Beautiful Faerie Cross pendant with staurolite.
Staurolite, also known as Faerie Stone or Faerie Cross, is a nesosilicate mineral that naturally occurs in cross shapes (cruciform). The minerals usually cross at a 60 or 90 degree angle, with some specimens representing a perfect perpendicular cross. Staurolite’s genetic makeup is very complex, containing aluminum, zinc, magnesium and iron. They can be found within a matrix, most commonly Quartz and Muscovite schist, or as loose crystals due to their durability. You will usually see Staurolite as black or dark brown, but also as a deep to brownish red. This mineral has been referenced throughout history by multiple different people, but it wasn’t until 1792 that it was officially recorded as “Staurolite”. J.C. Delamethrie coined the name from the Greek word “stauros”, meaning “cross”.
Fairy stones have been used as good luck and protection talismans for centuries amongst numerous diverse groups of people. It was common for many tribesmen in northern Canada to carry a Faerie Stone on them to promote wealth and prosperity throughout their families.