Pyrite Meaning: Properties, Benefits and the Magic of Fool's Gold
With its metallic golden gleam and impossibly perfect cubes, pyrite looks almost too good to be natural. Gold prospectors certainly thought so: more than a few struck it lucky, only to find they'd filled their pockets with fool's gold. But in the world of crystals, pyrite is anything but foolish. It's one of the most loved stones for abundance, willpower and protection.
In this guide we explore what pyrite is, its meaning and spiritual meaning, its properties and benefits, and how to use and care for it.
| Colour | Brassy gold with a metallic shine |
| Mineral | Iron sulphide |
| Hardness | 6 to 6.5 on the Mohs scale |
| Chakra | Solar plexus |
| Zodiac | Leo |
| Element | Earth and fire |
| Keywords | Abundance, willpower, confidence, protection |
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Fancy carrying a little golden pyrite magic with you? Every piece is made in Cornwall, vegan and cruelty free.
What Is Pyrite?
Pyrite is an iron sulphide mineral and one of the most common sulphide minerals on Earth. It forms in an astonishing variety of shapes, from glittering clusters and flat discs called pyrite suns to perfect cubes so sharp-edged they look machine-cut. Some of the most famous cubes come from Navajún in Spain, where they grow straight out of the rock.
Its name comes from the Greek pyr, meaning fire, because pyrite throws sparks when struck against steel or flint. People used it to light fires long before matches existed, and it was later used in the firing mechanisms of early guns. The nickname fool's gold dates back to the gold rushes, when hopeful prospectors mistook its gleam for the real thing. You can tell them apart easily: pyrite is harder, more brittle, and leaves a greenish-black streak rather than a golden one.
You'll also spot little flecks of pyrite in lapis lazuli, where they sparkle like stars in a deep blue sky.
Pyrite Meaning
Pyrite is a stone of abundance. Its golden colour and sunny shine have made it a symbol of wealth and good fortune for centuries, and it's often placed on desks, by tills and in purses to welcome prosperity. It's also known as a stone of action: where some abundance stones are soft and dreamy, pyrite is all about getting things done.
Pyrite Spiritual Meaning
Spiritually, pyrite carries the energy of the sun and of fire. It's linked with the solar plexus chakra, the seat of personal power, confidence and willpower, and is said to light a fire under your ambitions. Pyrite is also a well-known protection stone, said to form a shield against negative energy, which is why many people keep a piece by the front door or on their workspace.
Pyrite Properties and Benefits
- Abundance and prosperity: the classic money crystal, alongside citrine and green aventurine. See our guide to crystals for money.
- Willpower and motivation: a cheerleader for big goals and the discipline to reach them.
- Confidence: linked with the solar plexus and with standing in your own power. See our guide to crystals for confidence.
- Protection: traditionally used to shield against negativity and draining energy.
- Focus: a grounding, practical stone for work and study. See our guide to crystals for career success.
Pyrite Chakra and Zodiac Sign
Pyrite works mainly with the solar plexus chakra, just above the belly button. It is most closely linked with Leo, the golden sign of the sun. Find the stones for your own sign in our zodiac crystal guide.
How to Use Pyrite
- Wear it: our pyrite silk necklace keeps a little golden energy close all day.
- Keep it where you work: a pyrite cube or cluster on your desk is a classic for productivity and abundance.
- Pop it in your purse: a small piece in your wallet is an old tradition for welcoming wealth.
- Pair it: pyrite with citrine for abundance, or with tiger's eye for courage. Our malachite, tiger's eye and pyrite beaded necklace brings three together.
- Use it in manifesting: hold pyrite while you picture a goal. Our guide to crystals for manifesting shows you how.
Is My Pyrite Real?
Real pyrite feels surprisingly heavy for its size, has a brassy metallic shine and often shows fine parallel lines (striations) on its faces. Rub it on the back of an unglazed tile and it leaves a greenish-black streak. Painted or plastic imitations feel light and often chip to reveal a different colour underneath.
Cleansing and Caring for Pyrite
Pyrite and water don't mix. Moisture can make it tarnish, rust or slowly break down, so never soak it, never use it in crystal water or elixirs, and dry it straight away if it gets wet. Wipe it with a dry soft cloth and store it somewhere dry. To cleanse it, use moonlight, sound, smoke or selenite, then recharge it in a little morning sun. Our guide to cleansing crystals and guide to charging crystals explain each method.
Explore more golden stones in our guides to citrine and tiger's eye, or look up any stone in our A-Z Crystal Guide.
Every piece is cleansed, energy infused, vegan and cruelty free, and 5% of all proceeds go to Pacific Wild to help protect the Great Bear Rainforest.
Pyrite FAQs
What is pyrite good for?
Pyrite is associated with abundance, willpower, confidence and protection. It's a popular crystal for work, money goals and staying motivated.
Why is pyrite called fool's gold?
Its brassy gold shine fooled many gold prospectors, who mistook it for real gold. Pyrite is harder and more brittle than gold and leaves a greenish-black streak.
Can pyrite get wet?
It's best kept dry. Water can cause pyrite to tarnish or break down over time, so cleanse it with moonlight, sound or selenite instead.
Where should I put pyrite in my home?
Popular spots include your desk, near the front door for protection, or anywhere you manage money, such as by a till or with your bills.
Which chakra is pyrite linked with?
Pyrite is linked with the solar plexus chakra, the energy centre associated with personal power and confidence.
Is pyrite a real gemstone?
Pyrite is a natural mineral. It's not a precious gemstone like gold or sapphire, but it's been treasured, carved and worn for thousands of years.
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