All About Fairy Stones (2024)



Fairy Stone State Park acquires its unique name from the stone crystals known as Fairy Stones that can be found in the park.

All About Fairy Stones (1)

In case you are unfamiliar with Fairy Stones, there is a legend, and these unique "stones" are rare and only found in a few places across the globe. They are plentiful in Patrick County, and if you have time and patience to do a proper hunt, you will find some. They are considered good luck pieces, and it is rumored that presidents Theodore Roosevelt and Woodrow Wilson and other historical figures carried them for this purpose. Local artisans clean them up and file them to make jewelry pieces.

The Legend of the Fairy Stone

It is said that long, long ago, fairies inhabited a specific quiet and remote region in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. The fairies roamed freely, enjoying the beauty and serenity of that enchanted place..

One day, the fairies were playing in a sunny glade when an elfin messenger arrived from a faraway city bearing the sad news of Christ's death. When they heard the terrible details of the crucifixion, they wept. As their tears fell to the earth, they crystallized into little stone crosses. Though the fairies have long since disappeared, the little stone crosses, known as "fairy stones," remain as mementos in that enchanted spot.

Natural Wonders

Formed and found within the park's boundary, these stone crosses are composed of iron, aluminum and silicate. The name of this mineral compound is staurolite, and like many other minerals, the staurolite formed in regular crystals. Single crystals are hexagonal or six-sided, and singles often intersect at right angles to form the Roman or Maltese shape. In other instances, the singles intersect at forty-five-degree angles to form St. Andrews crosses.

The formation of the staurolite crystals involved an exact combination of heat and pressure provided by the folding and crumpling of the earth's crust during the formation of the Appalachian Mountains. During the crystals' formation, mineral deposits surrounding the crystals were also subjected to the same conditions and formed what is known as schist. The staurolite crystals are usually harder than the surrounding schist and less easily weathered. As the staurolite-bearing schist is weathered away, the more resistant crystals are uncovered and are found exposed at the earth's surface. Occasionally staurolite can be found still embedded in its schist matrix.

Fairy Stones come in three varieties.

The Roman Cross, the St. Andrew's cross, and the Maltese cross. The rarest and most coveted fairy stone is the Maltese shape. You will also find quite a few single "brick" shaped fairy stones that do not intersect.

All About Fairy Stones (2)

Where to find Fairy Stones

Fairy stones can be found on Fairy Stone State Park property by taking Fairystone Lake Drive (route 346) to route 57 east. Travel approximately three miles to the first service station on the left, The Fairy Stone Pitstop. The land to the left of the station is park property, and you can hunt fairy stones in that area. A small number may be hunted and taken for personal use; however, commercial digging is not permitted.
Google map directions.

How do you find them?

All About Fairy Stones (3)

There are a few ways to find them, but to save your back and your eyes, we recommend just locating a spot and plopping right down on the ground, and start sifting the red dirt in your hands. A veteran fairy stone hunter believes the best Fairy Stones can be found around the roots of trees and tree stumps.

Can't get to the park to hunt?

If your fairy stone hunt isn’t as successful, or you live too far away to come and hunt for them, the park office has both natural and filed fairy stones available for purchase. Call them during business hours at 276-930-2424 to arrange a purchase. Please check the Know Before You Go section for scheduled office hours.

Images and Pricing

Here is what is for sale at Fairy Stone State Park:

  • Shapes- Maltese or Roman
  • Colors- raw, light, dark
  • Sizes- from approximately 1/8" up to 1" (most commonly 1/2")
  • Styles- raw, plain, charm, necklace, keychain, earrings

The darker stones are dyed with a linseed based oil. The lighter color ones are actual colors. All stones will vary based on availability from the local family business.

Raw - $3.99

All About Fairy Stones (4)

Plain - $5.99

All About Fairy Stones (5)

Charms - $7.99

All About Fairy Stones (6)

Keychain- $10.99

All About Fairy Stones (7)

Necklace - $15.99

All About Fairy Stones (8)

Earrings - $19.99

All About Fairy Stones (9)

Shipping will vary based on weight and quantity.


Find a Job at
Virginia State Parks

Order your Virginia State Parks license plate

eNewsletter Sign-up

All About Fairy Stones (2024)

FAQs

What does a fairy stone do? ›

Immersing the mind in meditation or shamanic ritual, Fairy Stone can channel the spirits of animals and beings of the devic realm. Offering its protective motherly instincts, it serves as an amulet to shield you from harm and keep you safe.

What is the story behind the fairy stones? ›

The Legend of the Fairy Stone

One day, the fairies were playing in a sunny glade when an elfin messenger arrived from a faraway city bearing the sad news of Christ's death. When they heard the terrible details of the crucifixion, they wept. As their tears fell to the earth, they crystallized into little stone crosses.

What is another name for a fairy stone? ›

Staurolite is also known as fairy stones, fairy crosses, fairy tears, cross stone, or baseler taufstein, which translates to baptismal stone. This name was given to the stone because of its use in baptisms in the area of Basel, Switzerland.

How to clean fairy stones at home? ›

water and baking soda over heat. and put the rocks in and stir them around for a little bit. this is my first time doing a voice over as I'm sure you can tell. and you're gonna let it bubble and boil and that's gonna get all the like.

Are fairy stones good luck? ›

They have been considered good luck pieces and it is rumored that presidents Theodore Roosevelt and Woodrow Wilson as well as other historical figures carried them for this purpose. Local artisans clean them up and file them to make jewelry pieces.

What are the different types of fairy stones? ›

Fairy Stones come in three varieties

The Roman Cross, the St. Andrew's cross, and the Maltese cross The rarest and coveted fairy stone is the Maltese shape. You will also find quite a few single "brick" shaped fairy stones that do not intersect.

Where can fairy stones be found? ›

Fairy Stone State Park, located in Patrick County, Virginia, is the largest of the original six state parks that opened on June 15, 1936, and is home to the mysterious "fairy stones", or staurolite. The stone, prevalent in the region, may have the St. Andrew's or Roman shape.

How to use fairy stone? ›

Fairy Stone is used in the spool of the Sewing Machine to create a Shirt. It is a purple dye when used in the spool of the Sewing Machine with a dyeable clothing item in the feed. It can be placed in the purple dye pot at Emily's and Haley's house for use in dyeing.

How do fairy stones form? ›

How are they created? The formation of the fairy stones would be explained by the withdrawal of the glaciers that used to recover the land, as well as erosion, sedimentation, and bacterial activity.

What color are fairy stones? ›

These “Fairy” or “Lucky” stones are twinned staurolite crystals simulating the Roman, Maltese and St. Andrew's crosses. They are as much as an inch in length and are of dark brown color. The original staurolite mineral has changed to a compact softer material, so that the stones can be readily pared for jewelry trade.

What is a magic stone? ›

Magic Stone is a very powerful stone. Used in breaking bonds and for separation prayers. It is used for different kinds of Spiritual/ Mystical/ Magical work.

What is the witches stone called? ›

Hag stones, as they are properly called, have been enchanting the folk of Britain for centuries, often literally. They've often been believed to have magical properties and to be able to mysteriously ward off witches and other ne'er-do-wells.

How do you lure a fairy out of stone? ›

If Link plays "Zelda's Lullaby", the "Sun's Song," or the "Song of Storms" near a Gossip Stone, it will release a Fairy.

Can I use vinegar on crystals? ›

After cleaning, avoid streaking by rinsing in water with a small amount of vinegar or rubbing alcohol. The alcohol or vinegar will help prevent streaks.

How rare are cross rocks? ›

Cross Rocks are a rarity in the United States. Blanchard Dam is one of the few locations in the United States that Cross Rocks can be found. It is said that President Theodore Roosevelt wore one mounted as a watch-charm. The Royalton Museum hosts a collection of Cross Rocks on display.

Should I donate Fairy Stone in Stardew Valley? ›

When you first discover a Fairy Stone, donate it to the Museum. Gunther will provide additional information about this item and add it to his collection.

What is the most powerful magic stone? ›

Moldavite is definitely one of the most powerful stones you may ever touch. It radiates energy with an intense frequency that causes reactions called the Moldavite Flush.

What is the spiritual meaning of a fairy? ›

Fairy Spiritual Meaning

Faires symbolize a deeper connection to nature, unseen realms, and your inner child. They might highlight your intuition, a yearning for enchantment, or a reminder that hidden sources of support and guidance are all around you.

References

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Aracelis Kilback

Last Updated:

Views: 5651

Rating: 4.3 / 5 (44 voted)

Reviews: 83% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Aracelis Kilback

Birthday: 1994-11-22

Address: Apt. 895 30151 Green Plain, Lake Mariela, RI 98141

Phone: +5992291857476

Job: Legal Officer

Hobby: LARPing, role-playing games, Slacklining, Reading, Inline skating, Brazilian jiu-jitsu, Dance

Introduction: My name is Aracelis Kilback, I am a nice, gentle, agreeable, joyous, attractive, combative, gifted person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.