Popularly known as Fool's Gold, Iron Pyrite is an iron ore that forms in natural crystalline nuggets with a deceptive golden sheen. It is impossible to tell how many prospectors, miners and investors have been fooled over the centuries by nuggets of Iron Pyrite scattered throughout gold mines (sometimes deliberately).

Iron Pyrite is used in any type of magic that deals with things which are not what they seem, such as casting enchantments and glamors, seeing through the spells, intrigues and lies of others and reading between the lines. It is a very useful stone for anyone who is gullible, too trusting or easily deceived. Keep a piece of Iron Pyrite with you when looking at any correspondence and it is said that the crystal will help you read between the lines, alerting you to lies, exaggerations or words that are designed to deceive you.

Working with Iron Pyrite is said to teach you when to speak out and when to stay silent, as well as enhancing eloquence and giving you the courage to speak your mind on the things that are important to you without fear of criticism or ridicule. It is also said to help improve tact and diplomacy and can be used by the unscrupulous to tell more convincing lies or persuade others to agree with their point of view.

In crystal healing, Iron Pyrite is used to cleanse and purify the blood, improve circulation and treat disorders of the lungs, respiratory tract and digestive system. It can be used to help increase the flow of energy in the body and in some cases to break through energy blockages that may be manifesting as physical illness or depression.

Spiritually, Iron Pyrite is an excellent stone for grounding excess energy and can help you keep your feet on the ground when working with crystals like Phenacite or Azeztulite that have very high spiritual energies. It seems to be both calming and energizing to people suffering the side effects of stress or nervous exhaustion. Meditation with Pyrite is said to help you center yourself, access your inner reserves of personal power and learn to stand up for yourself - all of which can help immensely if you are trapped in a stressful situation in life.

Iron Pyrite is usually considered a 'solar' stone, in tune with the energy of the Sun God and helpful for channeling healing, confidence and success into your life. Traditionally ruled by Mars, it is a good stone for those born under the sign of Aries, and to a slightly lesser degree Scorpio and Sagittarius.