Description
STAUROLITE CRYSTALS
This is the cluster of brown staurolite crystals with garnet. Dimensions: 4.3 x 2.6 x 1.4″ (11 x 6.5 x 3.5cm). Weight – 9.1oz (258 grams). Origin: Russia, Siberia.
Some information about staurolite:
Staurolite is a reddish brown to black, mostly opaque, nesosilicate mineral with a white streak. It crystallizes in the monoclinic crystal system, has a Mohs hardness of 7 to 7.5. Magnesium, zinc and manganese substitute in the iron site and trivalent iron can substitute for aluminium.
Staurolite often occurs twinned in a characteristic cross-shape, called cruciform penetration twinning.
The name is derived from the Greek, stauros for cross and lithos for stone in reference to the common twinning.
