FAQs
Where can I find cross rocks? ›
The Staurolite rocks are found at Blanchard Dam. There are only a couple of place in the United States where they can be found. It is said that President Theodore Roosevelt, President Wilson, Thomas A. Edison, Colonel Charles Lindberg, and many other prominent people carried one or more of these pieces with them.
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.
What are the cross rocks in Georgia? ›Fairy Crosses are probably the most tangible, myth-legend in Fannin County, Georgia. They are referred to as crosses due to their shape. The mineral name for “fairy crosses” is staurolite. The staurolite is considered to be the Georgia state mineral.
What is a crossrock? ›The staurolite mineral, also known as Fairy Cross or Cross Rock, is a natural but rare phenomenon found in only a few places around the world. About five U.S. states, and a few countries like Russia and Switzerland contain these uniquely formed metamorphic crystals in the shape of a cross or X.
Where do cross rocks come from? ›The name is derived from stauros, the Greek word for cross. Staurolite occurs in Canada; North Carolina, Virginia, and Georgia, U.S.; Brazil; Brittany, France; and Switzerland, especially along the Saint Gotthard Pass. For chemical formula and detailed physical properties, see silicate mineral (table).
What does a cross rock look like? ›The three basic types of staurolite twins are the St. Andrew's cross, the Maltese cross and the Roman cross. The common, X-shaped St. Andrew's cross consists of two similarly sized and shaped prisms that penetrate each other at their midpoints to form opposing 60-degree angles.
What are the most valuable rocks in Georgia? ›The rarest of Georgia gems are diamond, ruby, sapphire and aquamarine. Gems include all minerals that are prized for personal ornament on account of their beauty, color, luster, transparency and hardness.
Where can I find fairy stones in Georgia? ›The staurolite is considered to be the Georgia state mineral. Fannin County stands as one of the most significant finds of fairy crosses in the Blue Ridge mountains. Fannin County has also been referred to, by noted mineralogist, as having the finest specimens of staurolite in the world.
How to find fairy crosses? ›Dig with your hands along the soft dirt at the base of the trees. The cross stones are the same color as the dirt, so use your hands to sift the stones from the soil until you find a cross shaped stone about the size of a small marble, usually less than an inch in length.
Where do you dig for fairy stones? ›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.
What rock looks like a cross? ›
Fairy Cross is another name for staurolite crystals, minerals found in old rocks of the Eastern U.S., and they are especially abundant in Fannin County. What makes these natural crosses so appealing?
Where is the best place to find fairy stones? ›Fairy Stones are Staurolite crystals (especially Staurolite pseudomorph) are found in only a few places around the world. Besides Virginia, which has the most abundance of them, they can also be found in Georgia, New Mexico, Brazil, and Switzerland.
Where is the best place to find rocks? ›Hunting Rocks: Beaches and Riverbeds
Whether you're a kid or a grownup, one of the best hunting grounds for rocks is a beach. Ocean beaches boast a wide variety of specimens and since they're spread out across large areas and renewed with every tide, you're pretty much assured of finding something interesting.
One of our favorite rocks to tumble is a rock that has been tumbled to a nice shape by nature. These nature-tumbled rocks are often found at beaches, in streams, and in sediment deposits.
Where can I find fluorescent rocks? ›Fluorescent minerals are found almost anywhere there is a good selection of white light minerals. Mine dumps/tailing piles are obviously great candidates for any mineral, fluorescents included.
Where to find fairy stones in Georgia? ›The staurolite is considered to be the Georgia state mineral. Fannin County stands as one of the most significant finds of fairy crosses in the Blue Ridge mountains. Fannin County has also been referred to, by noted mineralogist, as having the finest specimens of staurolite in the world.