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SUMMARY
- Meaning: Pyrite, often called "Fool's Gold," is associated with attracting wealth, abundance, and good luck due to its metallic gold-like appearance.
- Healing Properties: Believed to promote physical wellness, pyrite is said to support the circulatory and respiratory systems and protect against environmental pollutants.
- Protection: Pyrite is often utilized in spiritual practices as a shield, believed to block out negative energy and protect the user from physical danger.
- Usage: People use pyrite in various ways, such as in jewelry for its aesthetic and metaphysical properties, and in meditation or spiritual work to enhance clarity and focus.
- Care: To care for pyrite, it’s advisable to keep it dry and clean it gently, as it can tarnish or corrode when exposed to moisture or harsh chemicals.
What is Pyrite?
Pyrite is an iron sulfide mineral with a metallic luster. It has and a brassy coloring that is similar to gold, because of this resemblance it is also known by the name Fools Gold. It comes from the cubic crystal system and has an opaque transparency and a brittle texture. Pyrite's meaning is purity and unblocks creativity.
Take a look at our essential guide to healing gemstones and find a crystal that captures you.
IN THIS ARTICLE
Anything but a Fool's Gold
- Takes it's name from the Greek word for fire
- Mined in Namibia, Peru, Spain, Mexico, and Canada
- A protective stone good for blocking EMFs
Not all that glimmers is gold as Pyrite proves with its precious hues and potent protective properties. Pyrite meaning comes from the Greek word for Pyr, which translates to fire – an echo of how the light catches on the surface of the stone, or perhaps in testament to the strong masculine energy and sense of perfect passion.
Despite its illustrious name, Pyrite is actually an earth stone rich in iron sulfide – hewn from the far reaches of Namibia, the mystical heartlands of Peru, the golden mountains of Spain and Mexico, and the icy distances of Canada. With shades of pale brass or a richer gold color, Pyrite is a pretty stone that holds its own when it comes to a dazzling metallic luster. In homage to its name, it’s one of the only healing crystals that can also strike sparks If struck hard enough and has a similar look and feel to it as Marcasite. Pyrite has earnt the nickname Fools Gold, thanks to its visually striking similar appearance to the precious metal. But far from foolish, anyone who holds Pyrite close to their heart will find their personal powers are multiplied.
At its heart, Pyrite is all about protection. It’s a stone that wants to shield and protect its wearer in every way possible. Whether keeping you safe from emotional vamps or protecting you from psychic attacks, cutting through negative vibrations, clearing EMF smog or simply stopping those toxic thought patterns from running through your head, Pyrite is ever eager to keep you pure. When we are able to free ourselves of those toxic ties, we find that life loses its facades and we are able to see straight through to the truth and live in sweet authenticity. If you want to know more about the healing powers and protective properties of Pyrite keep reading.
If Pyrite doesn’t strike a fire in your heart, find a stone that moves you. Check out our Guide to Essential Healing Gemstones and pick a crystal that calls to your soul.
SHOP TINY RITUALS
Pyrite Healing Properties
Pyrite is all about keeping you strong and stable and ever free from the shackles of control. It seems to have an intuitive quality that works to keep you out of harm’s way – both spiritually and emotionally. It is also a stone that inspires creativity and brings a dash of added sparkle. It encourages strength and leadership qualities, inviting you to step up to your own potential because your willpower and well-being are ever in check.
Physical Healing Properties
- Builds strength and stamina
- Helps the body fight viral infections
When it comes to physical healing, Pyrite is all about building up your strength and stamina. Remember, it’s a healing stone that leans on its masculine energy. Because of its love of protection, Pyrite is an incredible stone for cutting down on environmental pollution and the effects of this on the body. It’s said to be a useful tool in fighting viral infections, reducing fevers, and strengthening the immune system along with the respiratory system. Pyrite is said to improve lung health and can even be useful for those who suffer from asthma and other breath related ailments. It also keeps the blood in healthy flow and can stimulate the endocrine function and help with fertility issues.
Mental & Emotional Healing Properties
- Boosts confidence levels
- Helps overcome fears and anxieties
When it comes to emotional strengthening this is where Pyrite truly lights a fire in the soul. Once we feel protected from outside elements it's so much easier to feel safe and secure in one's own skin. You will notice confidence levels starting to creep up, you will be able to bring out those natural leadership qualities you could have had stashed away, and you will easily be able to see beyond pretence and to live in the light of authenticity.
Pyrite seems to set the spirit on fire – in a good way! It rekindles any lost drive or distant passion and makes you feel like you are ready to embrace life once again. If you have been tangled up in depressive thoughts or residing in anxiety, Pyrite is here to help you step away from those thoughts and fears, to overcome all that is holding you back, and to take action to live the life you were born for.
Metaphysical Properties
- Clears blockages in the Sacral and Solar Plexus chakra
- Protects from negative energy
Positive energy runs rampant in the Pyrite stone. It’s all about clearing away cobwebs of negative energy and ensuring that you never fall into the darkness but instead feel strong and compelled to step into the light. To help facilitate this inner strength and za zoom for life, Pyrite works on strengthening and clearing out the solar plexus chakra and the sacral chakra. These are the chakras that hold our deep-set passion and energy for life, our sexual prowess, and our perfect love of creative thought and action. When they are blocked we can feel as though our senses are deadened, but when awakened, we suddenly feel like we can soar.
Zodiac Birthstone
- Well suited to Leos
When it comes to Pyrite’s destiny being written in the stars, the glimmering golden stone is known for being an amazing match for Leo. Like the lion's roar, Leos are known for their fiery nature and even for being born leaders. All their traits of being strong, proud, and ever ready for action are beautifully complemented by the golden nature of Pyrite. In fact, Pyrite even works to fill in the gaps, helping those strong-headed Leos to stay protected when they may be veering over into aggressive territory. Its earthly nature balances out the fire element of the Leo, ensuring that no matter how far they leap, they stay grounded and ever-present.
If you want to know which stone is best suited for your own star sign, take a look at our zodiac guide to picking the right gemstone for your astrological sign.
How to Use Pyrite
Check out our pyrite energy bracelet!
- Wear for energy and protection
- Place in the home to attract wealth and abundance
Despite its gold-like appearance, there’s no need to hoard Pyrite away. This stone will bring plenty of power to your soul and your surroundings and is pretty enough to be on show. Pyrite makes a perfect partner for balancing out your feng shui and when worn as like protective amulets in gemstone jewelry can send those healing vibes straight to where they are needed the most. Take a look at these ways you can say yes to more Greek fire in your life…
Home & Office
Pyrite is a strong Feng Shui player thanks to those massive protective properties. If you want to keep your abode beautifully protected from any negative forces, place a piece of Pyrite by entryways to mop up any bad juju before it even gets the chance to seep in. Beyond the protective vibes, Pyrite isn’t just about blocking but is also savvy when it comes to funneling the right kind of energy into your home. It’s a great stone for attracting wealth, abundance, and lashings of good luck and for those reasons, pieces of Pyrite will do well when placed in workspaces, studios, and any spot where creative thinking takes place.
Jewelry
One of the best ways to bring out the energy of the Pyrite crystal is to wear it as an amulet or talisman. By picking a Pyrite Energy Bracelet or other jewelry style that places Pyrite close to the skin, you aren’t blocking this brilliant crystal from doing its essential work. By having direct skin contact, you are giving Pyrite the best chance for nourishing the body with its healing energy and you are getting the stone at the very top of its power game.
Other stones that work wonders when paired with the protective and healing powers of Pyrite include Obsidian. Obsidian is another of the great protectors in the crystal world. Born from the quick cooling of volcanic lava, this stone is sheer raw energy and this lends it a huge amount of natural power. Black Obsidian is one of the strongest stones that will work with Pyrite on protection, truth-seeking, and gorgeous grounding. Other stones include sunny Citrine with its potent positive energy, ever ready to lend a slant of light to those darker days. Carnelian also brings its ruby fire bright energy and can work in harmony with Pyrite to lift those lower chakras, tap into creativity, and stir up sexual or life force energy. Lapis Lazuli brings its mystical and higher vibrations to work well with Pyrite’s third eye connections. Fluorite is another crystal that brings extra powers to Pyrite, as this is another stone all about intuition, truth-seeking and having your finger on the pulse of positivity. Angelic Selenite, Calcite, and lucky Jade are two more stones that you could pair with Pyrite too.
How to Cleanse Pyrite
- Cleanse by smudging
- Charge by placing in the earth
Keeping your crystals clear and charged is the best way to bring out their healing powers. All crystals (and especially those working as protectors and mopping up negative energy) can get full and tired at times. You can bring them back to life through very simple cleansing methods. While some crystals and stones react well to being rinsed with soap and warm water, Pyrite isn’t such a stone to enjoy this kind of treatment. Iron Pyrite, if it gets it can discolor or even rust. You want to keep your Pyrite sparkling. Instead of washing with water, you can smudge it with sage or other herbal smoke. By smudging your Pyrite you are wafting away that bad energy and as this stone is connected to the fire world (remember the name Pyrite comes from fire), it reacts extremely well to a smoke centric cleansing.
To recharge Pyrite you can place it in the earth to let it grow richer in its natural element. You can also bury it in sea salt for a few hours to let it go through a truly deep cleanse and recharge. Salt is of the earth and Pyrite reacts well to this. If burying your crystal in salt seems too much, you can always just place it next to a bowl of salt and even though the two don’t touch, the salt will still be able to absorb that negative energy.
Geological Properties
| Chemical Classification | Sulfide mineral |
| Chemical Formula | FeS2 |
| Crystal System | Isometric |
| Color | Brassy yellow, greenish, or gray |
| Streak | Greenish-black |
| Luster | Metallic |
| Transparency | Opaque |
| Occurrence | Sedimentary, metamorphic, and igneous rocks |
| Formation | Hydrothermal, sedimentary, or magmatic processes |
| Diaphaneity | Opaque |
| Cleavage | Poor/Fair in six directions |
| Mohs Hardness | 6-6.5 |
| Specific Gravity | 4.9-5.2 |
| Diagnostic Properties | Brassy yellow color, metallic luster, cubic crystal habit |
| Chemical Composition | FeS2 |
| Crystal System | Isometric |
| Optical Properties | Isotropic |
| Refractive Index | n = 2.42 |
| Birefringence | None |
| 2V angle | Not applicable |
| Dispersion | None |
| Other characteristics | May contain trace elements of gold or other metals |
Final Thoughts on Pyrite
Pyrite is an amazing crystal ever able to tap into endless possibility and can certainly bring out the best in your soul. For those who find themselves enchanted by the glimmer of this stone and for those who feel like they can cut down on paranoia and suspicious thoughts by knowing that they have protection at all times, Pyrite makes for a worthy investment. As mentioned, it's not all about throwing up walls of protection with Pyrite. It’s also a stone that welcomes abundance, luck, joy, truth, and many amazing qualities that help your soul to sparkle.
What do you think of the sulfide mineral bright Pyrite stone? Does it fulfill your soulful fantasies or is it closer to fools gold? Share your thoughts with us in the comments.
Pyrite FAQs
What is Pyrite?
Pyrite is a mineral that is sometimes called Fool's Gold as it can have a sparkly golden appearance. It is made from iron sulfide and comes from the cubic crystal system. Pyrite has a metallic luster to it and a brittle texture. It is known for its protective properties and for facilitating inner strength along with unlocking creativity and purifying spaces.
What is Pyrite used for?
With its brassy golden glow and hint of sparkle, Pyrite is known to be a stone of energy, protection, and healing. It’s a mineral that connects with the solar plexus and sacral chakras - both of these chakras are home to our creative spirit but also our warrior energy. Pyrite can unblock these parts of us and help to heighten our sense of personal power and self-esteem. It also clears out negative vibrations and can keep you safe from EMF’s.
Is Pyrite magnetic?
Pyrite is not considered to be magnetic, although some minerals that relate to Pyrite are considered to be weakly magnetic. Pyrrhotite is the iron sulfide mineral that is considered to be weakly magnetic and is sometimes called magnetic Pyrite because it shares the same color scheme as the original mineral.
How much is Pyrite worth?
Pyrite’s pricing varies greatly and the cost is always fluctuating. It can cost anything between $1-$8 per carat depending on the quality, cut, and size of the stone. Rough cuts of Pyrite will cost less than cabochons and Pyrite gemstones. Some Pyrite specimens will also contain real gold which will drive the price up dramatically.
What is Pyrite good for?
Pyrite is a great stone to have around if you want to protect your body, heal your mind, and facilitate deeper inner strength and success. Physically, Pyrite can help you to raise your stamina and can also protect you from the negative side effects of EMF’s. Mentally it can promote creativity and self-confidence, along with helping you to move beyond thoughts of fear. Spiritually, it can unblock the sacral and solar plexus chakras, clear out toxic thinking, and reawaken your senses that lead to a zest for life.
Is Pyrite a mineral?
Yes, Pyrite is a mineral. It is a mineral made from iron sulfide and can be found in rocks of all ages. It can also be found in a wide range of geological environments which is why it's such a popular and abundant stone.
Can Pyrite get wet?
As Pyrite has high iron content, you want to avoid putting it in contact with any water or it may lead to your gorgeous golden gemstone rusting or changing color. Instead of using water to cleanse it, you should use non invasive methods like smudging, sound bathing, or leaving it in the presence of cleansing crystals like Clear Quartz and Selenite.
What does Pyrite look like?
Pyrite often gets the name Fools Gold as it shares similar brassy features to the precious metal. Pyrite has a yellow brassy color and a metallic luster. It can be brittle and is often found in angular pieces and sometimes has similar faces to a cube. When you look closely at the surface of Pyrite it’s not unusual to see sharp small cubes.
Where is Pyrite found?
Pyrite can be found across the world as it forms in many geological conditions and in all kinds of rock structures. You can commonly find Pyrite in Peru, Namibia, Spain, Mexico, Canada, Italy, Kazakhstan, and the USA.
How to charge Pyrite?
Pyrite works hard to keep negative energy, toxic thoughts, and EMFs at bay. This means that it certainly benefits from charging it up every now and then to ensure its working at the top of its game. You can charge your Pyrite by placing it in soil to let it reconnect with that earthly element. You can also charge it by placing it next to a bowl of salt as it's highly reactive to the energy of things that come from the earth.
How to use Pyrite to attract wealth?
Pyrite is an excellent stone for attracting wealth and prosperity - don’t let the name of fool's gold misguide you. If you want to use Pyrite to attract wealth you can place a piece in your purse so its abundant energy calls in wealth. You can also place it in your work space so it can help you attract new business. Another way of using Pyrite to grow your wealth is to set that intention with the stone in hand.
What color is Pyrite?
Pyrite tends to be a brassy golden color similar to gold itself. It is this shared coloring and metallic luster that earns it the nickname of Fools Gold. It can also come in more tarnished shades and can even have black or green streaks to it which will make the gemstone appear darker than it naturally is.
Can gold and Pyrite be found together?
Yes. Pyrite and Gold both form under similar circumstances and one can sometimes lead to the other. Gold can even be found inside Pyrite as an inclusion which will change the worth and value of the gemstone. When Pyrite is found it may also be a compass telling you that gold is also closeby.
How to tell gold from Pyrite?
While Pyrite and Gold share some similarities they are actually very different. Both Gold and Pyrite will have a brassy yellow color and a metallic luster, but Pyrite will often hold a different natural shape to Gold. Pyrite usually has sharper edges whereas gold is softer in shape and round. Pyrite is also a harder substance and will scratch glass whereas gold will not.
Is Pyrite a metal?
Pyrite is a metallic mineral. Made from iron and sulfur, this golden brassy gem is often considered an ore of gold. Pyrite is considered to be a mineral rather than a metal.
How is Pyrite formed?
Pyrite is born from sedimentary rocks although it can also form from igneous and metamorphic rocks too. It tends to bloom in low oxygen environments that are rich in iron and sulfur. It pops up in vein deposits and forms alongside quartz, limestone, shale, and coal - not to mention with gold and copper too. It’s common to find Pyrite close to the contact site of eruptive rocks.
How to clean Pyrite?
You should be sure to keep your Pyrite away from water during any energy or physical cleansing ritual. The best way to clean your Pyrite safely is to use gentle methods like smudging with palo santo or sage, cleansing with crystals like Selenite and Clear Quartz, or using visualization techniques or singing bowls.
Is iron Pyrite magnetic?
No, iron Pyrite is not naturally magnetic. Some close relatives of Pyrite are considered to be weakly magnetic - such as pyrrhotite. This is because magnetism doesn’t come as a property of an element but as a property of a compound.
Is Pyrite fools gold?
Yes, Pyrite is often called Fool's Gold as it shares so many visual similarities with gold. Both gold and Pyrite have a metallic brassy yellow appearance but this is where the similarities stop. Pyrite tends to be formed in cubic shape whereas gold is smoother and rounder. Pyrite is a mineral whereas gold is a native metal. However, these two elements can form close together and Pyrite sometimes has gold inclusions within it.
What type of rock is Pyrite?
Pyrite is not a rock, it is considered to be a mineral. However, Pyrite does form from rocks and most commonly sedimentary rocks, although it also comes from metamorphic and igneous rocks too as long as iron and sulphur are present.
What does Pyrite do?
Pyrite is a mineral that has a lot of protective energy. It can help to create an energetic shield around you or the space it's in to keep negative vibes and EMF’s at bay. It can also be used to draw in abundance. Pyrite is a chakra cleanser too and can help to remove blockages in the sacral and solar plexus chakras. It can also raise self-confidence and support creative thinking.
What chakra is Pyrite?
Pyrite is connected to the sacral chakra and the solar plexus chakra. The solar plexus chakra is responsible for our sense of self-esteem and the seat of our personal power. It is where our warrior spirit resides. Our sacral chakra is where our creativity, sensuality, and sense of play can be found - it is our pleasure portal. Pyrite clears blockages from both of these places so that you can rise in confidence, kickstart creativity, and embrace a life of pleasure.
What is iron Pyrite?
Iron Pyrite is a golden mineral with a brassy yellow coloring and a metallic luster. It is made up of iron sulfide. It can be formed in igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic rocks and in both high and low temperatures (although it often needs a low oxygen environment). While Pyrite is often mistaken for the precious metal of gold, it is actually a mineral.
What is Pyrite made of?
Pyrite is a creation of iron and sulfur. It is a metallic mineral that has a brassy yellow coloring and a metallic luster. It shares similar visuals to gold which earns it the nickname of fools gold. It is considered to be one of the most abundant sulfide minerals on the planet.
How to find Pyrite?
As an abundant mineral that can be found across the world, you shouldn’t have any issue sourcing Pyrite for your collection. You can usually find Pyrite in the stash of any reputable gemseller. Always make sure you work with reputable crystal sellers so you know your Pyrite is the real deal and hopefully ethically sourced.
How to use Pyrite?
There are many ways to call on the healing powers of Pyrite. One of the best ways to use Pyrite is to wear it. Having the stone in direct contact with the skin can help balance the chakras, keep your energy fields protected, and surround you in an energy of abundance. You can also place Pyrite in the home if you want to keep your space protected or cut out the side effects of EMFs.
How to wear Pyrite stone?
Make the most of Pyrite’s potent energy by wearing it as jewelry. Wear it as a bracelet on your left hand to receive all the gifts that Pyrite has to give, to tempt creative ideas to flourish, and to welcome in abundance. Wear it on your right hand to let go of any negativity you are holding and to raise your sense of self-confidence. You can also wear Pyrite stone as a pendant or lucky amulet and as a ring.
What is the crystal shape of Pyrite?
Pyrite is part of the cubic crystal system which means it naturally forms into cube-like shapes. Along with forming as a cube, Pyrite can also form as octahedral (when two pyramids form with their ground base fused together) or as pyritohedron with five-sided faces. It can also form in shapeless grains. The sacred cubic shape of Pyrite is a reminder of the balance, strength, and grounding this multifaceted stone can give.
When was Pyrite discovered?
Pyrite has a long history. It was first discovered back in 1432 by Dr. Jonathan Jacabo. It takes its name from the Greek word for fire as it creates a spark when struck and also carries that glint beneath its surface.
Where can I buy Pyrite stone?
Pyrite is a stone of abundance in more ways than one. Not only does it attract abundance but it is also found in abundance across the world. This means that you shouldn't have any problems sourcing Pyrite from any reputable gem seller. Always make sure you are buying from the best seller you can find to ensure your Pyrite is ethically sourced and the real deal.
Where to place Pyrite in the home?
Pyrite is a great stone to bring into your home. With its energy of abundance, power, protection, and creativity - it has every element you need for a healthy and harmonious home space. If you want to keep bad energy out, place Pyrite at the entranceways to your home. You can also place it in workspaces and studios to bring about creative vibes.
Are Pyrite cubes natural?
Yes, one of the most amazing things about Pyrite is the fact that it can form naturally in cube-like shapes. That doesn’t mean that all Pyrite cubes are natural as some will be worked into the sacred shape (especially the larger cubes). But there’s every chance your cubic Pyrite is completely as nature intended.
Can you wash Pyrite?
No, as Pyrite is a mineral with lots of iron woven into its makeup, you should avoid getting this gem wet. When Pyrite is exposed to water it may be more likely to rust or discolor. If you need to cleanse your Pyrite you can do this the energetic way, by using smudging or sound bathing methods or by using other cleansing crystals for a surface to surface cleanse.
Is Pyrite soft?
Pyrite is a medium to hard stone that scores between a 6 and 6.5 on the Mohs hardness scale. A hard stone is considered to be a 7 on the Mohs hardness scale and a soft stone would normally score a 2. Gold is a much softer element than Pyrite and this is one of the ways you can tell the difference between gold and Pyrite.
Is rainbow Pyrite natural?
Rainbow Pyrite is a natural stone that has only recently been discovered. Brimming with beautiful rainbow shades and with a reflective luster and polished surface, Rainbow Pyrite is a rare and glittery golden stone. This iridescent style of Pyrite has only been discovered along the Volga River in Russia.
Which hand to wear Pyrite bracelet?
You can wear a Pyrite bracelet on your left hand which is your receiving hand if you want to welcome in abundance and to absorb all that gorgeous creative energy. If you want to let go of negativity, cleanse any chakra blockages, and keep toxic vibes at bay you should wear it on your giving hand which is your right and more active hand.
Is Pyrite a gemstone?
Pyrite is considered to be a metallic mineral but is also referred to as a gemstone as the terms are commonly used interchangeably. This is because most gemstones are minerals which have been selected for their aesthetic appeal.
What's Pyrite?
Pyrite is a metallic brassy yellow mineral that is often called ‘fool's gold’ as it shares similar visual features to the precious metal. It is a mineral composed of sulfur and iron. Pyrite is a protective stone with unique healing properties centered around keeping negative energy at bay, building self-confidence, along with welcoming more creativity and abundance into your life.
Why is Pyrite square?
Pyrite is part of the cubic crystal system which is why it forms in a square shape. Pyrite doesn’t always form in square shapes though, it can also form in flakes, small cubes, and also as a gold surface on fossils.
Does Pyrite rust?
Yes, Pyrite does have the potential to rust especially when it meets water. This is because of the high iron content in Pyrite. To avoid your Pyrite rusting or changing color, you should do your best to keep it safe and dry and prevent it from getting wet.
How to polish Pyrite?
Pyrite can be a tricky stone to polish but if you want to polish it by hand you should use a soft bristled toothbrush, a little vinegar, and some water. While it's always a good idea to keep Pyrite away from water, it does help in the cleaning process - just make sure you thoroughly dry your Pyrite gem after cleaning. Once you have cleaned the nooks and crannies you can polish it with a soft cloth to bring up the shine.
Does Pyrite oxidize?
Yes, Pyrite can oxidize which is why it's so important to keep it away from wet or moist conditions if possible. If you want Pyrite to keep its shiny metallic luster and golden color, you should keep it dry to avoid it becoming oxidized and tarnished with black or green shades.
