Hidden in the hills and valleys of Southwest Virginia’s Patrick Country are tiny geological reminders of the region’s ancient past. Famously dubbed fairy stones, the miniature staurolite crystals are only found in a few places on earth, including portions of northern Georgia and the Swiss Alps. Fairy Stone State Park remains one of the premier places on the planet to seek out the ancient stones, often sought as keepsakes and good-luck charms. In Patrick County, the tiny geological curiosities are also swirled with legend and local lore, which makes searching for the storied stones even more intriguing.

The Fairy Stone Legend

The globally rare fairy stones of Patrick County were forged centuries ago, courtesy of the combination of heat and pressure unleashed during the formation of the Appalachian Mountains. An amalgam of silica, iron, and aluminum, staurolite is forged during furious geothermal processes—creating hexagonal crystals in single bars, which resemble tiny cylinders. It is the intersection of these solo rods at either 60 or 90 degree angles that form the cross-shaped fairy stones. In Patrick County, the ancient stones are encountered in three cruciform shapes: the standard Roman cross, the diagonal St. Andrew’s cross, and the boxy Maltese cross (the rarest of the forms encountered in the region).

Southwest Virginia’s fairy stones are also purported to have a more mystical origin. According to local legend, the stones are attributed to the ancient fairies once rumored to dwell in the secluded hills and valleys of the Blue Ridge. Despite their idyllic mountain existence, upon hearing the news of the crucifixion of Christ, the fairies shed tears of sympathy, which crystallized as they fell to the earth, taking the form of tiny crosses. Besides their unique appearance, the minute fairy stones are alleged to be good luck charms that provide a host of benefits, including bringing luck to anglers aiming to hook one of Fairy Stone Lake’s elusive rainbow trout.

Searching for the Storied Stones

While the miniature fairy stones can be found scattered throughout Patrick County, the best place to search for the legendary keepsakes is the official hunting ground in Fairy Stone State Park. Spread along Fairy Stone Park Highway (Highway 57) in historic Bassett, about four miles southeast of the state park’s main entrance, the leafy hunting ground lies adjacent to the Fairy Stone Pit Stop, a local service station. No digging tools are allowed at the park’s sanctioned hunting ground—stone-searchers are only permitted use eyes and hands, meaning that even neophytes have ample opportunity to stumble upon the well-camouflaged mementos. Similarly, fairy stones are only to be taken as personal souvenirs, professional gem-hunters and burgeoning geologists hoping to unearth a significant quantity of the staurolite crystals must first obtain a special use permit from park management.

Even at Fairy Stone State Park’s hemmed-in hunting ground, locating the tiny, crystallized keepsakes can be a formidable challenge. After centuries of weather and wear, the stones blend almost seamlessly with the landscape. However, there are a few handy tricks for finding the highly-sought fairy stones:

Follow the contours of the terrain and seek out places where other small pebbles gather after wind storms or bouts of rain, like along tree stumps, exposed roots, and fallen logs. Don’t lose heart, the legendary stones may be almost indistinguishable at first, and geological sleuths may first have to thoroughly clean collected specimens to accurately identify the ancient staurolite crystals. Of course, a little patience never hurts either.

Fairy Stone State Park Highlights

Besides the enchanting fairy stone search site, the 4,741-acre park also offers a variety of trails open to hikers, mountain bikers, and equestrians. The idyllic lake anchoring the park offers a sandy swimming beach, 168 acres of water for paddlers to explore, and plenty of opportunity to hook resident largemouth bass and rainbow trout. For fairy stone seekers who need more than a single day to scour the forest-shrouded foothills, the state park offers an array of accommodations, including cozy yurts, waterside cottages, open-air campsites, and the spacious Fairy Stone Lodge, ideal for extensive family gatherings.

So keep your eyes open as you explore one of Virginia’s most interesting parks. You’ll not only have a getaway to remember, but you may just come home with a souvenir.

Written by Malee Baker Oot for RootsRated Media in partnership with Patrick County.