Pyrite

Pyrite takes its name from the Greek pyros, meaning “fire,” due to its ability to spark when struck. With its metallic, gold-toned lustre, it was used in prehistoric times to ignite flames, and later served as a natural mirror — Indigenous peoples of the Americas crafted reflective surfaces from it. Frequently mistaken for gold because of its brassy to golden-yellow colour, pyrite earned the nickname “fool’s gold.” Its sedimentary and magmatic origins even allow it to appear within certain meteorites, a reminder of its formation in extreme environments. Pyrite is admired for its geometry: perfect cubes, sharp-edged dodecahedrons and surfaces etched with fine striations. The most remarkable deposits are found in Spain, Italy and Peru. Used in ancient Greek jewellery, it remains a favourite of contemporary designers such as Pippa Small. Associated in various traditions with vitality, focus and mental clarity, pyrite is seen as a grounding, energising stone. A raw, graphic and luminous material — instantly recognisable and unmistakably powerful.