Florida Geological Survey -
Geologic Topics
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Identification:Staurolite
is a complex iron, aluminum silicate, Fe2Al9Si4O22(OH)2.
It is usually some shade of brown, has a colorless streak, a
specific gravity that ranges from 3.4 to 3.8 and a hardness
of 7.0 to 7.5. Staurolite resembles rutile under the
microscope, but has a dull luster, In Florida, staurolite
occurs as rounded sand-size particles.
Occurrence: Staurolite is one of the most
abundant minerals in Florida's heavy sand deposits.
Use: The principal use of staurolite is in the
production of Portland cement, where it substitutes for clay
in supplying the necessary alumina and part of the iron as
required by the cement formula. Staurolite is also used as a
sand blasting material.
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