A Geoscience Digital Image Library
A Geoscience Digital Image Library
| Title | Staurolite |
|---|---|
| Description | Staurolite Fe2Al9Si4O22(OH)2 is an iron aluminum silicate hydroxide. It is a common metamorphic mineral that is used by geologists to determine the degree of metamorphism. Staurolite is known for its twinned crystals that form into the shape of a cross. The twin is a classic penetration twin where it appears as if two crystals grew into and out of each other. It actually forms two twin types; one that is nearly 90 degrees and one that is nearly 60 degrees. The 60 degree type is more common but the 90 degree type is the most sought after. Staurolite is found in metamorphosed aluminous sedimentary rock environments. Its name comes from the Greek, stauros meaning “cross” and lithos meaning “stone” in allusion to the common cross shaped twins of the crystals. |
| Location | Russia. Near Keyvy. Kola peninsula. |
| Photographer | Shannon Heinle. 2001-06-25. |
| Collection | Dexter Perkins Mineral Collection. |
| Key words | Native Copper, New Mexico |
| Tech details | 495 KB. Hand specimen. Fujifilm FinePix S1Pro digital camera; 60mm AF Nikon micro lens. |
| GeoDIL number | 838 |
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