MARCASITE Meaning and
Definition
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Marcasite is a mineral that belongs to the pyrite group, characterized by its pale brass-yellow or bronze color, metallic luster, and crystalline structure. It has a hardness of 6 to 6.5 on the Mohs scale, making it relatively brittle and prone to decay.
From a chemical perspective, marcasite is composed of iron disulfide (FeS2). It crystallizes in the orthorhombic system, forming tabular or prismatic crystals with striations. These crystals often exhibit a characteristic pseudo-hexagonal shape due to twinning. In its massive form, marcasite can be found in nodular, granular, or stalactitic aggregates.
Marcasite is typically associated with hydrothermal mineral deposits, sedimentary rocks, and in a variety of environments, including volcanic, metamorphic, and sedimentary. It is commonly found in places such as coal beds, shale, limestone, and hot spring deposits. Often regarded as a secondary mineral, marcasite is frequently formed during the alteration of other minerals, particularly pyrite.
Due to its distinctive appearance, marcasite has been used extensively in jewelry and ornamentation throughout history. However, it is important to note that marcasite jewelry often consists of pyrite rather than the actual mineral marcasite, as pyrite is more stable and resistant to decay. Despite its industrial applications in the past, marcasite is now mainly treasured for its aesthetic qualities and as a collector's gemstone.
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Iron pyrites, occurring crystallised in modified rhombic prisms, in stalactite crusts, &c., nearly tin-white, and more strongly metallic in lustre than ordinary pyrites, used in the manufacture of sulphur and sulphuric acid, also for ornamental purposes.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Common Misspellings for MARCASITE
- narcasite
- karcasite
- jarcasite
- mzrcasite
- msrcasite
- mwrcasite
- mqrcasite
- maecasite
- madcasite
- mafcasite
- matcasite
- ma5casite
- ma4casite
- marxasite
- marvasite
- marfasite
- mardasite
- marczsite
- marcssite
- marcwsite
Etymology of MARCASITE
The word "marcasite" has a complex etymology. It ultimately derives from the Arabic word "markāshīṭa" (مركاشيطة), which referred to a specific type of mineral. This term was later adopted by Medieval Latin as "marcasita" or "marchasita".
In the Middle Ages, the word "marcasite" was primarily used to refer to a type of iron sulfide mineral that resembles pyrite. It was believed to possess magical and alchemical properties.
The term "marcasite" has gone through various modifications and adaptations over time in different languages. It has remained relatively consistent in English since the Middle Ages, referring to the mineral or gemstone that displays a pale, brassy-yellow color.
It is important to note that "marcasite" is often confused with "pyrite" due to their similar appearance.
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