Marcasite jewellery
Marcasite | |
---|---|
General | |
Category | Mineral |
Identification | |
Color | Silver/Grey |
Marcasite jewellery is jewellery made using cut and polished pieces of pyrite (fool's gold) as gemstone, and not, as the name suggests, from marcasite.[1]
Both pyrite and marcasite are chemically iron sulfide, but differ in their crystal structures, giving them
Marcasite jewellery is frequently made by setting small pieces of faceted pyrite into silver.[2] Cheaper costume jewellery is made by gluing pieces of pyrite rather than setting.[3] A similar-looking type of jewellery 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.[4]
Thailand is one of the large producers of modern marcasite jewellery in silver.[citation needed]
History
Marcasite jewellery 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 jewellery 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 jewellery. Marcasite became popular as an understated alternative for the nobility.[citation needed]
References
- ^ ISBN 1-84537-602-1.
- ^ ISBN 0-313-33507-9.
- ^ ISBN 0-595-08898-8.
- ^ ISBN 9780239000699.