Care

Marcasite is a mineral that is commonly used in the making of jewelry such as brooches, watches, bracelets, and necklaces. This mineral, more popularly known as white pyrite, which is commonly mistaken for fools gold is a fabulous but really cost-effective alternative to silver or gold. Marcasite is generally a delicate stone and can be dissolved or broken down if not cared for. Therefore it is recommended to clean marcasite jewelry as often as you can in order to preserve its superb qualities.

Here are a few things that should help you care for pieces...

Wipe it... There are many things you really cannot do when cleaning marcasite jewelry. So it is best not to soak it in water or any cleaning solution. This will only weaken the integrity of the mineral. Instead, you should start by wiping the jewelry down with a clean cloth. It is best to use a simple silver polishing. You can purchase this specialized cloth in most jewellery stores. Gently wipe the jewelry with this cloth and it should absorb any dust, dirt or grime on it. If you don't have one then , then consider a simple cotton cloth is a decent substitute. You can dampen the cloth a bit should you prefer it but make sure that the jewelry is not drenched with water or any other type of solvent.

Soap it... Once the initial wipes have been accomplished, you can apply a little soap on the jewelry to remove grime and dirt that was not dislodged during the initial cleaning activity. To apply it, get an old but clean soft bristled toothbrush that is slightly damp with cold water. Apply a drop of a mild liquid soap to the toothbrush and gently scrub the jewelry with it. Be very careful at this point. You do not want to apply too much as the soap and the toothbrush may be a little bit too abrasive. Scrub until clean and rinse it off with a damp cloth. Once the traces of the soap are gone, get a nice and dry cloth, preferably lint-free, and wipe the jewelry until completely dry.

Prevention. There are a couple of other things that you should know about marcasite jewelry. First off, it does not really react well to excess moisture so make sure to keep it dry at all times. If it gets wet, never let the moisture dry naturally. Wipe it dry with a clean and dry cloth.

Secondly, try not to let the jewelry get exposed to lotions, oils, or perfume. This can weaken the mineral integrity.

Finally, should you decide to store the jewelry for future use, always use a plastic bag that you can seal. Constant oxidation may also  deter the quality of the mineral. Contrary to what other people may , never use any of the commercial jewelry solutions or solvents to clean marcasite jewelry. This can ruin your favourite piece..