Choose a letter, pick a stone from the list, and read about it: what it is made of, how hard it is, what it looks like, what it has traditionally been said to do, and how to look after it.

450 minerals

Staurolite

The Fairy Cross Keeper

Also known as: Fairy Cross

About the stone

Staurolite crystal — Photo: Robert M. Lavinsky, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

A silicate mineral commonly found in metamorphic rocks. It forms when shale is strongly altered by regional metamorphism. It is often found with almandine garnet, muscovite and kyanite. Its name comes from the Greek 'stauros' meaning cross. Staurolite commonly occurs as brown, twinned, six sided crystals that intersect at 60 or 90 degrees. It is usually easy to identify when it occurs as visible grains in a metamorphic rock. The grains of Staurolite are larger than the grains of other minerals in the rock and they often exhibit obvious crystal structure with penetrating twins. The state stone of Georgia. Also found abundantly in Patrick County, Virginia where a state park is named for them called 'Fairy Stone State Park.'

Mineral data

Chemical composition: Staurolite is an iron magnesium aluminum silicate hydroxide, approximately (Fe,Mg,Zn)₂Al₉Si₄O₂₃(OH), formed in metamorphic rock and often found with garnet, muscovite and kyanite.
Hardness: 7 to 7.5 on the Mohs scale.
Color: Brown to reddish brown, in cross-shaped twinned crystals.
Specific gravity: 3.65-3.77
Refractive index: 1.736-1.762

Metaphysical data

Staurolite, the 'Fairy Cross' with its naturally crossed crystals, has been utilized in metaphysical practices to open intuition, heal the heart and invite messages from guides and the realm of the fairies.

Grounding and Aligning Energy

Staurolite is associated with the root chakra, which it is believed to strengthen, giving a firm foundation for spiritual work and daily life.
It is thought to align a person on their spiritual path, and its naturally crossed form is often seen as a symbol of the meeting of earth and spirit.

Emotional Healing

Staurolite is said to bring to light painful emotions and memories that are usually hidden, so that one can lovingly embrace and let go of what no longer serves.
It is believed to aid in healing grief, a broken heart or other emotional pain, and to help those giving up self-destructive habits.

Harmonizing Energy Centers

Staurolite opens the third eye chakra and is thought to help a person channel information from spirit guides and teachers.
It is also associated with the heart chakra, uniting compassion and intuition so that spiritual insight arrives with gentleness.

Zodiac Associations

Staurolite is traditionally associated with the sign of Pisces, the dreamer and mystic, whose sensitive nature fits this stone of visions and fairy lore.
It vibrates to the number 5, a number of change, curiosity and freedom, supporting those who are shifting into new spiritual territory.

Spiritual Growth

Staurolite is said to act as a key to the astral plane, the devic realm and the domain of the fairies, and it is cherished as a talisman.
When meditated with, it may allow visions or symbols to be 'seen' or interpreted, leading to higher understanding and consciousness.

Physical Healing

Crystals are a traditional wellness practice and not a substitute for professional medical advice; please consult a qualified professional for detox, habits or addiction.
In crystal tradition Staurolite is said to support detoxing or cleansing the body as part of a healthy lifestyle and a gentle emotional release.

Care and handling

Staurolite is hard, about 7 to 7.5, and generally durable, but the crossed twins can be brittle at the junctions and can break if dropped. Clean with a soft cloth or brush and lukewarm water, and dry thoroughly. It tolerates light handling, though ultrasonic cleaners are best avoided because of internal cracks. Avoid harsh acids and sudden temperature changes. Keep cross-shaped crystals safe in a soft pouch or on a stand.

Individual experiences with Staurolite vary, and its qualities are traditional beliefs rather than proven facts. Use it mindfully as a gentle talisman for intuition and healing, and treat it with the respect any lucky charm deserves.