Marcasite Gemstone: Properties, Meanings, Value & More

Marcasite is a brassy yellow gemstone with a brilliant metallic luster. The stone is quite similar to pyrite, with only a few notable differences but lots of intertwined history.

Throughout the years, marcasite has been valued as a source of sulfur and a sparkling addition to jewelry or decor at a lower price than precious gems like diamonds. Vintage marcasite jewelry was diverse, from nature-inspired Victorian brooches to geometric Art Deco designs.

Today, marcasite isn’t as popular as pyrite, but it still sparkles with historical charm.

Come along as we go over marcasite’s properties, history, benefits, prices, and more!

About Marcasite Stone

First, is marcasite a precious stone? No, marcasite is a semi-precious gemstone, though it often accents or substitutes for precious gemstones like diamonds.

Marcasite is also called “white iron pyrite.” Just like its sister-stone pyrite, marcasite can be mistaken for gold. But gold is softer, denser, and more tarnish-resistant, along with having a yellow streak.

Marcasite Uses

In the past, marcasite was used to source sulfur. Today, the only industrial use of marcasite is to create sulfuric acid for producing fertilizer, though pyrite is preferred.

Marcasite Specifications & Characteristics

Marcasite is an iron sulfide mineral, the same composition as pyrite. They share many similarities in appearance and properties, but pyrite has a cubic (or isometric) crystal system, while marcasite has an orthorhombic crystal system. This makes them dimorphs or polymorphs.

Additionally, pyrite is more durable, as marcasite is more brittle and less stable, meaning it will break apart or tarnish more easily.

Given their similarities, how can you tell if marcasite is real or if it's pyrite?

Both minerals have the same Mohs hardness, but marcasite has a lower density, meaning it’s lighter weight. You can also perform streak tests — best on unfinished gems to prevent damage — as pyrite has a greenish-black to brownish-black streak while marcasite has a gray to black streak.

After forming, marcasite crystals are usually tabular or pyramidal, commonly with curved faces and deep striation lines. Twinning can produce spearhead and cockscomb shapes. Marcasite can also be globular, reniform, stalactitic, radial, or massive. Some specimens are even found as geodes or fossils replacing organic matter.

Here are marcasite’s mineral properties:

• Mohs hardness: 6-6.5

• Color: Pale brassy yellow, silvery-yellow, greenish-yellow, brownish, or white; Tin-white to pale yellow on freshly exposed surfaces; Tarnishes easily to brownish color

• Crystal structure: Orthorhombic

• Luster: Metallic or submetallic

• Transparency: Opaque

• Refractive index: 1.81+ (over-the-limit)

• Density: 4.85-4.89

• Cleavage: Distinct on [101]; In traces on [110]

• Fracture: Uneven/irregular, subconchoidal, or conchoidal

• Streak: Dark gray to black

• Luminescence: None

• Pleochroism: Present - creamy white to light yellowish-white to light rose-brown

• Birefringence: None

• Dispersion: None

• Optical phenomenon: Sometimes iridescent

Pictured above: Marcasite agate

Types of Marcasite

Like pyrite, as well as other gems like selenite or barite, marcasite’s various crystal habits are often given names. Some examples are:

• Marcasite Dollar / Marcasite Sun: Flat disc of radiating crystals

• Cockscombs: Groups of conjoined crystals that are flat, tabular, and thin, resembling the cockscomb flower

• Sperkise: Twin spearhead-shaped crystal on [101]

There are couple varieties of marcasite as well:

• Blueite: Nickel-bearing variety

• Lonchidite: Arsenic-bearing variety; Also called kausimkies, kyrosite, lonchandite, or metalonchidite

Also worth mentioning is marcasite agate, also called nipomo agate, an agate or chalcedony variety with marcasite and pyrite inclusions. It’s usually grayish-blue and orange-brown.

Marcasite Meaning & History

What does marcasite symbolize? Marcasite crystals symbolize self-expression, wisdom, and bravery. They’re also believed to be talismans for creativity and spiritual development.

Ancient History

Folks have been admiring marcasite gemstones for centuries. Ancient Greeks, including Cleopatra herself, adorned themselves in marcasite jewelry. Incas decorated with huge marcasite slabs, along with using it to adorn jewelry and ceremonial objects.

Part of the appeal of marcasite was its incredible metallic shine, but many ancients also interpreted marcasite’s spiritual meaning as offering protection.

Modern History

Marcasite’s history is heavily intertwined with pyrite. In fact, the name “marcasite” derives from the Arabic marqashītā, meaning “fire stone” or “pyrite.” Among miners, pyrite crystals were called “marcasites” until the 1800s.

In fact, the word “marcasite” referred to all iron sulfides (including pyrite) from the 1300s to 1700s. Marcasite wasn’t defined as a distinct mineral until Austrian mineralogist Wilhelm Karl von Haidinger described it in 1845.

The earliest written record of marcasite before this was a letter written in 1665 by English astronomer Walter Pope regarding marcasite’s presence in Slovenian mercury ores.

During the Georgian era (1714-1837), marcasite gems were popular as both accent stones for expensive jewelry and diamond substitutes for more affordable pieces. The popularity only increased during the Victorian era (1837-1901) when Queen Victoria herself wore it.

Designs shifted to Art Deco and Art Nouveau styles in 1920s marcasite jewelry. The gem saw a resurgence in jewelry during the 1990s and modern times with renewed interest in vintage styles.

However, it’s important to note that most vintage “marcasite” jewelry is actually pyrite, as the jewelry definition of marcasite follows the earlier definitions before marcasite was officially defined as a distinct mineral.

Marcasite Stone Healing Properties

Marcasite can be used as a healing stone. As a yellow gemstone, marcasite can be a chakra stone for the solar plexus chakra along with offering greater fulfillment.

Physical Healing

Purported physical marcasite stone benefits include:

• Protection from environmental pollutants (e.g. EMF emissions)

• Strengthening memory

• Treating respiratory issues

Emotional Healing

Emotionally, marcasite is believed to protect you from negativity, encourage introspection, and boost self-confidence. It may inspire artistic or architectural creativity and reduce burnout.

Marcasite Gemstone Properties

Despite the rarity of marcasite gemstones, they’re still graded on standard properties like color, cut, and carat weight.

Color

Marcasite doesn’t have an array of colors, but the white, pale brassy to bronzey yellow, or greenish-yellow hues are favored over the brownish hue that occurs from tarnishing.

Many specimens display iridescence, which changes the color and luster.

Cut

Marcasite can be dangerous to cut (discussed more in the Care & Maintenance section), so lapidarists have to wear proper safety equipment when doing so. The stone’s cleavage and brittle nature also make faceting marcasites quite tricky.

Victorian-era marcasites often had flat backs and a flattened-rose cut. Today, many marcasite gems available are cabochons. It can also be polished into decorative slabs.

Carat Weight & Size

Marcasite cabochons are available in a wide range of sizes, as marcasite masses are readily available.

Marcasite Formation & Sources

Marcasite can form as a primary mineral in sedimentary rocks (as the rock forms), as a secondary mineral (from other minerals being altered), or from hydrothermal activity. It usually forms in highly acidic, low-temperature conditions like precipitation from acidic waters.

Primary marcasite minerals are found in sedimentary rocks like shales, limestones, clays, and coal beds. Secondary marcasite minerals usually start as pyrrhotite or chalcopyrite minerals.

In some cases, a primary mineral doesn’t fully become a secondary mineral, resulting in a pseudomorph. Marcasite can pseudomorph with goethite, fossils, limonite, and hematite, to name a few.

Mining Locations

Where is marcasite found? Marcasite is very common, found worldwide. Significant sources of gem-quality marcasite are:

• Austria

• Bolivia

• Czechia

• England

• France

• Germany

• Myanmar

• Slovakia

• USA (Illinois, Kansas, Missouri, Oklahoma, Wisconsin)

Marcasite Stone Price & Value

Is marcasite worth anything? Authentic marcasite gemstones and jewelry, especially vintage, can be valuable. However, most marcasite stones are quite affordable.

Vintage marcasite jewelry prices largely depend on the year and the value of any additional metals or gemstones, as many pieces only use marcasites as accent stones.

Pieces that only use marcasite gemstones and silver settings are generally $30 to $200. Jewelry with more valuable gems or metals can reach $1,000 or higher.

Loose cabochons are much lower in price. You can find most marcasite cabochons for under $10 and marcasite agate cabochons for around $30-$40 (roughly $1 per carat.)

Marcasite Care and Maintenance

Proper gemstone care for marcasite involves personal safety. The toxicity risk for marcasite is medium, and you can’t get marcasite wet. Moisture can make marcasite release sulfuric acid, which is a corrosive substance.

The best way to preserve your marcasite stone and your own health is to wear safety gear while handling it (e.g. mask, gloves, goggles) and thoroughly wash your hands after. Store marcasite in a space with humidity under 60 percent, separately from other gemstones or valuable materials.

How do you clean old marcasite jewelry? Whether it’s marcasite or pyrite, the safest cleaning method is wiping it down with a soft, dry cloth.

Marveling at Marcasite Yet?

Marcasite may be the lesser-known sister of pyrite, but it has its own historical value. After all, this shining gem adorned numerous royals from Cleopatra to Queen Victoria! Beautiful raw marcasite crystals or cut gems (stored safely) are a must-have in any collection!

Buy marcasite gemstones today!