Pyrite is known for all the wrong reasons. Possibly, it hasn't had a good PR in centuries.
For instance, when I was a child, my father introduced it to me as "fool's gold". Then, when I moved to Dublin, I found out that in Ireland it is mostly associated with construction risks, because of pyrite heave.
It doesn't even have a nice name. "Pyrite"...I can't be sure in English, but in Italian sounds kind of lame! Instead, it is Greek for "of fire" - quite a powerful word - because it can spark, and ignite fires.
This summer I bought some pyrite beads - out of curiosity -, because I had never seen them before. I thought I'd give it a try as jewellery components.
I couldn't be be more happy. Once cut and polished, pyrite looks like silver, but preserves the warm glow of gold. It has black veins, and cracks that make the beads look antique, and unique.
Being a mineral, it has a metallic texture, but it is not heavy. Basically, it is perfect for jewellery making. I made the necklace above, and the two pairs of chain earrings. I think it's nice also mixed with other gemstones, like the tiger's eye below:
My conclusion about pyrite is that as a stone, it has been mistreated! It is great to work with, and inspiring. Moreover, it looks like silver, and glows like gold: it has both fire and ice inside!
Have a nice Halloween,
and week end!
Elettra