Description
Pyrite, or iron pyrite, is a mineral with the formula FeS2 (chemical name: iron disulfide). The mineral is an important iron and sulfur ore. It often forms well-formed (euhedral) cube-shaped crystals with characteristic striations and a golden luster. It is also called fool's gold because it was sometimes mistaken for gold. The name cat's gold is also sometimes used incorrectly; however, this refers to yellow mica or resin. Because pyrite occurs in abundance, it can create the illusion of great wealth. However, pyrite is not worth very much (although it can be sold). It is found together with other sulfur-containing minerals, but also with oxides, in quartz veins, in sedimentary rocks in coal beds, and as a replacement mineral in fossils. Pyrite is a disulfide with sulfur pairs (S2)2- and Fe2+ ions in an octahedral setting in a t2g6 low spin state. Due to the fact that both ions possess a closed configuration, it is a diamagnetic semiconductor. During the weathering of pyrite, iron (hydr)oxides are formed, releasing sulfuric acid as well. This acid can then react with other minerals, thereby leading to the formation of, for example, gypsum, alunite, and jarosite. An important source of pyrite is the island of Elba. The name pyrite is very old, derived from the ancient Indo-European word pyr (fire, cf. for example pyrotechnics for the art of fireworks, or the English pyre), because sparks could be produced by striking pyrite against flint or iron. Today, we understand flint to mean something quite different (a specific form of SiO2). Other names one may encounter for pyrite are ferrous sulfide, iron sulfide, and the less common words iron blende and pyrites. Pyrite was formerly sold as fake gold because it has a golden luster. However, the luster changes when the surface tilts; with gold, the golden luster remains the same. Pyrite is also angular, with sharp edges, and hard, whereas gold is round and soft.
The crystal skulls are works of art carved from quartz or rock crystal in the shape of human skulls. These appeared in the second half of the nineteenth century and were originally attributed to various pre-Columbian civilizations. Research in the 1990s, including the use of a scanning tunneling microscope, demonstrated that at least a number of these skulls are forgeries. These were made using grinding instruments that were not developed until the second half of the nineteenth century. There is a strong suspicion that a number of the crystal skulls were manufactured on commission for the French merchant Eugène Boban and sold by him. One of the most famous skulls is the Mitchell-Hedges skull. This was allegedly found by the British adventurer F.A. Mitchell-Hedges in a chamber beneath the ruins of Lubaantun in Belize. It later emerged that he had purchased this skull privately at the London auction house Sotheby's. His wife gave as a reason that he had merely given the skull to someone as collateral and had bought it back through Sotheby's. After the death of Anna Mitchell-Hedges, the skull came into the possession of Bill Homann. In the 1990s, it turned out that the Mitchell-Hedges skull was also a forgery. In the meantime, the necessary hype and legends have arisen surrounding the crystal skulls. Due to their supposed discovery site, they were allegedly created centuries ago by the Maya, the Aztecs or an even older pre-Columbian civilization were fabricated. They are also said to possess paranormal abilities, and one should never look them directly in the eyes. According to another legend, they have an extraterrestrial origin. Thirteen of them are said to be found on Earth. Once reunited, they would share their knowledge with humanity. Even today, the skulls still play a role in a part of the New Age community.
In fiction:
• In the 2008 film Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull, all the above legends are combined.
• The Hidden Crystal, a book by Manda Scott, deals with the crystal skulls and the Mayan 2012 phenomenon.
• In the 21st episode of season 3 of the science fiction series Stargate SG-1 from 2000 (Crystal Skull), Daniel Jackson disappears when he looks into a crystal skull.
•The Assassin's Creed series references the skulls, where they are ancient artifacts with mysterious powers.
Gemstone skulls. Gemstone skulls have been popular and mysterious for many cultures for decades. The skulls have a wide variety of meanings. Celtic skulls symbolize Time, Power, creation, initiation, and concentration. Celtic culture believes the skull is a seat of power and strength. Some texts refer to the skull as the seat of our soul. Archaeological discoveries teach us that the ancient Celts offered skulls to sacred sources. The skull is universally seen as a symbol of life and death. More recently, the skull has been linked to death and embracing our mortality. In times long past, the skull sometimes represented life. Skulls and skeletons are the symbol of the Mexican holiday, the Day of the Dead. The skull and crossbones is a popular symbol for pirates and poison. Some healers use skulls to see visions of the present, past, and future. Other materials used include rose quartz, rock crystal, rhodonite, aventurine, and hematite.
