My journey with pyrite begins with one of my all-time favorite crystal stories. I had sent a pyrite tower to a friend as a gift—just a little something to boost his energy. A few weeks later, we met up for dinner and he was noticeably grumpy. I asked what was wrong, and he muttered something about not sleeping for days. Concerned, I followed him back to his apartment, where he gave me a quick tour. When we got to the bedroom, I gasped—there, sitting proudly on his bedside table, was the pyrite tower.
Mystery solved.
“Wait, what does pyrite do again?” he asked, now intrigued. I explained that pyrite is pure fire—high vibrational, energizing, and deeply activating. It’s a crystal of momentum and forward motion, the kind that kicks you into gear whether you’re ready or not. He paused, then smirked and said, “Well that’s why the sex has been so good!”
So consider yourself warned! Pyrite is not for the faint of heart. Embodying the energy of the divine masculine , it’s direct, focused, and productive. A great one for the office (or perhaps when you want to kindle some romantic blazes), pyrite lights something deep within. It’s a powerful stone to work with as you go after your goals. Join me as we explore the energy of pyrite further in this blog.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Where and How is Pyrite Mined?
Pyrite is mined in several places around the world, but there’s one source that truly stands out: Peru . The Huanzala Mine in the central Andes is legendary among collectors and energy workers alike, producing some of the most radiant pyrite specimens on the planet. These aren’t just any golden cubes—these are mirror-bright, geometric marvels that feel like they've been forged by ancient hands. I source many of my pyrite pieces from Peru, not just for their beauty, but because they practically hum with forward-moving energy. They’re like solar flares trapped in stone.
In Peru, much of the crystal-grade pyrite is extracted through a mix of traditional underground mining and small-scale artisanal practices . Larger operations may use controlled blasting and tunneling to access pyrite-rich veins, but the pieces that end up in your sacred space? More often than not, they come from independent miners and families who work carefully along the edges—chipping away at host rock with hand tools like hammers and chisels. These miners often work in cooperative arrangements, removing pyrite slowly and mindfully to preserve its natural geometry. After extraction, each specimen is hand-cleaned, often with nothing more than water, brushes, and time. There’s a reverence in the way this stone is pulled from the Earth—like they know it’s destined to be something more than just shiny rock.
Other notable sources include Spain , where the Iberian Pyrite Belt produces sharp, architectural cubes that almost look manmade in their perfection; China , which yields beautifully polished spheres and carvings, often paired with quartz; and the United States , where Illinois coal mines have given us rare “pyrite suns”—flat, radial formations unlike anything else. Each locale lends its own energy to the stone, but Peruvian pyrite remains my favorite: it’s wild, ancient, solar-charged, and endlessly inspiring.
The Mohs Scale of Hardness is a handy little tool geologists use to figure out just how tough (or tender) a mineral really is. It’s a scale from 1 to 10—1 being ultra-soft, like talc, and 10 being diamond-level indestructible. The rule is simple: a crystal can scratch anything lower on the scale, but anything higher can scratch it. It’s a practical way to understand how durable a stone is, especially if you're planning to carry it, wear it, or use it in your spiritual practice. After all, not all crystals are built for the hustle—some need a gentler touch.
Pyrite on the Mohs's Scale:
- Moderately Hard (6–6.5 on the Mohs Scale): Pyrite has a decent amount of grit—ranking about 6 to 6.5 on the Mohs Scale—but it’s not invincible. It’s tough enough to hold its shape in towers, clusters, and carvings, but it canbe scratched by harder minerals like quartz (7) or topaz (8). To keep that golden gleam sparkling, store pyrite away from harder stones and avoid rough handling.
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Brittle by Nature:
Despite its metallic armor, pyrite is actually brittle , which means it’s prone to chipping or even shattering if dropped. Those sharp edges and glittering cubes may look bold and unbreakable, but one good tumble could knock a corner off. It's best to treat it with care, especially if you're displaying it on a shelf or using it in grids. -
Hardness vs. Toughness:
While pyrite has respectable hardness, its low toughness means it doesn't handle impact well. Think of it like armor made of glass—durable in one sense, fragile in another. A little mindfulness goes a long way in preserving its structure, shine, and vibrant solar energy. Keep it clean, dry, and out of the chaos of your crystal pouch to help it last for years.
Why should you care:
- Fierce, Fiery, and Still Breakable — Pyrite blazes with solar energy and bold, masculine strength, but underneath that golden gleam is a structure that’s surprisingly brittle. With a hardness of 6–6.5 on the Mohs scale, it’s strong—but not invulnerable. It can chip, crack, or dull if knocked around or dropped. Its brilliance may scream confidence, but even powerhouses need mindful care.
- Protect the Spark — Pyrite is more than a shiny object—it’s a symbol of drive, focus, and divine action. Treat it like the energetic ally it is. Keep it stored away from harder stones, handle it with intention, and wipe it clean to maintain that electric glow. When honored properly, pyrite doesn’t just shine—it activates, reminding you to move boldly toward your goals.
Pyrite - Correpondences
When I think of pyrite, I immediately think of The Emperor —the embodiment of divine masculine energy in the tarot. This archetype is structure, discipline, leadership, and legacy. He’s the one who builds the kingdom, protects the boundaries, and lays the foundation for the future. He’s not here for fluff—he’s here to get things done. Pyrite mirrors that same commanding presence. It’s bold. It’s direct. It helps you tune out distractions and lock in on what truly matters.
If you’ve been spinning in circles, unsure where to begin, pyrite is your anchor. It’s a stone of clarity, confidence, and productivity . The Emperor teaches us that dreaming is beautiful, but without action, dreams remain in the clouds. Pyrite helps bring those dreams down to earth. It’s the spark that lights the fire and keeps it burning long enough to create real transformation.
This crystal is a powerful tool when you're getting clear on your goals or stepping into a new leadership role in your life. It doesn’t just whisper encouragement—it demands movement. Pyrite calls you to break free from self-doubt, fear, and the stories that keep you small. It says, “Go. Do. Build.”
At its core, pyrite is an activator . A catalyst. A stone of forward momentum. It helps you let go of caring what others think, and instead, empowers you to do what brings you joy—what makes you feel alive. Whether you’re launching a business, setting boundaries, or simply trying to stay focused in a chaotic world, pyrite holds that steady, unshakable Emperor energy. It reminds you that you are capable. You are powerful. You are in command.
Further Readings
Pyrite is often associated with abundance and protection, but for me? Its real magic lives in the Solar Plexus . This is the chakra of personal power, confidence, and will—the place where your inner fire lives. It’s your “get it done” energy. Your yes, I can center.
If you’ve been feeling stuck, insecure, or like you’re shrinking instead of shining, try this: close your eyes and bring your awareness to the space just above your navel. That’s your Solar Plexus. Breathe into it. Now place a piece of pyrite over that spot and notice what shifts. Pyrite is like a shot of energetic espresso—it brings warmth, vitality, and a surge of can-do energy that reminds you who you are.
This stone helps burn through doubt and procrastination. It clears away the mental fog that keeps you second-guessing and instead fuels aligned action. It’s bold. It’s unapologetic. It encourages you to step forward and take up space—not from ego, but from a grounded place of inner knowing. Pyrite helps you own your worth and move forward with conviction.
Over time, working with pyrite at the Solar Plexus can help you reclaim your power and trust your inner authority. It energizes your goals, strengthens your resolve, and helps you take that brave first step—even when the path ahead feels uncertain. Whether you’re launching something big or simply trying to stand taller in your everyday life, pyrite is there to remind you: You’ve got this.
Solar Plexus Chakra – Confidence and Personal Power
🌟 Ignites Inner Fire – Pyrite activates the Solar Plexus, helping you tap into your confidence, courage, and drive. It reminds you of your power and gives you permission to use it.
🌟 Melts Away Self-Doubt – This golden powerhouse clears limiting beliefs, hesitation, and fear of judgment. It helps you stop playing small and start showing up fully as you.
🌟 Boosts Motivation and Momentum – Pyrite fuels forward motion. It supports goal-setting, decision-making, and follow-through—especially when you need an energetic push to take that first brave step.
✨ Use: Place pyrite over your Solar Plexus during meditation, breathwork, or journaling. Visualize its radiant energy building a glowing sun within you—steady, strong, and unstoppable. Let that warmth rise through your body and radiate outward, fueling your next move with clarity and purpose.
"With pyrite at my center, I ignite my power, claim my worth, and move forward with unstoppable confidence."
One thing I’ve learned over the years? No two people experience pyrite the same way. And honestly, that’s part of what makes it so special. The language of crystals isn’t fixed—it’s fluid, intuitive, and deeply personal. For me, pyrite speaks in bold tones of abundance , protection , and willpower . It’s the spark that gets me moving, the shield that holds me steady, and the reminder that I’m worthy of more.
But what about you? What rises in your body—or whispers to your heart—when you hold pyrite in your hands?
Pyrite holds the heat of ancient creation— a living embodiment of the Fire element , forged in Earth’s belly and still glowing with ambition, drive, and raw potential. It doesn’t whisper. It roars. Pyrite is the spark, the blaze, the catalyst. It calls forth our will and asks, What are you ready to build?
Fire is the element of action , power , and purpose , and pyrite fans those flames with fierce loyalty. It doesn’t coddle or wait. It clears the internal debris that keeps us frozen in fear or doubt and replaces it with radiant confidence. Working with pyrite is like standing beside a sacred forge—feeling your old patterns burn away and your truest self being shaped in the heat. It gets you moving. It gets you doing.
And yet, like all sacred flames, pyrite carries wisdom, too. It teaches us to tend the fire within, not just burn bright and burn out. It reminds us that true power isn’t about domination—it’s about presence, discipline, and devotion to what matters most. Pyrite doesn’t just light the path—it helps us walk it with conviction.
In every golden facet, pyrite holds the spirit of ignition—a chance to begin again, to claim your power, and to rise with purpose. It teaches us to trust our fire, to direct it with care, and to remember that transformation isn’t a moment—it’s a series of bold, brave steps through the flame.
To hold pyrite is to remember: your light is not too much. It was never too much. It’s exactly what this world needs.
Pyrite and Leo are a cosmic power couple. Both radiate confidence, charisma, and a sense of unapologetic presence. Leo rules the heart and is fueled by passion, creativity, and the desire to leave a legacy—and pyrite amplifies that energy beautifully. It’s bold. It’s golden. It’s got main character energy. If Leo is the fire, pyrite is the spark that keeps it burning bright.
This stone helps Leo natives stay grounded in their confidence without tipping into ego. It supports them in showing up fully, leading with integrity, and shining without apology. Pyrite encourages Leos to act on their ideas, take courageous risks, and follow their heart’s calling with both fire and focus. It also offers a layer of protection—energetically shielding them from self-doubt and external judgment that might dim their light.
That said, pyrite isn’t just for Leos . Every sign can benefit from its golden glow. For those who struggle with confidence or decision-making, pyrite brings clarity and momentum. For signs that tend to overthink (hello, Virgo and Gemini), it cuts through mental fog and reminds you to act. For sensitive signs like Cancer or Pisces, it offers a fiery shield—helping you stay soft without being steamrolled.
No matter your sign, pyrite invites you to claim your power, own your worth, and move forward like you mean it. But if you happen to be a Leo? This crystal might just feel like home.
Confession: I nearly flunked out of chemistry in college. But now that I’m applying it to crystals? I’m suddenly all ears. Take pyrite , for example—its glittering gold sheen isn’t just magical, it’s science. Pyrite’s chemical formula is FeS₂ —which means it’s made up of iron (Fe) and sulfur (S) .
Iron is the same element that gives strength to your cast iron skillet and keeps your blood pumping with oxygen. Sulfur, on the other hand, is that slightly stinky element you might recognize from match heads or hot springs. When these two come together under high heat and pressure deep in the Earth, they form this dazzling metallic mineral with a bold, brassy shimmer.
So where does that golden glow come from? It’s all about how pyrite reflects light. Its crystal structure forms in perfect little cubes or pyritohedrons , and the way light bounces off those sharply defined surfaces gives pyrite its signature metallic luster. The densely packed iron atoms create that mirror-like sheen, while sulfur shapes the structure that allows it to catch and throw light like a tiny sun.
What I love is that something so elemental—just iron and sulfur—can turn into a stone that radiates strength, abundance, and fire. Pyrite reminds me that there’s alchemy in the everyday, and that even the most basic elements can transform into something dazzling with just the right amount of pressure and time.
Further Readings
"I honor my inner fire and take bold action. With pyrite by my side, I move forward with clarity, strength, and unstoppable will"
Conclusion
Pyrite isn’t for everyone—and honestly, it’s not meant to be. Its energy is bold, focused, and wildly high-vibe—more like jet fuel than herbal tea. Some folks prefer something gentler, and I totally get that. Pyrite doesn’t tiptoe in—it shows up ready to ignite your dreams and get things moving.
Personally, I like to work with pyrite intentionally. When I’m not actively calling on its energy, I tuck it away in a covered, felted box. As someone who’s extremely energy-sensitive (and not trying to manifest in my sleep, thank you very much), I’ve learned to respect its power and give it space when needed.
I hope this blog inspires you to connect with this fiery Solar Plexus baddie in your own way. Whether it’s your ride-or-die crystal or one you reach for during moments of bold action, pyrite has a way of lighting the path forward—one golden spark at a time.
The Author: Jackie Stone
Jackie Stone is a crystal healer and educator with over a decade of experience. A graduate of the Gemological Institute of America, she combines her deep expertise with a passion for sharing the magic of stones, inspiring others to connect with their healing energy.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I cleanse my Pyrite?
You can cleanse pyrite using just about any method— except water . Since it contains iron, water can cause it to rust over time, and nobody wants that. Instead, try a smoke cleanse using your favorite incense or herbs. (Shameless plug: we’re big fans of copal for this, and yep—we’ve got some available on the website!)
Can I use water to cleanse my Pyrite?
NO - skip the water for this one. Pyrite contains iron, and over time, water can cause it to rust or tarnish. Instead, try smoke cleansing with incense (we love copal ), sound healing, or placing it on a bed of selenite or in sunlight for a quick energetic refresh.
Is Pyrite ok for beginners?
Yes—but with intention. Pyrite is a powerful stone with bold, activating energy, so it’s great for beginners who feel drawn to its vibe and are ready to work with purpose. Just know it’s not the gentlest crystal on the shelf. It’s more like a cosmic coach—cheering you on, pushing you forward, and reminding you to own your power. If you’re energy-sensitive, start slow, see how it feels, and work with it in small doses.
Is Pyrite an ethically sourced crystal?
While no one can ever guarantee 100% ethical sourcing across the board, at Totems and Tarot , we go out of our way to partner with small, family-run businesses who share our values. When you support us, you're also supporting a network of small businesses around the world. The majority of our pyrite is responsibly sourced from Peru , where we work closely with trusted vendors who prioritize fair labor and sustainable practices.