The facts
What staurolite actually is
Mineralogically, staurolite is staurolite — (Fe²⁺,Mg)₂Al₉(Si,Al)₄O₂₀(O,OH)₄, crystallising in the monoclinic system.
The colour is caused by fe²⁺ with Mg, giving red-brown to near-black. That is worth knowing because it determines what heating, light and time can and cannot do to the stone.
A refractometer reads 1.736–1.762, and the specific gravity sits near 3.65–3.77; cleavage is distinct {010}.
Where staurolite comes from
The recognised sources are Fannin County, Georgia, USA, Patrick County, Virginia, USA (Fairy Stone State Park), Coray and Scaër, Brittany, France and Taos County, New Mexico, USA.
Origin affects price in this material, so we name the locality on every quote rather than the country. "African" or "Asian" tells a buyer nothing.
How staurolite is treated
The cruciform twins sold as amulets have been faked for over a century — carved from soapstone or talcose material, filed to shape, dyed or soaked in linseed oil, and given artificial pockmarks to simulate weathering. Filing and grinding genuine crystals to sharpen the cross is routine and usually undisclosed. Detection is low-tech: real staurolite scratches glass at 7–7.5, soapstone fakes scratch with a fingernail, and a perfect smooth symmetric cross is almost certainly fake. Only about a third of crystals twin naturally, and the 90° cruciform is much scarcer than the 60° form.
None of this is a problem when it is said out loud. It becomes one the moment it is left out.
What staurolite is confused with
The usual confusions are Carved soapstone fakes, Chiastolite, Andalusite and Garnet.
The separation is rarely a matter of opinion: refractive index 1.736–1.762 and specific gravity 3.65–3.77 settle most of it in a minute, and magnification settles the rest.
What staurolite is used for
Staurolite is bought by mineral collecting, decorative objects, jewellery and wellness and body care — and each of those trades wants a different form of the same material.
We quote each application in the unit that trade actually buys in, by the specimen, by the piece or by the carat.
Durability and care
Staurolite is 7–7.5 on the Mohs scale, with distinct {010} cleavage.
With no cleavage plane to worry about, the practical limit is abrasion rather than breakage, and it takes daily wear well.
Warm water, mild soap and a soft brush. Avoid ultrasonic cleaners on anything fracture-filled, stabilised, dyed or visibly included.
What staurolite costs
Indicative pricing for staurolite is $5–100 per twinned crystal; faceted stones rare.
That is a range, not a quote. Colour, size, clarity, cut and origin move the figure a long way inside it, and the only honest price is one given against a specific stone. Send us what you need and we will price it.
Questions
Is staurolite treated, and how?
The cruciform twins sold as amulets have been faked for over a century — carved from soapstone or talcose material, filed to shape, dyed or soaked in linseed oil, and given artificial pockmarks to simulate weathering. Filing and grinding genuine crystals to sharpen the cross is routine and usually undisclosed. Detection is low-tech: real staurolite scratches glass at 7–7.5, soapstone fakes scratch with a fingernail, and a perfect smooth symmetric cross is almost certainly fake. Only about a third of crystals twin naturally, and the 90° cruciform is much scarcer than the 60° form.
Where does staurolite come from?
Fannin County, Georgia, USA, Patrick County, Virginia, USA (Fairy Stone State Park), Coray and Scaër, Brittany, France and Taos County, New Mexico, USA. Origin affects price, so we name the locality rather than the country on every quote.
Is staurolite hard enough to wear every day?
Yes. At 7–7.5 on the Mohs scale with no cleavage plane, it handles daily wear well. The practical limit is gradual abrasion rather than chipping.
How much does staurolite cost?
Indicatively $5–100 per twinned crystal; faceted stones rare. Colour, size, clarity and origin move the price a long way within that, so treat it as a range and ask for a quote against a specific stone.
What is staurolite confused with?
Most often Carved soapstone fakes, Chiastolite, Andalusite and Garnet. A refractive index of 1.736–1.762 and a specific gravity near 3.65–3.77 separate it quickly.
What is staurolite used for besides jewellery?
mineral collecting, decorative objects and wellness and body care. Each of those trades buys it in a different form and a different unit.
Related stones
Looking for staurolite?
Tell us the size, the quality and what it is for. We source it, photograph it and quote it — with the locality named.
Ask about staurolite