What's That Rock?

Staurolite

Mineral

Also called: fairy cross

A brown mineral that often grows in cross shapes, called fairy crosses.

How to identify Staurolite

  1. Brown prisms that cross at 60 or 90 degrees
  2. Hard: scratches quartz
  3. Found in mica schist

Often confused with

  • Fake crosses cast in clay
  • Andalusite

Real or fake?

  • Fake crosses made from clay or resin exist; real ones are hard stone

Is Staurolite valuable?

Inexpensive.

Typical retail prices

Collector specimen$3–30each

Typical retail ranges in US dollars, compiled from public dealer and marketplace listings in October 2026. Real prices vary widely with quality, size and origin. This is general information, not an appraisal.

What changes the price

  • Form: well-formed 'fairy cross' twins are the collector item
  • Condition: undamaged, sharp crosses cost more
  • Fakes: clay or resin 'fairy crosses' exist, real ones are hard stone

Uses

  • Specimens and charms

Care

Safe to wash.

Related stones

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Identifying a stone from a description or a photo is an estimate. Many stones look alike. Ask an expert or a gem lab before you buy, sell or rely on an identification.

Updated October 2026