How do I identify Staurolite?

Staurolite can be identified by its hardness of 7 - 7.5 on the Mohs scale, Dark brown color, Resinous, Sub-vitreous luster, Monoclinic crystal system. Look for these key characteristics when examining specimens.

What color is Staurolite?

Staurolite typically appears in Dark brown, brownish-black, red-brown. Color can vary depending on impurities and formation conditions.

How hard is Staurolite?

Staurolite has a hardness of 7 - 7.5 on the Mohs scale. This makes it a relatively hard mineral suitable for jewelry.

Staurolite

A variety of Staurolite Group

Rare

Staurolite specimen - rock identification

What is Staurolite?

A brittle, hard material with a dull luster, staurolite often occurs as intersect crystals that form a cross. In fact, its name comes from the Greek word stauros, which means cross. In some areas, these stones are collected and sold as so-called "fairy cross" souvenirs. Staurolite is the official state mineral of the state of Georgia (USA).

Uses & Applications

Staurolite is one of the index minerals that are used to estimate the temperature, depth, and pressure at which a rock undergoes metamorphism.

Healing Properties

If you're after good luck, staurolite in amulet form may do the trick. It's said to draw in health and fortune, ward off negative energy and encourage positivity. It connects with the third eye, root, and heart chakras, potentially providing balance and harmony between all three. Staurolite's intense vibrational energy produces a sizeable channeling effect, bringing you back down to Earth.

Optical Properties

Refractive Index: 1.736-1.762
Birefringence: 0.010-0.015
Pleochroism: Distinct: light yellow, yellowish red, dark red
Optical Character: Biaxial positive

Staurolite Market Value Calculator

Estimate the market value of Staurolite using size, quality, and finish. This preview calculator is for quick context and is not a formal appraisal.

Staurolite Localities Map

See where Staurolite is found with a localities map, collecting zones, and geology context. Generate a sample map preview below.

Map preview

North ZoneCentral RidgeSouth Basin

The Meaning

Staurolite was named a state mineral of Georgia in the USA, where the mineral deposits are most commonly found. These mineral crystals are called "fairy stones" or "fairy crosses" and many generations have collected them as good luck charms. It is believed that the tiny stones were formed where the teardrops of Cherokee Indians had fallen.

Associated Chakras

Root

Heart

Third Eye

Key Characteristics

Characteristics of Staurolite

Staurolite often occurs twinned in a characteristic cross-shape, called cruciform penetration twinning. In handsamples, macroscopically visible staurolite crystals are of prismatic shape. The mineral often forms porphyroblasts. In thin sections staurolite is commonly twinned and shows lower first order birefringence similar to quartz, with the twinning displaying optical continuity. It can be identified in metamorphic rocks by its swiss cheese appearance (with poikilitic quartz) and often mantled porphyroblastic character.

Formation of Staurolite

Staurolite is a regional metamorphic mineral of intermediate to high grade. It occurs with almandine garnet, micas, kyanite; as well as albite, biotite, and sillimanite in gneiss and schist of regional metamorphic rocks. It is the official state mineral of the U.S. state of Georgia and is also to be found in the Lepontine Alps in Switzerland. Staurolite is most commonly found in Fannin County, Georgia. It is also found in Fairy Stone State Park in Patrick County, Virginia. The park is named for a local name for staurolite from a legend in the area. Samples are also found in Island Park, Idaho, near Henrys Lake; Taos, New Mexico; near Blanchard Dam in Minnesota; and Selbu, Norway.