Pyrite

PYRITE
** We've all heard of Fool's Gold--that bane of the Old West Gold Rush. Pyrite is a common mineral with a brassy yellow or gray-yellow metallic color. It is heavy (thought not nearly as heavy as gold), and was often mistaken for gold by frustrated miners. Unfortunately, it had no commercial value. Interestingly, though, the rock formations that contain Pyrite often contain Gold as well, so the experienced miner, having found Pyrite, might press on in the same locale, knowing that he might find Gold in the same area.
** When Pyrite is cut into small faceted gems and used in jewelry, it is called by its commercial name Marcasite. However, Marcasite tends to tarnish easily and actually does not make a very stable gemstone.
** Crystal healers use Pyrite as a general aid in metal activity. It helps improve memory, aids concentration and learning, and improves communication skills. It is thought to balance creative & intuitive impulses with practical impulses, and thus makes a very good stone to wear when dealing in business and education.
** The word "Pyrite" comes from the Greek pyrites lithos, meaning "stone which strikes fire." Ancient Greeks discovered that sparks were produced when iron was struck with a lump of Pyrite. For this reason, Pyrite was often used as a fire-starting stone similar to flint.
** Some Native American groups make mirrors out of Pyrite. Gazing into the mirrors, they say they can see the future, and see into a person's soul.