THE MINERAL STAUROLITE

Dims: 1-3/4" x 2" x 1"

Wt: 2.4 oz

Kola Peninsula, Russia

This specimen from the Near East has a classic "cross" of Staurolite crystals intersecting at a 60-degree-angle in a finely-divided Muscovite matrix. Upon turning the specimen over one can see a complete individual crystal, which is actually less-commonly occurring than the twins are! Not very many dealers sell this mineral in the matrix, and our specimens are probably some of the first to come out of Russia. Now you can have your own little piece of "Glastnost!"

Dims: 2-1/8" x 1-3/4" x 3/4"

Wt: 1.6 oz

Kola Peninsula, Russia

I just noticed something strange about this piece. There are two 60-degree "crosses" on each side of the matrix rock, and they just might be connected by an individual crystal that lies at the end of one crystal in each cross. If that isn't an odd-enough possibility, then one can also notice that the two crosses are almost exactly in positional phase with each other! I'm itching to start digging through the Muscovite matrix to see for myself if they're connected, but I'll let one of you lucky devils do it, so long as you write back to tell me of the results!

Dims: 1.3" x 0.8" x 0.4" (3.3 x 2.0 x 1.0 cm)

Wt: 7.7g

Keywy, Kola Peninsula, Russia

This small thumbnail specimen consists of one of the only Staurolite specimens that we have found that contains a "cross" in which the crystals intersect each other at 90-degree angles- most that we find intersect each other at angles of 60-degrees. The specimen shows considerable damage, as one of the intersecting crystals is broken and not quite complete. Both crystals measure less than 1" (2.5 cm) in length and have a monoclinic prismatic form that is rounded and rather difficult to discern. They have the dark brown coloration that one expects of this mineral, and their luster is a dull waxy that is nearly matte. They are, of course, opaque. The "cross" rests in a matrix of highly compressed muscovite particles. There are a few other individual Staurlolite crystals present in the matrix, but these are all broken and incomplete.

Dims: 1.2 x 0.9 x 0.4" (3.0 x 2.3 x 1.0 cm)

Wt: 7.1 g

Lovozero, Kola Peninsula, Russia

This small thumbnail specimen consists of a mica schist matrix that contains several Staurolite crystals, including one 90-degree twin, which is sometimes called a fairy cross. It consists of two crystals that neatly intersect each other at 90-degree angles. Each of these crystals measures 0.6" (1.5 cm) long and 0.1" (3 mm) in diameter, and are in very good condition, showing only a small amount of damage. The largest crystal on the piece is not twinned, and has dimensions of 0.8 x 0.3 x 0.1" (2.0 x 0.8 x 0.3 cm). Like most of the other crystals on the piece, it is broken and incomplete, though it may have undergone slight partial healing. All have excellent monoclinic prismatic form that has a nearly orthorhombic appearance- though the twinned crystals are slightly worn, the rest have well-defined edges and clean faces that possess a waxy luster. All have the standard dark brown coloration of Staurolite and are completely opaque. The matrix rock is a much paler, almost cream color, and is very shiny due to its mica content.

Dims: 2.1 x 1.4 x 1.0" (5.3 x 3.6 x 2.5 cm)

Wt: 1.96 oz. (55.5 g)

Lovozero, Kola Peninsula, Russia

At least 5 Staurolite crystals rest in the mica schist host rock of this specimen. Two of them are almost completely embedded, but the others are quite visible and are in good condition, showing no damage but moderate natural wear. The largest of these crystals appears to be singular and has dimensions of 1.0 x 1.0 x 0.6" (2.6 x 2.5 x 1.5 cm), and has the best monoclinic form of the lot, with well-defined edges and clean faces that possess a dull, waxy luster. Three of the crystals intersect each other, two of which form a twin- these crystals intersect each other at a 90-degree angle. All have the dark brown coloration that is standard for this species, and are opaque. The schist matrix in which they rest has a very pale brown color and a moderate sparkle due to the countless tiny mica platelets.

Dims: 1.8 x 1.3 x 0.6" (4.6 x 3.3 x 1.5 cm)

Wt: 22.3 g

Lovozero, Kola Peninsula, Russia

This small thumbnail specimen consists of a finely-grained micaceous host rock in which are embedded at least 4 Staurolite crystals. Two of these crystals appear to be singular, but the other two are in the form of a 90-degree penetration twin that is sometimes referred to as a "fairy cross". The largest crystal makes up half of this twin, and reaches 1.2" (3.0 cm) in length. Both crystals that make up the twin show moderate damage, and the others are mostly obscured in the host rock. Their monoclinic prismatic form is moderately good, as all are somewhat worn and not very well-defined. They have the classic dark brown color and pearly luster of their species. The host rock is quite soft- thus, the smaller crystals can rather easily be exposed.

Dims: 1.8x1.7x0.5" (4.6x4.4x1.3cm)

Wt: 1.12 oz. (31.8g)

Kola Peninsula, Russia

This is a 90 degree twin crystal of staurolite (also known as a "Fairy Cross"). It has a nearly perfect form, except that the "top" of the cross is possibly damaged (it has been sheared off, or possibly just distorted (the surface looks natural) and appears to tilt down into the matrix.