Description
Genuine Staurolite Mineral Specimen from France
Offered here is a striking Staurolite mineral specimen from France, carefully selected for its crystal form, natural character, and collector appeal. This is a genuine mineral specimen, and the photographs show the exact piece you will receive. Full sizing details can be clearly seen in the listing images.
This specimen includes a Certificate of Authenticity lifetime guarantee generic card, providing long-term confidence in authenticity and provenance. Staurolite is one of the most distinctive metamorphic minerals, instantly recognisable and highly sought after by collectors worldwide.
What Is Staurolite?
Staurolite is an iron aluminium silicate mineral best known for its characteristic twinned crystal forms that often appear as natural crosses. These cruciform crystals have earned staurolite the traditional names “Fairy Stone” and “Cross Stone,” and they have been admired for centuries for both their unusual geometry and geological significance.
The name staurolite is derived from the Greek word stauros, meaning cross, directly referencing this distinctive crystal habit.
Key mineral characteristics include:
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Distinctive cruciform or X-shaped crystal twinning
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Brown to reddish-brown coloration
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Strong, durable crystal structure
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Natural matte to sub-vitreous lustre
Geological Formation and French Origin
Staurolite forms in medium- to high-grade metamorphic environments, typically within schists and gneisses that originated as clay-rich sedimentary rocks. As these rocks are subjected to increasing temperature and pressure during regional metamorphism, staurolite crystallises alongside minerals such as garnet, kyanite, and mica.
France is known for classic metamorphic terrains where staurolite crystals developed under stable geological conditions, allowing well-formed twins to grow. The presence of staurolite is often used by geologists as an indicator mineral, helping identify specific metamorphic pressure and temperature ranges.
Morphology and Notable Features
The most remarkable feature of staurolite is its penetration twinning, where two crystals intersect at specific angles, commonly forming near-perfect crosses. These twinned crystals occur naturally and are not the result of carving or human alteration.
Notable features of staurolite specimens include:
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Natural crystal twins forming cross shapes
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Solid, weighty feel reflecting dense composition
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Surface textures showing natural crystal growth
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Clear evidence of metamorphic mineral formation
Each specimen is entirely unique, with variations in angle, thickness, and symmetry reflecting subtle differences in growth conditions.
Scientific and Educational Importance
Staurolite is an important mineral in metamorphic geology. Its presence helps geologists understand the metamorphic history of a rock, including the temperatures and pressures it experienced. As a result, staurolite specimens are commonly included in teaching collections and academic reference sets.
Beyond its scientific value, staurolite’s natural twinning provides a clear and accessible example of crystallographic processes occurring deep within the Earth’s crust.
Collector Display and Decorative Appeal
This Staurolite mineral specimen is ideal for:
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Mineral and crystal collections
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Metamorphic rock and mineral displays
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Educational geology collections
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Display cabinets and natural history shelves
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Unique gifts for mineral and crystal enthusiasts
Its natural cross form makes it a powerful visual focal point and a conversation piece in any collection.
Certificate of Authenticity Included
This is a genuine mineral specimen and includes a Certificate of Authenticity lifetime guarantee generic card, ensuring peace of mind and long-term collector confidence.
A Classic Metamorphic Mineral Treasure
Staurolite from France represents millions of years of geological transformation, preserved in a crystal form unlike any other. With its natural cross-shaped twinning, scientific importance, and timeless collector appeal, this specimen offers a rare opportunity to own a genuine piece of Earth’s deep metamorphic history, perfect for serious collectors and enthusiasts alike.
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