Marcasite

In jewelry, iron pyrite used as gem is improperly termed marcasite Origin of name from Arabic or Moorish for pyrite. Pyrite and Marcasite share the same exact chemical make-up; however, they both differ in their interior structure. Marcasite is frequently found in inexpensive silver jewelry and watches. It was fashionable and popular in Victorian and other times where it was often used to imitate diamonds.

In better quality jewelry it is hand-set with grains or beads of metal from the setting being pushed over the edges of the stones. Marcasite occurs world-wide and is easily found in the chalk near Dover, Folkstone, and the French side of the English Channel.