Staurolite- Four Specimens in Vintage Vial- Gaffney, Cherokee County, South Carolina, USA

Staurolite- Four Specimens in Vintage Vial
Gaffney, Cherokee County, South Carolina, USA
Dimensions: Four specimens, approximately 1.0–1.5 cm each; vial measures 2.1 × 5.2 cm
Provenance: Original vintage collection label, catalog no. 235, included with specimens.

A collection of four Staurolite specimens displaying rich earthy brown to dark reddish-brown coloration and naturally weathered surfaces. The individual pieces exhibit stout, blocky forms with subtle lengthwise textures, angular edges, and patches of warm rust-colored staining. Each specimen retains its natural, unpolished appearance, offering an interesting look at the crystal habits and weathering characteristics of this distinctive metamorphic mineral. The four specimens are housed together in a vintage clear vial with their original collection markings.

Staurolite is an iron- and aluminum-bearing silicate mineral most commonly associated with medium- to high-grade metamorphic rocks, particularly mica schists. It is especially well known for its characteristic cross-shaped penetration twins, which have earned it the popular nickname "fairy stone." South Carolina has a long history of staurolite occurrences, and this vintage collection from the Gaffney area offers a classic example of the mineral's regional geological heritage.