I started incorporating pyrite beads into my jewelry about two years ago. I had read of the many uses, meanings, and healing properties of pyrite and I loved the way pyrite beautifully completed my designs. Wearing pyrite, I felt more confident and energetic. Based on personal experience and my understanding of what I have read about this stone, I feel that it especially helps women feel more protected, stronger and balanced, making it a great addition to any jewelry piece or collection. In one of the necklaces I designed with pyrite, I also used pearls. I felt that this combination helped to intertwine confidence with femininity in one beautiful piece.
Today I would love to share some information about what pyrite is, where it gets its name from, and some of the many healing properties and meanings of this wonderful mineral.
What is pyrite?
Pyrite is an iron sulfide mineral that is found in many places around the world possessing large mineral deposits, making it one of the most common minerals on the planet. Pyrite’s name comes from the Greek word “pyr” for fire and the phrase “pyrite lithos” which means “stone which strikes fire”, due to its ability to emit sparks when it is struck against metal or a hard surface. This was one of the first ways that humans discovered how to create flame and resulted in fire becoming pyrite’s most notable gift to society.
Pyrite’s metallic luster and pale brass-yellow color have caused many people to mistake it for gold due to the apparent resemblance, and resulted in pyrite becoming known under the nickname of “fool’s gold”. However pyrite is very easy to distinguish from gold due to the fact that pyrite is much lighter but harder than gold, with a hardness of 6-6.5, and it often occurs in small cubes or octahedrons while gold is found in more irregular shapes. Pyrite is also more brittle than gold and leaves a greenish black or brownish black streak when scratched by the best metal files.
Pyrite uses and meaning
As an Earth element that resonates with fire energy, pyrite symbolizes the warmth and lasting presence of the sun. Pyrite is masculine in nature; a mineral that represents action, vitality, and will, and symbolizes the ability to develop wealth by one’s own power and determination. This makes it a great mineral to keep in the home or workplace in order to energize the atmosphere, boosting vitality, and help one to overcome intellectual fatigue due to tiredness and stress. It also draws upon one’s abilities and potential by stimulating the flow of ideas and inspiring creativity in various disciplines, making this a perfect mineral for students and ambitious learners.
Pyrite is said to act as a talisman that draws energy from the Earth and distributes it throughout the body creating a defensive shield and providing protection from negative energy, emotional assailment, and physical harm. This makes it a great mineral to wear or carry as an amulet to deflect danger or harm, especially when one is away from home or is engaged in a hazardous activity. It also makes pyrite a beneficial mineral to keep around when encountering people or situations that generate negative energy or make one feel emotionally harmed because it lends one the power to resist becoming angry or upset and helps restore a balance of emotions. It also lends support when protecting others by stimulating a spirit of boldness and assertive action.
Ready to experiment?
If you haven’t had a chance to wear pyrite jewelry or create with pyrite beads yet, I suggest, do this little exercise. Write on a piece of paper
Pyrite: why do I want to wear it?
Then list all the properties you have found in this article that you might benefit from. See, if this is enough to try incorporating pyrite into jewelry for you or people you know. Make a piece of jewelry for yourself and wear it for several days in a row. Note, what was different about you, or people around you during those days. Be honest.
Pyrite is a beautiful mineral that not only possesses gleaming beauty but has also benefited the intelligence of our society through its spark-generating qualities by helping humans discover how to generate fire. The various meanings and powers of pyrite make it one of the most useful and beneficial minerals to have around.
Lana, your Pyrite necklace is wonderful! Did you notice any of its energetic properties while working on this piece?
Working with pyrite gives me confidence, Karen! I have many doubts working with other stones and materials, but not with pyrite. I seem to be certain about what materials to use, how much and in what order. A real pleasure, I’d say.