 

When used as Solar Plexus Chakra Healing Crystals, Pyrite Crystals can boost motivation, will-power, and self-confidence. 

Combine a Pyrite Stone with another Solar Plexus Chakra Crystal such as a Citrine Crystal, Yellow Quartz Crystal (also known as a Golden Healer Quartz Crystal), or Sunstone Crystal to infuse yourself with the summery energy of sunshine, happiness, and confidence. 

How To Use Pyrite In Feng Shui 

Pyrite is a very useful crystal for Feng Shui practice because its energy resonates with multiple elements and Feng Shui Bagua Map Areas. 

Pyrite corresponds to the Fire Element in Feng Shui, as previously noted, but Pyrite also connects to more of the Wuxing Five Elements, including the Earth Element, and in the case of Pyrite with Black Magnetite, the Water Element as well. 

Pyrite is a versatile stone in Feng Shui practice that corresponds to many areas of the Bagua Map, and thus can be placed in multiple areas of your home/workplace for maximum effect.

Where to place your Pyrite Crystal during Feng Shui practice: 

• South East Corner of your home or workplace (the Wealth, Abundance and Prosperity area of a location) to improve your luck and fortune
• South Corner of your home or workplace (the Fame, Reputation and Recognition area of a location) to improve your status and to feel more acknowledged for your achievements by others
• Centre of your home or workplace (the Health and Wellbeing area of a location) to improve your general physical and mental health and to feel more stabilised, centred, and content in life
• West Corner of your home or workplace (the Creativity and Children area of a location) to inspire creativity, passion, and to start and finish important projects 
• North Corner of your home or workplace (the Career and Life Path area of a location) to feel guided on a life path of your choosing, to feel supported and grounded, to have purpose and motivation in all areas of your life, and to gain new opportunities in work or at home

Shop Pyrite Crystals For Sale Online: Add Pyrite To Your Crystal Collection

We hope that you have enjoyed learning all about one of our favourite minerals, and perhaps it is time for you to add some Pyrite to your own crystal collection!

A Pyrite Crystal specimen is ideal for the crystal collector or crystal healer, and would make a wonderful crystal gift for loved ones. 

Shop a range of Natural Botryoidal Pyrite Crystals and Polished Pyrite crystals for sale online at Madagascan Direct. 

Buy Pyrite Crystals Online at Madagascan Direct.