For most peoples, cross-shaped amulets carry a sacred meaning. The crossed symbol is used as a sign of protection in religious movements. The cross illuminated the ancient Slavs with the powerful power of pagan gods. The types of signs differ in the number of crossed rays.
Staurolite symbolizes the connection between the spiritual and material world.
Origin: legends and science
The unusual structure of the stone gave rise to a beautiful sad legend about its origin.
When Christ was crucified in Ancient Judea, one of the spirits carried this news throughout the world. Hearing her, the forest fairies burst into tears. Their tears, falling onto the sand and into the water, became crosses. Over the centuries, rock has grown around them, forming unusual crystals.
Science claims that staurolite crystals are the result of metamorphism of clay sediments.
The name of the stone has Greek roots. It is translated as “cross-stone”: “stauros” - cross, “lithos” - stone.
Since the formation of the Order of Malta, staurolites with red splashes have been especially valued by believers: they are considered drops of the blood of Christ.
History of staurolite stone
Staurolite is a very popular stone.
There are many fascinating tales and legends around staurolite. Already in ancient times, people admired the shape of its radiant pattern and extraordinary design, reminiscent of cross-shaped stripes. After Christianity was recognized, the gem gained enormous popularity. Its descriptions are found in various historical and artistic sources.
Monks and Knights of the Maltese Cross highly valued staurolite. Many peoples associated the crucifixion of Christ with this stone. According to legends, it is a splash of his blood spilled during the crucifixion. The most valuable are the red-brown specimens.
However, biblical legend attributes a different origin to staurolite. One day the Elf told a story dedicated to the crucifixion of Christ to the always joyful and serene forest fairies. Beautiful creatures danced in a circle near the spring. It was there that minerals were subsequently discovered. When the nymphs of the forest began to cry, each of their tears turned into a gem. The fairies managed to perpetuate the courage and endurance of Christ. There is a belief that if you find this stone, nymphs will always follow a person and protect him throughout his life.
And Indian legends allow us to look into the 17th century. They tell the story of Princess Pocahontas and the English settler John Smith. Unfortunately, their feelings were doomed. The beauty brought a staurolite necklace as a gift to her lover. Among the inhabitants of her tribe, he was considered a talisman of good luck. During the marriage ceremony, the girl was forced to convert to Christianity, which also symbolizes the cross. She was impressed by the commonality of traditions.
Indians believe in legends about staurolite, which created the Trail of Tears. Local residents shed bitter tears of pain along the road as they were expelled from their territories. They were forced to leave their homes. Their tears became magical splices with a characteristic cross-shaped shape. They symbolize a person's hope for a happy future.
Physico-chemical characteristics
According to the chemical classification, the mineral staurolite is a hydrosilicate of iron and aluminum. The most “massive” component of the formula is aluminum oxide (more than half of the composition).
The stone is translucent or opaque, forms intergrowths of crystals in the form of a cross (straight or inclined).
| Formula | Fe2+Al4[SiO4]2O2(OH)2 |
| Impurity | Co, Ni, Mn, Mg, Zn |
| Color | Reddish-brown |
| Stroke color | White |
| Shine | Glass, dim |
| Transparency | Transparent to translucent |
| Hardness | 7 — 7,5 |
| Cleavage | Perfect |
| Kink | Conchoidal, stepwise splintered, uneven |
| Density | 3.7 - 3.8 g/cm³ |
| singonia | Monoclinic |
Staurolite is indifferent to acids and the effects of a blowpipe.
Caring for stone products
After using the crystal as a ritual artifact, healing agent or simple decoration, the staurolite must be cleaned. To do this, just wash in soapy water and rinse under running water. Allow to dry naturally at room temperature.
Any natural stones – “fruits of rocks” – do not tolerate prolonged direct exposure to sunlight. The structure of the mineral is disrupted, so it should be protected from exposure to the sun. It is better to keep it away from heating devices; increased temperatures have a bad effect on gems. Amulets must be stored in a separate case or box.
Varieties
The basic formula of the mineral may vary depending on the impurities in the composition.
They form three varieties:
- lyusakite – cobalt, nickel; dark blue stone;
- nordamarkite – manganese; crimson;
- zinc staurolite; brown.
The most common configuration of staurolite crystals is twinned. The crystals are crossed at an angle of 90° or 120°. Outwardly, it looks like a straight or inclined cross.
Less common are tee staurolites similar to a six-pointed star.
Horoscope
Staurolite is not the obvious patron of any zodiac sign, but it will certainly bring good luck and happiness to a person with a bright soul and a pure heart. Only for a person with clear and good thoughts, the mineral will become a protective talisman.
- Staurolite will make Capricorns think about spiritual life.
- The Aquarius stone will protect them from rash actions that they may commit due to their desire to experiment.
- Pisces can count on help in the fight against suspiciousness and worries.
- For Aries, the stone will prompt the right decision when choosing an activity.
- With its help, Taurus will become more generous and good-natured.
- Gemini, together with the talisman, will be able to harmonize their inner world.
- For Cancers, the stone will help them get rid of their complexes, relax and stop taking everything personally.
- Leos need the power of the mineral to replenish their vitality.
- Virgos will be able to develop their spirituality, pushing commercialism and prudence into the background.
- Libra will be able to get rid of groundless worries and find the right solution to existing difficulties.
- Scorpios will believe in their own strength and stop “self-eating.”
- Sagittarius, with the support of staurolite, will become wiser, which will allow them to listen to the opinions of others and find timely solutions to get out of difficult situations.
The stone also favors those who care about those in need and others to the detriment of personal interests - teachers, volunteers, doctors and educators.
Place of Birth
According to legend, the spirit that reported the earthly death of Christ circled the Earth. Therefore, the mineral staurolite is found on all continents among crystalline schists.
The largest stone deposits:
- Europe - Austria, Germany, Switzerland, Czech Republic, France;
- America – USA, Brazil;
- Africa – Madagascar, Congo.
Czech Moravia and Switzerland supply elite collection material. The USA (Pacific coast) is rich in tee crystals.
Russian deposits are concentrated in the Urals and the Kola Peninsula. Brownish-brown and black opaque specimens are mined here. In the vicinity of Zlatoust there are very large stones.
Staurolite in jewelry
This gem has never been considered precious or even semi-precious, so jewelers have little interest in it.
But folk craftsmen got used to making unusual jewelry from staurolite, combining the stone with cupronickel and silver.
Handmade bracelets, rings and pendants are effective amulets.
In order to make a piece of jewelry, the craftsman needs to do a difficult job - carefully separate the cross-shaped crystal from the slate rock holding it.
However, today stones in their original form are considered more popular.
Amulets and amulets in the form of ordinary pebbles cost around $20, but cut crystals inserted into frames have a different cost.
Unique collectible specimens of staurolite can sell for several hundred dollars.
Often, skilled craftsmen make skillful fakes by simply cutting out the desired cross shape from suitable rocks, so you should be vigilant when purchasing such amulets.
Where is the stone used?
Staurolite is classified at most as an ornamental stone, therefore it is not used in mass-produced jewelry.
Its main area of application is hand-made production of talismans and amulets:
- Master stone cutters carve inserts of pendants, pendants, and rings from gemstones. In the Catholic world this is a popular rosary material.
- At first, the master’s goal was to extract the cross from the rock without damaging it. This was not always possible. Today, the trend is a cross on a natural background, so the agglomerate is only slightly shaped without affecting the cross.
- The frame is made of silver, cupronickel, or jewelry alloy. Particularly devout people order gold or platinum framing.
Decoration with staurolite
Collectors hunt for specimens with a six-pointed “star”.
Jewelry with mineral
Jewelry made from staurolite is not so common. More often, unique specimens end up in the hands of collectors. The mineral is processed into arbitrary shapes and used to make magical artifacts. It is possible to use the gem as a decoration.
Also read: Quartz is the basis of the Earth’s minerals
To do this, the crystal is placed in pendants or rings, beads and rosaries are made from staurolite. For those who might be interested in staurolite as an amulet or just a decoration, a list is offered that includes the price of some samples.
- jewelry staurolite 2.2 carats, size 10.3X6.2 mm can be purchased for $175;
- Silver goes well with the double cross stone. This pendant costs $525;
- if the stone looks like unprocessed rock containing staurolite inclusions, it is estimated from the size. The amount ranges from $10 to $500.
The compatibility of the mineral with metals and leather allows you to make creative jewelry with the stone.
How to wear and care
Sometimes the mineral staurolite contains radioactive substances. First of all, we are talking about large specimens with a regular cross on the surface.
You cannot wear such a product on your neck or chest all the time. Especially if there are moles on the body.
It is not advisable to store them at home or in the workplace.
A ring or pendant with a smaller stone and an inclined cross is much safer.
Staurolite is hard but fragile. It is better not to drop products with it. It is easy to care for the stone: remove dirt with a damp cloth or soap and water.
Description of the staurolite stone
Staurolite is rich in different shades.
Staurolite has a striking appearance. Splices of various shades are folded in a cross. There are transparent and non-transparent specimens. The slates contain a cross. However, the pattern can be either cross-shaped or star-shaped.
Staurolite has a crystalline structural lattice. It belongs to the group of silicates and represents tetrahedrons that are in isolation. Their association is carried out through cation bonds. It is an infusible mineral that is not affected by acids.
Magic properties
The magical properties of staurolite are determined by external data:
- This is a favorite amulet of Christians against dark forces.
- It is put on a child or adult at baptism.
- The stone instills confidence in the owner. A person does not feel alone in the face of life's adversities.
- White magicians advise wearing jewelry with staurolite as a talisman against accidents and external negativity (sideways glance, curse, attack).
The magic of a body talisman made of staurolite creates peace of mind, preventing depression, despondency, and fear from taking over a person.
The most popular use of the stone is as a children's amulet.
The healing properties of staurolite stone
Staurolite is widely used in lithotherapy.
The mineral plays an important role in the treatment of various diseases. Staurolite has a healing and healing effect. Thanks to the stone, it is possible to get rid of nightmares and anxiety.
Among the healing properties of staurolite stone, the following stand out:
- activation of the nervous system;
- neutralization of the effects of stressful conditions;
- strengthening the immune system;
- cleansing the body;
- reducing the amount of toxins;
- removal of toxins and harmful substances.
Staurolite copes with viral infections, bacteria and fungi. Its healing qualities are distinguished by its purity. They affect the body. As a result, a person comes to complete internal purification. Lithotherapists claim that staurolite can influence the mental state of its owner. It promotes sobriety and strengthens memory.
For the stone to show its power, it should be applied to places that bother you. Also, staurolite can be placed near the head or heart.
Therapeutic effect
The healing properties of staurolite have been studied by lithotherapists:
- Its main significance for a person is to support mental health.
- The mineral helps remove toxins and waste from the body. Eliminates the effects of poisoning.
- It cures colds and other infections faster. The itching goes away, the fungus disappears.
- Breastfeeding mothers' milk increases.
- It is recommended to be worn by people with weak bronchi.
- Strengthens the owner's immunity, makes him sleep soundly, and makes his attitude to troubles philosophical.
The healing effect is enhanced by direct contact with the stone. That is, it is better to wear a body item (pendant, pendant), finger a rosary, or apply staurolite to a sore area of the body.
Who is suitable according to their zodiac sign?
Astrologers have established that staurolite does not provide obvious patronage to any specific signs of the zodiac, and does not choose favorites among them.
The main thing for this mineral is not the zodiac sign or horoscope, but such human qualities as honesty, kindness, selflessness, and willingness to help people. Therefore, as a talisman, it is very suitable for philanthropists, volunteers, doctors, teachers, educators, and in general for everyone who cares about others.
Staurolite brings happiness and good luck to people with a bright soul.
Form of being in nature
The appearance of crystals. Short-columnar to long-columnar, hexagonal columns, cross-shaped doubles are especially common
Doubles are very characteristic; in the most common twins along (231), the angle between the c axes of individuals is 60°, in twins along (031) it is 90°. There are often tees and complex twins in which twins of different types are twined. Cruciform twins are especially typical. Dana (1892) also noted twins according to (230) or (130), in which the b faces of the indivisibles have an angle of about 70° 30′. It forms regular intergrowths with kyanite, which is explained by the similarity in the arrangement of atoms of the corresponding flat networks; in such intergrowths (010) of staurolite is parallel to (100) of kyanite. Its crystals are known to grow on kyanite crystals.
Aggregates. Mainly individual crystals or intergrowths. Crystals are short-prismatic (up to 8-10 cm) and cross-shaped twins, grains, granular aggregates.
Staurolite often contains inclusions of quartz (up to 50-80%), garnet, ore mineral, ilmenite, tourmaline, rutile, carbonaceous matter or gas bubbles. Inclusions of carbonaceous matter or other minerals are concentrated in the central parts of the crystals or are grouped into strips, apparently parallel to the schistosity of the rocks. Small grains (up to 1 mm) often have sinuous outlines; Some of them are represented by skeletal forms. Some grains have a faint hourglass structure.
Artificial production of mineral
Synthesized from a mixture of Na2SiO3, Al(OH)3, SiO2, MgO, FeCl2 in an aqueous medium at a pressure of 10,000 atm and a temperature of about 800°. According to Hoshek, it is most stable at temperatures in the range of 600-700° and pressures from 2 to 5.5 kbar.
Diagnostic signs
Similar minerals. Grenades.
It is characterized by crystal shapes and cross-shaped twins. Absorption in orange-yellow or golden tones is typical in thin sections. The colorless stone differs from rhombic pyroxene in optical orientation.
Satellites. Muscovite, almandine, kyanite, quartz, oligoclase, biotite, garnet, apatite, ilmenite, kyanite, paragonite.
Who does the magic stone favor?
Staurolite is the patron saint of all good people, and therefore does not single out certain representatives of the zodiac belt. Anyone who needs protection can make their own magic talisman or order it from jewelers and street craftsmen. An additional advantage is the low cost of staurolite. The magic pebble especially favors representatives of the following altruistic professions:
The mineral helps people who work with children.
- teachers and educators;
- volunteers;
- doctors and veterinarians;
- firefighters;
- rescuers;
- priests;
- police officers;
- nannies and governesses.
Application in treatment
The greatest value in magic is staurolite, which naturally has the shape of a cross and is not extracted from slate. However, dishonest sellers artificially modify the stone and deceive buyers. This can be revealed by excessive straightness and clarity of lines.
The magical properties of the stone have long been used by healers to calm the nervous system, cure depression, apathy and neurological disorders. Staurolite worn near the body will help cope with stressful situations, normalize sleep and wakefulness, and also help overcome phobias. In addition to mental wounds, the magic stone effectively removes toxic substances from the body, enhances natural immune defenses, and destroys infections and viruses. Practitioners note that owners of mascots are less likely to get colds, recover more quickly and do not suffer from complications.
The magic stone is a way to stop bleeding, enhances lactation and normalizes the functioning of the respiratory system. If a person is infected with a fungus, then staurolite applied to the affected area will remove scabies and redness. To obtain a healing effect, the stone can be worn as a pendant, bracelet or earrings. The main thing is to have as frequent contact with the body as possible.
Basic stone colors
Staurolite is divided into several groups. Each has its own impurities of minerals and substances:
- Nordmarkite includes molybdenum in its composition;
- Luskite contains cobalt and nickel.
In nature there are a large number of colors of this mineral rock. The main ones are:
- black;
- blue;
- brown or gray;
- deep red;
- brown-yellow.
You can purchase a real rock if you first carefully study photographs of the mineral and determine its qualities.
Mining locations
Short-prismatic and columnar single crystals are found all over the world, but the most beautiful twin and tee crystals, which are very popular among collectors, believers, and scientists, are rarely found in nature. Constant production of such representatives is carried out only in the USA; in Russia, Brazil, France, Germany, England, Switzerland, they are less common, but at the same time have no less value.
The mineral has not received any practical use and is of exclusively collection value. But this does not reduce production volumes, since there are a large number of requests for its purchase all over the world. Mostly uncut representatives of this group, in the form in which they were created, are in demand. But some craftsmen insert them into jewelry, pendants, bracelets and rings.
