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 moreKyanite 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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