Magnificent pyrite sphere. Sphere - Height: 60 mm - Width: 60 mm- 330 g - (1)
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Selected by Georgia Foteinou
Holds BSc in geology and post-graduate qualifications in geochemistry.
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Magnificent pyrite sphere from Peru, 60 mm in diameter and weighing 330 g.
AI-assisted summary
Description from the seller
The name of this gemstone comes from the Greek 'pyrites lithos' which means 'the stone of sparks'.
It is also called 'fool's gold'. This nickname comes from its deceptive golden gleam that misled many miners, especially during the Gold Rush in the United States, causing them to believe they had discovered real gold deposits.
It was also called 'the stone of the Incas', due to its importance in Inca culture.
During prehistory, pyrite was already known. By striking it against another stone, such as flint, it produced sparks and was used to start fires. Artefacts found at archaeological sites show that this method was used by many prehistoric cultures around the world.
In ancient Greece, it was used to create jewelry.
Among the Incas, it was used in religious rituals and ceremonies. Because of its golden luster, it was considered a sacred stone associated with the Sun, which the Incas worshipped as a god. It was polished to serve as mirrors used in the rituals.
They also used it in the creation of jewelry and ornaments.
Medieval alchemists were fascinated by this precious stone because of its deceptive resemblance to real gold. Although it contained no gold, the alchemists believed it possessed mystical properties that could be exploited to transmute it into gold.
This gemstone was sometimes used as a source of golden pigment in art and decoration. In particular, illuminated manuscripts and some medieval paintings used pyrite powders to create gold and metallic effects. This practice was not as common as the use of genuine gold leaf, but it offered a cheaper alternative.
During the Victorian era, jewelers used it to make jewelry—such as brooches, rings, necklaces, and other pieces—because of its attractive golden luster. This practice was particularly popular because it offered an affordable and aesthetically pleasing alternative.
It took until the middle of the 19th century for it to be designated by its current name, given by the Austrian mineralogist Wilhelm Karl Ritter von Haidinger.
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About our lots:
We prioritize excellent customer service and reliability, as your experience and satisfaction are of the utmost importance to us. Feel free to browse our fantastic feedback from other buyers, which shows that we are highly rated. Each of our items is photographed individually, which ensures that the attached photos accurately represent the actual item for sale.
The name of this gemstone comes from the Greek 'pyrites lithos' which means 'the stone of sparks'.
It is also called 'fool's gold'. This nickname comes from its deceptive golden gleam that misled many miners, especially during the Gold Rush in the United States, causing them to believe they had discovered real gold deposits.
It was also called 'the stone of the Incas', due to its importance in Inca culture.
During prehistory, pyrite was already known. By striking it against another stone, such as flint, it produced sparks and was used to start fires. Artefacts found at archaeological sites show that this method was used by many prehistoric cultures around the world.
In ancient Greece, it was used to create jewelry.
Among the Incas, it was used in religious rituals and ceremonies. Because of its golden luster, it was considered a sacred stone associated with the Sun, which the Incas worshipped as a god. It was polished to serve as mirrors used in the rituals.
They also used it in the creation of jewelry and ornaments.
Medieval alchemists were fascinated by this precious stone because of its deceptive resemblance to real gold. Although it contained no gold, the alchemists believed it possessed mystical properties that could be exploited to transmute it into gold.
This gemstone was sometimes used as a source of golden pigment in art and decoration. In particular, illuminated manuscripts and some medieval paintings used pyrite powders to create gold and metallic effects. This practice was not as common as the use of genuine gold leaf, but it offered a cheaper alternative.
During the Victorian era, jewelers used it to make jewelry—such as brooches, rings, necklaces, and other pieces—because of its attractive golden luster. This practice was particularly popular because it offered an affordable and aesthetically pleasing alternative.
It took until the middle of the 19th century for it to be designated by its current name, given by the Austrian mineralogist Wilhelm Karl Ritter von Haidinger.
About the shipment:
With us, you can always count on careful and reliable shipping, so please pay promptly to avoid delays.
When you purchase multiple lots, you only pay the shipping fees once.
Make sure that each batch is eligible for combined shipping.
About our lots:
We prioritize excellent customer service and reliability, as your experience and satisfaction are of the utmost importance to us. Feel free to browse our fantastic feedback from other buyers, which shows that we are highly rated. Each of our items is photographed individually, which ensures that the attached photos accurately represent the actual item for sale.
Details
Number of items
1
Main Mineral
Magnificent pyrite sphere.
Mineral Form
Sphere
Weight
330 g
Country of Origin
Peru
Height
60 mm
Width
60 mm
Sold by
Disclaimer
It is believed that certain gemstones and minerals have beneficial health and spiritual properties. However, using or wearing gemstones or minerals does not mean that you can treat, cure or prevent any disease. Please consult your health care professional for information on health care issues and do not stop any medications or courses of treatment, without first consulting your health care professional. The use of gemstones or minerals as a wellness therapy is one of personal choice. While stones or crystals have been used historically to relieve or prevent symptoms, the objects sold on our website offer no guarantee of results. Therefore, Catawiki cannot guarantee or be held liable for the effectiveness of these objects sold herein.
It is believed that certain gemstones and minerals have beneficial health and spiritual properties. However, using or wearing gemstones or minerals does not mean that you can treat, cure or prevent any disease. Please consult your health care professional for information on health care issues and do not stop any medications or courses of treatment, without first consulting your health care professional. The use of gemstones or minerals as a wellness therapy is one of personal choice. While stones or crystals have been used historically to relieve or prevent symptoms, the objects sold on our website offer no guarantee of results. Therefore, Catawiki cannot guarantee or be held liable for the effectiveness of these objects sold herein.
