Sourced from Semiostrovye, W.Keivy, Kola Peninsula, Russia

Also known as a fairy cross, staurolites are fascinating specimens. 

Staurolite is a mineral that is commonly found in metamorphic rocks. It forms when shale is strongly altered by regional metamorphism. It is often found in association with almandine garnet, muscovite, and kyanite - minerals that form under similar temperature and pressure conditions. The name "staurolite" is from the Greek word "stauros," which means "cross." The mineral commonly occurs as twinned, six-sided crystals that sometimes intersect at 90 degrees to form a cross. Speaking of crosses, it carries the interesting nickname of “fairy cross” as stated above but why one might ask. 

According to George F. Kunz, the noted mineralogist and folklorist, a Virginia legend holds that the tears of fairies crying at the news of Christ's death turned into these stones. It was believed that once Mother Earth’s fairy’s heard of the crucifixion of Jesus Christ, they bawled tears never before seen. These sad droplets rained down on our planet and became hardened upon contact. It was even used to sit atop Church entryways in the Middle Ages. Kind of a strange story as the idea of a fairy is in direct contradiction to modern day. It speaks to the blending of old folk tales and Christianity spreading across Europe.

According to Metaphysics:  Staurolite activates and aligns one’s third eye, heart and root chakras together. They possess an energy that will help and guide you in communicating with beings in your environment and from the natural world.This mineral promotes the highest version of oneself by channeling potent energy down to Earth. Staurolite has a calming and relaxing energy that will effectively remove the stress in your body, as well as in your heart and mind. It will reduce your fears and anxieties, and even is said to help you quit bad habits and unhealthy addictions.