Welcome to the 2022 A to Z Blogging Challenge! My theme this year is Gemstone Folklore. Because I love stories about shiny things. Read the introduction to the project here.
STAUROLITE
Staurolite (lit. cross-stone) is a type of mineral that often crystallizes twinned, forming a natural cross shape. These crystals are often found in Georgia and Virginia, and generally well known in Appalachia.
"Fairy crosses"
Cherokee legend
There are legends among the Cherokee that claim that they knew about Jesus Christ before the first white people landed on their continent. One of these stories claim that the news arrived through the Aniyvwi Tsunsdi, the Little People (often translated as "fairies"). They gathered one day for a day of dancing and celebrations, when one of them arrived late, bringing the news from far away that Jesus had been crucified. At the news the Little People wept in sorrow, and their tears transformed into the small cross-shaped crystals one can still find on the ground today. They are believed to bring good luck, and ward off evil.
Have you ever found a natural fairy cross?
Or another stone of peculiar shape?
Nice choice for X - I wondered what you'd do! I'm familiar with fairy crosses - I was given one on a chain as a child. It came on a card with a little legend about it. But it wasn’t your tale. Another stone that’s somewhat similar is Chiastolite, which are crytals of Andalusite containing cross-shaped inclusions of carbon. I have a couple of those, and they are often considered associated with Hekate and the magic of crossroads.
ReplyDeleteWhat a brilliant choice for the letter of the day! Very innovative. I love your theme of gemstones!!!
ReplyDeleteDropping by via A-Z challenge from momandideas.com
This is the first I've heard of these crosses. I'm in GA so I will be keeping my eyes open when I go to the Appalachia area for them!
ReplyDeleteI haven't heard of these stones before. Interesting!
ReplyDeleteRonel visiting for the A-Z Challenge My Languishing TBR: X