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.

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.

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

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.

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.