How to Clean Marcasite Jewelry

Last Updated: August 22, 2021 References

Marcasite jewelry is jewelry made from pyrite, or fool’s gold. Marcasite itself, a mineral in its own right, is too brittle to be used in jewelry.^{[1]
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Research source} Marcasite jewelry upkeep depends on good day-to-day habits, but when a full cleaning is in order, it’s important to take the correct steps to avoid doing more harm than good to this fragile stone.

Part 1

Part 1 of 2:

Cleaning Your Marcasite Jewelry

1
Prepare your workspace. Cover a clear, flat surface with a clean towel to catch any water or polish that might spill.
2
Use cotton, nitrile or latex gloves if necessary. If your marcasite is set in silver, make sure to use gloves to prevent fingerprints from tarnishing.

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3
Get a soft cloth. This will be your primary cleaning tool, so make sure it is clean and free of rough spots.
4
Dampen the cloth if desired. Marcasite can be cleaned with either a dry or slightly damp cloth; damp cloths may help clean the jewelry from tougher spots of tarnish or dirt.^{[2]
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5
Polish the marcasite with the cloth. Use gentle, careful strokes.
6
Dry completely. If you’re using a damp cloth to polish the stone, make sure to use a separate, dry cloth to dry it immediately after. ^{[3]
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7
Polish silver areas separately with silver polish or a cloth. Marcasite stones are often set in silver, which you might choose to clean as well. Make sure to use a separate cleaning cloth so that the polish does not damage the marcasite. ^{[4]
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- If you use a cloth, you can purchase a special silver cloth or use a soft cotton T-shirt. ^{[5]
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  Research source} Use long, back-and-forth strokes that follow the grain of the silver.
- If you use a silver polish, apply a small amount to a cotton ball, pad, or cloth and gently polish it across the silver. Popular silver cleaners include Hagerty Silversmith’s, Blitz, and Earth Friendly products. ^{[6]
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- Use a Q-tip to get to small, tighter spaces in the jewelry.
8
Leave the jewelry out on a cloth to dry overnight. This is especially important if you've used a damp cloth or any water in during your cleaning.
9
Avoid steamers, chemical or ultrasonic cleaners. Marcasite tends to be fragile, so it’s best to keep your cleaning routine simple and non-intensive.^{[7]
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- If you feel your jewelry needs a deeper clean than just water or dry polishing, consult your jeweler.

Part 2

Part 2 of 2:

Caring for Marcasite Day-to-Day

1
Remove marcasite jewelry before washing your hands or doing the dishes. Marcasite gems are secured using jeweler’s cement, which loosens if it comes in contact with dish detergent or is submerged in water^{[8]
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2
Reattach marcasite stones using epoxy glue.^{[9]
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Research source} This glue is strong, dries clear, and is more reliable than superglue.
- Set up your workspace. Have paper towels ready in case of spills or mistakes.
- Dab a small amount of glue on the back of the gem and carefully place it in its setting.
- Adjust the fit of your stone before the glue dries. This is usually within 5-10 minutes, depending on the brand of glue. ^{[10]
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- Let the piece dry overnight before wearing it.
- Popular jeweler’s glues include E-6000 or Beacon 527.^{[11]
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3
Look out for signs of dirt or tarnish. They will built up occasionally around the marcasite or the silver setting around it, which means your marcasite piece is in need of a deeper cleaning.

Community Q&A

Question

If a piece of marcasite jewelry has silvery clasps or backing, can it be cleaned with silver cleaner?

Community Answer

I would only clean the clasps - I cleaned my marcasite part and ruined the whole piece. Jewelry cleaner or toothpaste will work.
Question

What polish do I use to for Marcasite jewelry?

Community Answer

Use silver polish or rubbing alcohol. You can also try baking soda and water.
Question

How can you polish a ruined necklace caused by using a sonic cleaner?

Community Answer

Marcasite is cleaned using a special glass brush. A jeweler might have one.