The Story of the Fairy Stone

When you tell people about fairy stones, they give you that “bless his heart” look. They tilt their heads, smile, and whisper to themselves, “He expects me to believe there are rocks shaped like little crosses near his cabin.” When you tell them the part about the fairies, they wonder if you just took a major blow to the head.

The Geological Answer to Fairy Stones

If you’re familiar with the Fairystone area, you know that the little stones shaped like crosses, are, in fact, real. They can be found in Fairystone State Park. There is an answer to why the stones look the way they do. They are staurolite. When staurolite crystallizes, it does so at and angle which makes it look like a cross. I have no idea what I’m talking about here, but those who do say in order for a rock to take on that shape it must have experienced intense heat and pressure, the kind the earth’s crust experienced when the Appalachian Mountains were formed.

Shapes and Sizes

There are four types of fairy stones:

Single---it looks like a one-inch, mini 2 x 4
Maltese---a cross or bow tie inside a solid frame
St. Andrews---shaped like an X
Roman---the most sought-after; a cross

How Can You Find Them?

The best way to find fairy stones is to go on one of the guided hunts that Fairystone State Park offers. You’ll meet at the Park’s Visitor’s Center then drive your own vehicle to a site a few miles away, on Route 57. Then, the guide will take you into the woods, which is actually part of the Park. You’ll find the tour guide to be helpful, knowledgeable and incredibly patient. Patience is necessary because every three seconds someone holds up a rock and asks, “Is this something?” There next scheduled Guided Fairy Stone Hunts are on April 18th and 25th. Here’s a link for more information: http://www.dcrintra.state.va.us/dcr_forms/events/ViewEvent.cfm?id=6195 . If you don't want to go on the tour, you can go to the hunt site on your own.

Now for the Fairy Part

Rather than a geological explanation, some people prefer a story about how these unique stones made their way here. Legend has it that many centuries ago, fairies lived in a remote area of the Blue Ridge Mountains. One day when playing, an elfin messenger came from far away. He told them of the death of Jesus. As the fairies heard the story of the crucifixion, they wept. When their tears fell to earth, they crystallized and formed stone crosses.

Sorry About the Photo

I’ll admit I’m not the best fairy stone hunter. When we go, I usually end up wondering around the woods instead of looking down. The photo at the top of this post includes two Maltese, the stones with the bow ties in them.

If you have a photo of a Roman, please send it to me and I’ll happily replace the current photo here on the blog.

Have Fun

Little stones that look like crosses. Very unusual and unique to the Fairystone Area. It’s fun to look for them, identify them, and trade them. If you find a great example of a Roman, people are more likely to believe you about fairy stones and fairies, too. Enjoy the hunt.