Real vs. Fake Pyrite: 7 Simple Tests to Identify Original Pyrite in India.

In the world of crystal healing, Pyrite (famously known as "Fool's Gold") has become the ultimate "Money Magnet" in India. Whether it is for Vastu, career growth, or attracting wealth, Pyrite is flying off the shelves of online marketplaces.

However, with high demand comes a flood of fakes. Many sellers are passing off painted resin, coated glass, or even cheap industrial slag as authentic Pyrite. If you are investing in a real pyrite bracelet or raw cluster, you need to know exactly what you are paying for.

Here are 7 simple, lab-backed tests to identify original Pyrite in India.

1. The Weight Test (Density Check)

Authentic Pyrite is a mineral composed of iron and sulfur. Because of its iron content, it is significantly heavier than it looks.

• The Test: Place the stone or bracelet in your palm. Real Pyrite feels dense and "grounded."

• The Fake: If it feels light, like plastic or hollow glass, it is almost certainly a counterfeit. Natural Pyrite has a specific gravity of about 4.8 to 5.0, making it much heavier than common imitations.

2. The "Matchstick" Smell Test

This is one of the most reliable ways to identify raw Pyrite. Since it is a sulfide mineral, it carries a distinct chemical signature.

• The Test: Rub the stone vigorously with your thumb for 20 seconds to create friction heat, then sniff it.

• The Result: Original Pyrite will emit a faint, sharp smell similar to sulfur or a struck matchstick. Fake stones made of resin or glass will have no smell or may smell like burnt plastic.

3. The Scratch Test (Mohs Hardness)

Pyrite is surprisingly tough, ranking 6 to 6.5 on the Mohs scale of mineral hardness.

• The Test: Try to scratch a piece of common glass or a copper coin with a sharp edge of your Pyrite.

• The Result: Real Pyrite is harder than glass and will leave a scratch on it. Conversely, if you can scratch the stone easily with a regular stainless steel knife or a copper penny, it is likely a softer fake (like gold-colored Calcite or lead).

4. Visual Inspection: Striations & Cubes

Nature has a specific way of "printing" Pyrite. Look for geometric perfection that looks almost man-made but isn't.

• The Signs: Real Pyrite often forms in perfect cubes or pyritohedrons. If you look closely at the faces of a raw cluster with a magnifying glass, you should see parallel lines (striations).

• The Fake: Counterfeits often look too smooth, rounded, or have "bubbly" surfaces typical of molded resin.

5. The Streak Test (For Experts)

If you have a raw stone (not a polished bracelet), the streak test is the "gold standard."

• The Test: Rub the stone across the back of an unglazed ceramic tile (the rough white part).

• The Result: Even though Pyrite looks golden, it will leave a greenish-black or brownish-black streak. If the streak is golden or yellow, you might actually have real Gold! If there is no streak or it looks like white powder, it's a fake.

6. Magnetism Check

While Pyrite contains iron, it is generally not magnetic in its pure form.

• The Test: Hold a strong neodymium magnet near the stone.

• The Result: A real Pyrite stone should not jump to the magnet. If it is strongly attracted, it might be a synthetic material mixed with heavy iron filings or magnetite.

7. Pyrite Stone Price in India (The Reality Check)

In 2026, the market for crystals in India is regulated but still varies.

• Raw Clusters: Generally range from ₹1,000 to ₹3,500 per kg depending on the quality and origin (Peru Pyrite is usually the most premium).

• Bracelets: A genuine, lab-certified Pyrite bracelet typically costs between ₹600 to ₹1,500.

• Red Flag: If you see a "Natural Pyrite Cluster" for ₹100 or ₹200 on a random social media ad, it is almost certainly a gold-painted rock or glass. buy original pyrite from us buy pyrite.

Pro-Tip: The "Water Warning"

Once you buy your stone, remember: Never cleanse Pyrite in water. Because it is an iron sulfide, water can cause it to oxidize (rust), turning your beautiful golden stone into a dull, brownish mess and potentially releasing mild sulfuric acid. Use incense (agarbatti) or moonlight to charge it instead.

Conclusion: Always Demand a Lab Certificate

The easiest way to avoid the headache of testing is to buy from a reputable Indian seller who provides a Lab Certificate of Authenticity. Look for certifications from recognized Indian gemological labs that mention the mineral name and the weight.