ORE FEATURES
A biweekly publication of Ozark Rock Exchange
VOL 2: Issue 2, November 4, 2000
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Main: >> Start Page >> ORE Features Archives >> 2000 >> Pyrite | |
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ORE’S Featured Gemstone: Pyrite by Stephanie Pflumm I find it a little sad that this bright and fascinating mineral has a nickname that begins with Fool. Prospectors and rock collectors call Pyrite Fool’s Gold. Yes, it does resemble Gold in its physical appearance, but the similarities end there. Pyrite cannot be bent or shaped like Gold can, it is much more brittle. Striking Pyrite with steel will cause the sulfur to spark. Pyrite is disulfide of Iron. This metallic crystal grows in cubes, nodules, massive groups of tiny crystals (often with Quartz crystals inter-mixed), as crusts on matrix stones or can be found as flat discs called Pyrite Suns. In rare occurrences Pyrite will form eight or five sided crystals that terminate in flat points. Another unique Pyrite formation are Iron Crosses, interpenetrated twin crystals. Pyrite has found a way to take shape in almost every kind of stone, all over the world. It occurs in sedimentary stones, pegmatites, metamorphic and igneous stones. Pyrite has been associated with Coal, Gold, Copper, Quartz, Fluorite, Calcite, Galena and many minerals and crystals. Unlike other Iron ore crystals such as Hematite, Pyrite is not a good source for Iron. The sulfur is difficult to remove and the result is not a pure ore. Before the 1800’s Pyrite was highly favored as a decorative stone. Its hard nature holds sharp edges and fine shapes for many years. Rosettes, shoe buckles, rings, snuff boxes and other personal ornaments were carved from Pyrite. Gem dealers have been known to confuse Marcasite with Pyrite. Marcasite is also an iron sulfide, but crystallized in a different manner. Marcasite is unstable and often crumbles into powder when you try to carve it. Pyrite is easy to find. It is mined in Arizona, Colorado, New York, Missouri, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Utah, Virginia and that’s just the United States. Specimens are found in Spain, Portugal, South Africa, Russia, Germany, Peru and hundreds of other locations around our globe. From our earliest beginnings we recognized the energies in Pyrite. The name is Greek, from the word pyr which means fire. Native American and Incan societies used polished Pyrite mirrors to discern the future. Cultures around the world carved amulets for protection and magic. It was one of the first healing stones to be used in a Shaman’s Medicine Bag. Earth energies from Iron and Fire energies from sulfur make Pyrite a perfect tool for balancing or activating your base Chakra. Use the Fire’s light to illuminate and clarify what is really happening in your life and see the changes you need to make. Pyrite helps you communicate more openly and honestly. It provides both emotional and physical protection creating a bright shield around you. If you are unsure or indecisive, carry a Pyrite with you to boost your self confidence. The reflective qualities of the stone make it an excellent meditation or divination tool. Pyrite will help ease menstrual discomforts and balance your hormonal rhythms. A close friend uses a crystal regularly to ease her problems with heavy flow. The stone is useful in clearing up confusing physical symptoms allowing for easier diagnosis. Pyrite Suns draw pain from the body and ease depression. Nurses or those that work with young children, Pyrite can help you build up your defenses against infectious diseases. You can also use it to ease swelling or lower your fever. I have used it primarily as a North stone on my altar and to ease my confused, pre menopausal reproductive system. Pictures of Pyrite - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - SUBSCRIBER’S SPECIAL: FREE PYRITE! Receive a FREE small Pyrite with any purchase from Ozark Rock Exchange. You can shop on line at http://www.ozarkrockexchange.com/catalog.shtml You can also place your order by email ( stephanie@ozarkrockexchange.com ), or send your telephone number for a phone appointment. Discount will be taken at the time of purchase. You must be a subscriber as of November 4, 2000 to be eligible for the Subscriber’s Special; the Subscriber Special is not valid with other offers (unless otherwise stated), the Special will expire November 19, 2000. Remember shipping is always FREE at Ozark Rock Exchange! Samhain was this week and an important part of many Samhain celebrations includes honoring those that have moved onto new worlds. I decided to share how I honor my ancestors. First, I define my ancestors as those that left this world before me. This includes an ex-husband, grandparents, uncles, a very close cousin, friends and the ancients ones that bless me with support and knowledge. When someone close to me, or that I have a connection to dies (for instance, when Mel Carnahan, the Missouri governor died), I wear a Spirit Pouch to honor that individual and to let them know that I will always carry a bit of their essence with me. The pouch was made for me by a medicine man. It is constructed of leather, decorated with a piece of Jet and contains a tiny crystal point. I believe that one of the greatest gifts we have is the ability to experience the rich textures of life. Joy, laughter, beauty, wonder, all these are emotions that give our lives meaning and a kind of nourishment. I believe our Spirit Brothers and Sisters miss these physical sensations and I use my Spirit Pouch to help share our uniquely human pleasures with my Ancestors. I honor the dead by living. The Fifth Goddess ~ sex, drugs and rock & roll with a Still Lots Of Time to Get Extra Entries In!!! Thank you so much for your generous recommendations of ORE FEATURES to friends. Several of you have already gotten extra entries into the Subscriber’s drawing for a giant Smoky Quartz sphere with the beautiful rainbows, value $120.00. Of course all new subscribers that you invite AND yourself are entered into a drawing for a 3-4inch Rose Quartz sphere, value $50.00. ALL subscribers as of 7:00am (central time) October 21 are automatically entered into the drawing for this gorgeous giant sphere. If you received the Anniversary issue of ORE FEATURES in your mailbox October 21, you do not need to do anything to be entered. Drawing will be held Thursday night November 16 at 10:00pm. Recommend ORE FEATURES to a friend, or lots of friends between now and November 16. Every friend that subscribes to ORE FEATURES (make sure they mention your name) will give you an additional chance in the Smoky Quartz drawing. THEN you and your friend(s) will be entered in a drawing for the Rose Quartz sphere. Your name will be entered in each drawing every time a new subscriber mentions that you sent them to Ozark Rock Exchange. New subscribers may send an email to subscribe@ozarkrockexchange.com , or subscribe on any page at http://www.ozarkrockexchange.com Drawing will be held Thursday night 10:05pm November 16, 2000. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Please feel free to share with a friend. |
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