Staurolite Schist is a medium-grade metamorphic rock characterized by the presence of cruciform or prismatic staurolite crystals embedded within a mica-rich matrix. It is highly sought after by collectors for the 'fairy cross' habit of the staurolite porphyroblasts, which often stand out clearly against the schistose background. It is typically found in regional metamorphic terranes formed under moderate temperatures and pressures.

Hardness

3.5-7

Mohs

Luster

Pearly to Dull

Streak

White to Gray

Transparency

Opaque

metamorphiccommon

Staurolite Schist

Hardness: 3.5-7
Luster: Pearly to Dull
Streak: White to Gray
Transparency: Opaque

Is this staurolite schist?

5-step field check

Run through these checks against the specimen in your hand. The more boxes tick, the more confident the ID.

1
Test the hardness
Try to scratch staurolite schist with a known reference. Staurolite Schist sits at Mohs 3.5-7 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Staurolite Schist leaves a white to gray streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Staurolite Schist typically shows a pearly to dull luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: dark brown, gray, brownish-black.
5
Look at form & habit
Typical habit: foliated matrix with embedded prismatic crystals.

Often found alongside staurolite schist

Minerals reported to co-occur with staurolite schist. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.

All properties

Mohs hardness: 3.5-7
Density: 2.7-3.0 g/cm³
Colors: Dark Brown Gray Brownish-black
Streak: White to Gray
Luster: Pearly to Dull
Transparency: Opaque
Crystal habit: Foliated Matrix with Embedded Prismatic Crystals
Cleavage: None
Rarity: Common
Uses: Collector, Educational
Host rock: Metamorphic Belts
Typical price: $5-50 thumbnail, $20-150 cabinet specimen

Where rockhounds find staurolite schist

Classic worldwide localities

Taos County, New Mexico, USA
Fannin County, Georgia, USA
Brittany, France
Ticino, Switzerland
Minas Gerais, Brazil

Field-hunting tip

Look in metamorphic belts country — that is the host setting where staurolite schist typically forms. If you start seeing staurolite, muscovite, biotite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a foliated matrix with embedded prismatic crystals habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify staurolite schist?+

Mohs hardness is 3.5-7. It typically shows a pearly to dull luster. The streak is white to gray. Common colors include dark brown, gray, brownish-black.

Where is staurolite schist found?+

Notable localities include Taos County, New Mexico, USA; Fannin County, Georgia, USA; Brittany, France; Ticino, Switzerland; Minas Gerais, Brazil.

How much is staurolite schist worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $5-50 thumbnail, $20-150 cabinet specimen. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

What minerals are found with staurolite schist?+

Staurolite Schist commonly co-occurs with Staurolite, Muscovite, Biotite, Garnet, Kyanite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does staurolite schist form in?+

Staurolite Schist typically forms in metamorphic belts. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is staurolite schist used for?+

Staurolite Schist is used in collector, educational.

Find staurolite schist on the map

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