Pyrite (iron pyrites): physical and magical properties. Application of mineral in industry
Few know that pyrite and iron pyrites -these are two different names for the same mineral. This stone has another nickname: "dog gold." What is interesting mineral? What physical and magical properties does it have? This will tell our article.
Iron Pyrite: General Physical Characteristics
Pyrite (not to be confused with the ground) - opaquea mineral with a distinct metallic luster. Other names used are sulfur or iron pyrites. The mineral may contain impurities of copper, gold, selenium, cobalt, nickel and other chemical elements. It does not dissolve in water. Mohs hardness: 6–6.5.
Iron Pyrite Formula: FeS2. The color of the mineral is straw yellow or golden. After the stone leaves a thin greenish-black line. Pyrite crystals have a cubic shape. They are generously covered with shallow straight grooves parallel to each other. The crystal structure of pyrite has the following form.
The word "pyrite" is of Greek origin. In Russian, it translates as "stone, cutting out the fire." And this is not just a beautiful metaphor: when struck, pyrite really sparkles. The mineral is distinguished by magnetic and conductive properties, in a humid environment with abundant access of oxygen, it decomposes.
Distribution in the earth's crust and major mineral deposits
Iron pyrite is one of the mostcommon sulfides in the world. Most of its deposits are of hydrothermal and sedimentary origin. Pyrite is formed in the bottom silt of the closed seas, in the process of precipitation of ferrum by hydrogen sulfide. Sometimes it is present in igneous rocks.
Large deposits of pyrite found inRussia, Kazakhstan, Spain, Italy, USA, Canada, Norway and Japan. In Russia, deposits of this mineral are found in Altai, the Caucasus, and also within the Voronezh Region. It should be noted that pyrite very rarely serves as the subject of independent workings. From the bowels of the earth, it is usually extracted along the way, during the development of more valuable mineral resources.
The use of pyrite in industry
"Dog gold" or "fool's gold" - soCalled pyrite during the Gold Rush. Mineral crystals sparkled so tempting that it was often mistaken for a precious metal. By the way, the Spanish conquistadors got burned on this as early as the 16th century. Conquering the New World, they with great fervor lured away from the American Indians “pseudo-gold”.
In fairness it should be noted that ironpyrite indeed can be considered gold. The crystal lattice of this mineral often contains particles of noble metal. However, they are usually insignificant and not amenable to extraction. Nevertheless, pyrite deposits very often indicate the presence of gold deposits in the area.
The main scope of iron pyrites inOur days - jewelry. However, the basis for the creation of jewelry, it is extremely rare. Most often, small inserts are made from pyrite for jewelry from more valuable metals.
Stone is used as an additive whencement production, as well as for the production of sulfuric acid. Together with crystals of some other minerals, it is also used to create the simplest detector radio receivers. Due to the property of extracting spark, pyrite has previously been widely used in the arms industry.
Iron pyrites in magic
From the most ancient times, people treated thismineral with extreme caution. He was counted among the "male" stones. It was believed that the representative of the strong sex pyrite can make even more decisive, courageous and attractive in the eyes of women.
The ancient Greeks considered pyrite a stone of war and godMars. Each soldier took him on military campaigns and major battles. The iron pyrite protected the warrior from death and gave courage in battle. In the dark era of the Middle Ages, alchemists showed considerable interest in stone.
In modern magic, iron pyrites useas a protective amulet. However, the mineral must necessarily be whole and not have chips, otherwise the trouble can not be avoided. It is believed that pyrite enhances sleep, improves mood and eliminates prolonged depression.
The stone is perfect for Sagittarius and Scorpios. The rest of the signs of the zodiac should be treated with caution, in particular - Cancers.
