Pyrite - African Gold - Tumble Stone 10g to 20g (Selected)

Here at London Fossils and Crystals we use Pyrite as an energetic crystal, to keep us going especially when we feel it is hard to keep going.  It is also a lovely protection crystal for ones Aura, helping to keep negative energies away and help us stay focussed on our chosen activities or business. 

Emotionally, Pyrite is said to encourage one to overcome fears and take action. It can be used to help bring one out of one’s shell and to encourage one to be more dynamic and confident.

Physically, it is said that the Sulphur component of Pyrite aids in purifying the body of infection and may stimulate proper endocrine function. Some say that it is excellent for combatting male impotence and infertility. 

The mineral pyrite, or iron pyrite, is an iron sulphide with the chemical formula FeS2. This mineral's metallic lustre and pale brass-yellow hue give it a superficial resemblance to gold, hence the well-known nickname of fool's gold.

It is the most common of the sulphide minerals.  Iron Sulphide can refer to a range of chemical compounds composed of Iron and Sulphur.  The name derives from the Greek "pyr” meaning "fire” because when stuck with another mineral it creates a spark. The Romans applied the name pyrite to several types of stone that would create sparks when struck against steel; Pliny the Elder described one of them as being brassy, almost certainly a reference to what we now call pyrite.

This is a very common mineral, found in many places around the world including Italy, Peru, Spain, UK and the USA,

Pyrite is usually found associated with other sulphides or oxides in quartz veins, sedimentary rock, and metamorphic rock, as well as in coal beds and as a replacement mineral in fossils. Despite being nicknamed fool's gold, pyrite is actually sometimes found in association with small quantities of gold.  Other minerals can also be found with Pyrite, such as Calcite, Chalcopyrite, Quartz and Sphalerite.

Between the 14th and 17th centuries, hundreds of tons of Pyrite were shipped from the new world where the Inca people used it as mirrors in the mistaken belief that it was actually Gold.