Marcasite is a naturally occurring mineral that are found in sedimentary rocks is mostly composed of iron and sulfur, giving it a pale yellow or off white color with black streaks.  In jewelry, however, the marcasite used is actually pyrite.  This is because real marcasite is brittle and is unsuitable for jewelry.

Pyrite looks very similar to marcasite, and even have the same chemical structure, but it is better formed.  Due to it being found in nature, pyrite has been used for jewelry since the ancient times, back to the time of Ancient Greek and pieces of marcasite jewelry have been found in Incan burial sites.  But it was only during the 18th century that marcasite jewelry gained a wide following when it was made into brooches, lockets, rings and cameos.

Marcasite is often set in silver or steel.  Marcasite jewelry are often described as vintage or antique-looking.  But what makes marcasite jewelry a top gem today is the dazzling quality it lends to pieces.  Just take a look at these marcasite pieces from Luster Forever.

Sterling Silver Linked Oval Marcasite Bracelet

The vintage look on this bracelet is perfect for classic gowns and formal events.

Marcasite also looks great in rings.   Depending on how it is set, it adds a certain degree of elegance and fab.

Marcasite Ring in Sterling Silver

Although marcasite chains are rare due to its thickness, you could still wear marcasite on your neck with beautiful and bedazzling pendants like this one:

Sterling Silver Dark Marcasite Cross Pendant

Or perhaps a more feminine and more elaborate look like this one:

Sterling Silver Marcasite Cut Out Butterfly Pendant

And lastly, marcasite for the ears:

Sterling Silver Marcasite Stone Spiral Earrings

As you can see, you can have a complete marcasite get up to give you an air of elegance and class.  Marcasite really makes for dazzling jewelry without going over the top.

And the best part is, you look exquisite without really spending too much money as marcasite jewelry are very friendly to the budget.  These pieces are all around $30.  Hard to believe that something so classy could be so affordable!