Marcasite jewellery

Marcasite jewelry is jewelry made using cut and polished pieces of pyrite (fool's gold) as gemstone, and not, as the name suggests, from marcasite (sometimes misspelled Mercasite).[1]

Marcasite
General
CategoryMineral
Identification
ColorSilver/Grey
Marcasite brooch made from pyrite and silver

Both pyrite and marcasite are chemically iron sulphide, but differ in their crystal structures giving them different physical properties—also known as polymorphism. Pyrite is more stable and less brittle than marcasite. Marcasite can also react with moisture to form sulphuric acid. These are the reasons why pyrite is used instead of real marcasite in "marcasite" jewellery.

Marcasite jewellery is frequently made by setting small pieces of faceted pyrite into silver.[2] Cheaper costume jewelry is made by gluing pieces of pyrite rather than setting.[3] A similar-looking type of jewelry can be made from small pieces of cut steel.[3][1] The cut and polished marcasite pieces reflect light at different angles from its different facets giving it a sparkle and making it attractive.[4]

Thailand is one of the large producers of modern marcasite jewellery in silver.

Etymology

Marcasite (mär′ka-sīt) or mercasite an iron ore, a variety of pyrites.

History

Marcasite jewelry has been made since the time of the Ancient Greeks.[3] It was particularly popular in the eighteenth century, the Victorian era and with Art Nouveau jewelry designers.[3][2] When diamonds were banned from public display in Switzerland in the 18th century marcasite, along with cut steel, was turned to as a replacement.[4]

When Prince Albert died in 1861, Queen Victoria entered a period of mourning, requiring her entire court to wear black and avoid opulent jewelry. Marcasite became popular as an understated alternative for the nobility.

References
  1. Thomas, Arthur (2008). Gemstones: Properties, Identification and Use. New Holland Publishers. p. 121. ISBN 1-84537-602-1.
  2. Hesse, Rayner W. (2007). Jewelrymaking Through History: An Encyclopedia. Greenwood Publishing Group. p. 15. ISBN 0-313-33507-9.
  3. Goldemberg, Rose Leiman (2000). Antique Jewelry: A Practical & Passionate Guide. iUniverse. p. 116. ISBN 0-595-08898-8.
  4. Clifford, Anne (1971). Cut-Steel and Berlin Iron Jewellery. Adams & Dart. p. 24. ISBN 9780239000699.
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