Value in fool’s gold - Pyrite believed to be useful to ward off evil

Contrary to pronouncements from geological experts who have suggested that the fool's gold found in Hanover are worthless nuggets, a United Kingdom-based collector is contending that pyrite could bring fortune to those who possess them.

Alecia Hall, a retired banker, is convinced that pyrite is a powerful mineral that not only wards off evil, but attracts positive energy. She said that the stone is heavily demanded by persons who share the belief that it helps promote physical and mental well-being.

"I brought a piece of it years ago and I kept it in my draw ... it's known as a lucky stone. It has all the colours of the rainbow inside it. When you touch it, it is alive because it has live minerals. When I touch the stone, it really triggers a type of thing, like a magnetic something, on my finger," Hall said.

The worth of fool's gold has been a major talking point in Jamaica since last week after deposits of mineral stones were discovered in a pit in Hanover. Scores of persons have descended on the property, located in Chester Castle, to dig for mineral which they believe to be pure gold. However, while scientific tests have not yet been done on the nuggets, geological experts have concluded that the stones found are pyrite, or fool's gold.

Hall reasoned that while persons may be disappointed by the fact that they did not hit the golden jackpot, they should not be tempted to throw away the pyrites, as the demand for them is real.

"People sometimes place them in rings, and a ring can be sold for 150 pounds (approximately J$28,000) ... . People are even selling the second-hand ones, so it is worth money, Jamaicans, so get the dreads to dig it up. Fool's gold is familiar to every mineral collector and has been used for centuries. Jamaicans, don't say it is not valuable," Hall said.

Checks by THE STAR revealed that nuggets of pyrites are being sold on the popular online marketplace, eBay. One vendor asserted that the stone "shields and protects against all forms of negative vibrations and/or energy, working on the physical, etheric, and emotional levels".

A Jamaican obeahman, Ruben Williams, said pyrites have long been considered as lucky stones. He said that in years gone by, it was not uncommon for soldiers to carry around a piece of fool's gold in their pockets when they go into battle.

"It wards off evil for real, based on history. A lot of it is in Africa, and even the Egyptians use it ... . It is not a bad thing to have, because a positive spirits it entice. I had asked one of my friends to carry some of what they found in Hanover for me, so I am hoping he carries it," Williams said.