Sterling Silver Bracelet 7 Inch with Turquoise and Marcasite Lobster Clasp
Embrace timeless elegance with this Sterling Silver tennis-style bracelet. Featuring sparkling natural Marcasite between Turquoise cabochons, this is a captivating accessory that adds a touch of sophistication to any ensemble. Stamped with a maker's mark and '925', this 7-inch long bracelet is in very good condition, and weighs approximately 10.04 grams.
Turquoise, an ancient and revered gemstone, is celebrated for its distinctive blue-green hues, ranging from sky blue to vibrant green. This opaque mineral, a hydrated phosphate of copper and aluminum, often features intricate matrix patterns, adding to its unique character. With a hardness of 5 to 6 on the Mohs scale, it's relatively soft, requiring gentle care. Historically significant in many cultures, particularly in Native American traditions, Turquoise is valued for its beauty and perceived protective qualities.
Marcasite is an iron sulfide mineral, a polymorph of Pyrite, but it crystallizes in an orthorhombic system, giving it a distinctive, less-cubic appearance. Often found in low-temperature acidic environments, Marcasite forms in striking, radiating habits, sometimes resembling spiky cockscombs or intricate fan-like sprays. While it shares the same chemical formula as Pyrite (FeS2), Marcasite is less stable and can be prone to decomposition in humid conditions, which has earned it the nickname "white iron pyrite." Its pale brass-yellow to almost silver-white metallic luster and its tendency to form unique, sculptural aggregates have made it a fascinating specimen for mineral collectors. Though not used conventionally for jewelry due to its fragility and instability, its beautiful and unusual formations are highly prized by collectors of natural mineral specimens.