1. a reddish-brown to black mineral that commonly forms cross-shaped crystals, composed of iron aluminum silicate
Usage: geology; mineralogy

Examples

• The geologist found several staurolite crystals embedded in the metamorphic rock.
• Staurolite is often called ‘fairy cross’ because of its distinctive cross-shaped twin crystals.
• The mineral collection included a beautiful specimen of staurolite from Virginia.
• Staurolite forms under high-temperature metamorphic conditions.
• The cross-shaped staurolite crystals are popular among mineral collectors.
• Students learned to identify staurolite by its characteristic brown color and crystal habit.