Limonite Pseudomorph after Pyrite - 01

When you hold this piece of Limonite-after-Pyrite, you are witnessing a story of transformation: the metallic, brassy cubes of Pyrite replaced over time by the earthy golden-brown Limonite, yet the original geometry remains. In a ritual or contemplative moment, this mineral can symbolise your own evolution — the old structures of thought, behaviour or emotion dissolving, and new, more grounded forms taking their place. It invites you to witness what remains when the outer “shell” has shifted, and to embrace the deeper strength that emerges when we let go of what no longer serves. Especially when life feels heavy or stuck, this crystal can act as a quiet anchor for metamorphosis: sit with it, visualise the rigid old patterns dissolving like the Pyrite did, and allow the more fluid, earthy energy of the Limonite to take root.

Because the South Australian environment where it formed is raw, remote and ancient, there is a potent connection to both earth-body and inner renewal. Use it at the beginning of a new phase — when you’re ready to move from a phase of external doing into a phase of internal being. Place the cube in your space, meditate with your fingers tracing the edges, and invite the energy of structured release and grounded emergence to support you. If you are integrating change (such as postpartum body, shifting fitness, or supporting loved ones through physical challenges), this piece becomes a symbolic companion: it doesn’t discard the past but holds its form while inviting new energy to flow.

This specimen is a classic pseudomorph, meaning one mineral has replaced another while retaining the original mineral’s shape. In this case, the crisp cube form is inherited from Pyrite, an iron-sulphide mineral that naturally grows in perfect isometric cubes. Over long geological time, groundwater, oxygen and natural weathering processes caused the Pyrite to break down. As it altered, Limonite — a hydrated iron oxide — gradually took its place molecule by molecule. The result is a cube that looks like Pyrite, but is now entirely composed of earthy, ochre-brown Limonite. South Australia is well known for these exceptional pseudomorphs, where the arid conditions and deep weathering profiles create ideal circumstances for Pyrite to oxidise into iron-rich forms.

From a mineralogical perspective, the transformation preserves the geometry but completely changes the mineral’s identity. Pyrite originally formed with a cubic (isometric) crystal system, giving sharp, geometric edges and a metallic lustre. Limonite, however, is a mineraloid, meaning it doesn’t form well-defined crystals of its own — which is why it adopts the shape of the Pyrite instead of expressing a crystal structure. As the replacement occurred, the surface texture also changed: what was once metallic and reflective becomes matte, earthy, and softly textured. This fusion of form and transformation makes limonite-after-pyrite cubes powerful teaching stones in geology, revealing the natural chemical and environmental processes that rewrite minerals over time.

Crystal system: Cubic

Although crystals have survived hundreds of thousands to millions of years (wow) in our earth they are still delicate and must be treated with TLC. 

Keep dry.

MOH's Hardness 6 - 6.5

Crystal Care click here

At Uluna, we are deeply committed to offering crystals that are not only beautiful but also ethically sourced and of the highest quality. Ethical sourcing means ensuring that the crystals we provide are mined under fair conditions, respecting both the environment and the workers involved. We also recognise that many crystals undergo processes like cutting and polishing in  factories far away from their mined locations, so we remain diligent about maintaining our integrity throughout the supply chain sourcing locally and directly where possible.

Our dedication to quality is upheld by our in-house gemmologist, who brings over 15 years of expertise to every piece we offer. Each crystal is carefully tested, correctly identified, and certified as natural, with any treatments fully disclosed. Unlike lab-grown or misrepresented stones often sold as natural, our crystals are authentic and come with an authenticity card, guaranteeing their provenance and purity so you can feel safe with each purchase. For us, ethics and quality are non-negotiable values.