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What is a Marcasite?

Marcasites

This is a type of stone, often used in sterling silver, and sometimes faceted - this mineral has the same composition as pyrite (fool's Gold) but has a different chemical structure. It is a gunmetal gray color with a shiny finish and is inserted in the same was as a rhinestone is.

The stone sometimes acquires a multi-colored tarnish may exist that is the result of oxidation. The stone has a luster and is opaque. Occasionally, a sulfur smell is detectable.

You may have heard of fool’s gold. Marcasite is the white form of fools gold. Marcasite jewelry was especially fashionable in Victorian times. Jewelers usually describe marcasite as a bronze or gunmetal color, and the designs often resemble an “Art Deco” period.

Some jewelry is described as being made of marcasites when in fact it is actually an imitation variety. In the real thing, the marcasites are individual pieces of gemstones set into small settings. In faux marcasites, they are made of small areas of metal made to look like the genuine stone.

Examples of Marcasites - the first picture is the gem in it's natural form: (click the pictures for more detail)

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