Marcasite is one of those misnomers which will haunt and confuse anyone that is buying or considering buying some jewelry of that particular stripe. Marcasite is not ever used as a gem; the unstable cell structure which causes it to break or crumble under any of the very least of stressors so it would be not only a very impractical consideration for jewelry, but it would also be unreliable for quantity and content and for this reason the marcasite has never been considered jewelry.
Marcasite is often confused with pyrite and so this is one of the biggest misnomers when discussing the lighter, more brittle marcasite. If you're a jewelry store and you find a jeweler who is trying to sell you marcasite as jewelry then you know that this guy is not good. Marcasite is sometimes called White iron pyrite and this may be where the confusion comes in.
If you are in the mood for getting some jewelry that is called marcasite even though it may not be marcasite, you can do so. It would just be a good idea to call out your jeweler or to have them make their case so that you’re both clear about the fact that even though your jewelry may be called marcasite, it is, in fact, not.
Some of the popular types of faux marcasite that is available include what is called marcasite beads, marcasite rings, marcasite spoon rings, marcasite earrings, marcasite pendants, marcasite clasps, or marcasite necklace chains. There are also a number of other more classic items which are misrepresented as being marcasite as well including amethyst marcasite, emerald marcasite, and vintage marcasite bracelets.
There is a whole other line of some of this jewelry which isn’t even legitimate including marcasite frog and lizard jewelry. While the manufactures of this jewelry no doubt understand that what they are selling is not marcasite, they call it so anyway.
While some jewelers may think it is alright if they misrepresent themselves by saying they are selling marcasite jewelry even when it is not really marcasite, it should be brought to their attention. While the industry practice is to call pyrite by the name marcasite, it is not in fact correct and it should be brought to everyone's attention without delay. For if you feel that you are being misled by unscrupulous jewelers you should bring it to the attention of the Better Business Bureau in your area and have them cited for this misrepresentation.
