Kyanite is named after the Greek word for "blue". Its color indeed can make it a lovely gem with a near sapphire-like blue. Usually its color is blue but also can be colorless, white, gray, green or yellow. Color is often not consistent throughout the crystal, often showing white streaks in a medium blue. Luster is vitreous to almost pearly. Its variable hardness is a significant characteristic that has to be taken in consideration by the gem-cutter. Hardness is 4- 4.5 (Mohs scale) when scratched parallel to the long axis of the
crystal and 6-7 when cut perpendicular to or across the long axis. It's a nice gemstone for earrings or pendants. Kyanite is believed to aid self-expression, communication and supernatural abilities. Read more
Kyanite colors
Buying Kyanite
Where is Kyanite found?
Common Kyanite treatments
World-famous Kyanite
Kyanite gemology
Kyanite legends & lore
Kyanite colors
Color is usually blue but also can be colorless, white, gray, green or yellow. Color is often not consistent throughout the crystal. Kyanite is often medium blue with white streaks.
Buying Kyanite
Since hardness is related to the cut, kyanite is used best for earrings and pendants, which aren't exposed to the stress a bracelet or ring could experience.
Color
The most desired color would be a sapphire-like blue. Colorless stones are quite rare.
Lighting
Kyanite looks its best in daylight.
Clarity
Luster is vitreous to almost pearly.
Cut
Cabochon and facet cut. Kyanite location and deposits
Deposits are found in Austria, Brazil, India, Kenya, Myanmar, Serbia, Switzerland, United States and Zimbabwe. Common Kyanite treatments
There are no treatments known that could enhance the gemstone. World-famous Kyanite
Kyanite is in no position to enter the elite circle of world-famous gemstones. Kyanite gemology
Species: Kyanite
Color: Blue to colorless, blue-green, brown
Chemical composition: Al2SiO5 aluminum silicate
Crystal system: Triclinic, long, flat prisms
Hardness: Along axes 4 - 4.5, across 6-7 (Mohs scale)
Specific gravity: 3.53 - 3.70
Refractive index: 1.710 - 1.734
Birefringence: -0.015
Color of streak: White,
Absorption spectrum: 706, 689, 671, 652, 446, 433
Fluorescence: Weak: red The Kyanite zodiac, myth & legend
In ancient times it was believed that a kyanite suspended from a human hair could fallow the Earth's magnetic force like a compass needle. In those times travelers took kyanite along with them, when they entered unknown territories.
Kyanite is believed to aid self-expression, communication and supernatural abilities. |
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