Kyanite is a striking and unique gemstone known for its vibrant colors and fascinating properties. Renowned for its beautiful blue hues, this mineral is prized not only for its aesthetic appeal but also for its distinct physical characteristics, including its pleochroism — the ability to show different colors when viewed from different angles. Despite its typical blue color, kyanite can also appear colorless, white, gray, green, orange, or yellow. The color distribution in kyanite is often varied, with most stones displaying light to dark color zones and white streaks or blotches. Discover our extensive range of loose kyanite for sale.
Kyanite's most distinctive trait is its strong anisotropic properties. Most gems are anisotropic to some extent, but kyanite is the most famous of anisotropic gemstones. Anisotropic gemstones exhibit varying properties, depending on their crystallographic direction. When kyanite is cut parallel to its long axis, its hardness can range from 4 to 4.5 on the Mohs scale, but when cut perpendicularly, its hardness can range from 6 to 7.
Kyanite is a member of the aluminosilicate series and exhibits a distinctive property known as anisotropism. Kyanite gemstone can be very easily identified by its dual hardness. Many materials exhibit variable hardness on different crystal faces, but kyanite's variable hardness can be seen in the very same crystal. As a result of its distinct dual hardness and its frequent habit of color streaking and blotching, kyanite can be very easy to identify from other gems.
Kyanite gemstones are found in various locations around the world, including countries such as Brazil, Nepal, Switzerland, Australia, Myanmar, Kenya, Zimbabwe, and the United States. These gemstones are typically discovered in metamorphic rocks such as schist, gneiss, and pegmatites. Each region may produce kyanite with unique characteristics and colors, adding to the diversity of this beautiful gemstone.
Orange kyanite was recently discovered in Tanzania. Large teal crystals have also recently been found in Kenya's Umba Valley. Nepal is now widely regarded as one of the finest kyanite sources. Nepalese kyanite is said to rival the blue color of fine Ceylon and Madagascar sapphire.
Kyanite most often occurs in various shades of blue. It is less commonly colorless, white, gray, green, yellow or orange. The colorless form is the rarest, though not the most valuable form of kyanite. The most desirable kyanite color is sapphire-like blue. Color is often inconsistent and unevenly distributed. Color zoning is common with most stones, which means that they exhibit multiple shades of blue in a single specimen. Streaks and blotches are common and typically white, but streaks may also form in other colors.
Kyanite Clarity and Luster
Kyanite can be transparent to translucent. Transparent specimens are most desirable. Almost all kyanite stones will exhibit some visible flaws. Color zoning is often mistaken for internal inclusions. Kyanite stones of over 2 carats are considered rare. Kyanite looks best in daylight and exhibits a vitreous to near-pearly luster when cut and polished.
Kyanite Cut and Shape
Transparent kyanite is typically faceted, whilst translucent materials are most often cut en cabochon. Cat's eye kyanite cabochons are also available. When cutting, proper orientation is essential since kyanite's hardness is directly associated with its cut. The most common shapes include ovals and pears as they preserve the most weight. Fancier shapes are rarer and may demand higher premiums, such as rounds, hearts and trillions, particularly when cut into calibrated sizes.
Kyanite Treatment
Kyanite is typically untreated, though there have been reports of kyanite from certain localities being treated with oil or other synthetic lubricants to enhance luster. Kyanite is sometimes used as an imitation stone and may be falsely traded as more expensive blue sapphire.
Kyanite is a polymorph of andalusite and sillimanite. All three are aluminum silicates, but kyanite forms as triclinic crystals, while andalusite and sillimanite are both orthorhombic. The different crystal structures are owed to geological conditions during formation. Kyanite forms at a lower temperature and in a higher pressure environment; andalusite forms at a lower temperature and lower pressure conditions. Sillimanite forms at a higher temperature and in higher pressure conditions. Kyanite is often confused with blue sapphire and topaz. In addition to sapphire (corundum), andalusite and sillimanite, kyanite also forms in close association with talc, hornblende, quartz, almandine and albite.
Kyanite Metaphysical and Crystal Healing Properties
Kyanite is believed to possess several metaphysical and crystal healing properties. It is thought to align all chakras and promote balance and harmony within the body. Kyanite is said to enhance communication, creativity, and self-expression, making it beneficial for those seeking clarity and insight. Additionally, this gemstone is believed to aid in meditation, helping to calm the mind and facilitate spiritual growth. Kyanite is also thought to promote healing and alleviate stress, anxiety, and negative emotions.
Like citrine quartz, kyanite is said to never accumulate or retain negative energies, thus it nevers requires a cleansing. Due to this attribute, kyanite may be used to cleanse and clear other gems and crystals. Kyanite is not an official birthstone, nor is it associated with any zodiacal signs, but it remains an extremely important healing crystal that is used in the vast world of metaphysical gems today.
Disclaimer: Metaphysical and Alternative Crystal Healing Powers and Properties are not to be taken as confirmed advice. Traditional, Ceremonial and Mythological Gemstone Lore is collected from various resources and is not the sole opinion of SETT Co., Ltd. This information is not to replace the advice of your doctor. Should you have any medical conditions, please see a licensed medical practitioner. GemSelect does not guarantee any claims or statements of healing or astrological birthstone powers and cannot be held liable under any circumstances.
For jewelry, kyanite is often used as an affordable alternative to the more expensive blue sapphire, though its use in jewelry is limited because of its perfect cleavage and varying hardness. Since its hardness is related to its cut, it is best used for earrings and pendants, which aren't exposed to the stress that a bracelet or an everyday ring would experience. Some stones that display chatoyancy (cat's eye effect) may be set into rings, but they should be worn occasionally and with care. Kyanite looks best set in silver or white gold jewelry mountings.
Kyanite is one of the most affordable gemstones today and it can offer many interesting looks. Faceted kyanite can be used for brilliant and lustrous designs, and if cut en cabochon or beaded, it can offer a natural earthy appeal. In addition to its use in jewelry, kyanite is also used for a number of industrial applications, including manufacturing of glass, burner tips, spark plugs, heating elements and electrical insulators. Kyanite is also used in the ceramic industry, primarily for porcelain plumbing fixtures and ceramic dishware.
Note: Buy colored gemstones by size and not by carat weight. Colored stones vary in size-to-weight ratio. Some stones are larger and others are smaller than diamond by weight in comparison.
Kyanite is fairly durable, but compared with many other gemstones, it is a little fragile. Like diamond and topaz, kyanite has perfect cleavage that can cause the stone to split with a single hard knock or blow. It is softer than diamond, sapphire, spinel and many other popular gems, so it's best to not mix kyanite with other types of gemstones in order to prevent scratches and fractures. Avoid the use of ultrasonic cleaners or steamers when cleaning kyanite, and avoid bleach or other harsh chemicals and cleaners. When cleaning kyanite gemstones, use only water and a mild soap. Wipe stones with a soft cloth and rinse well to remove soapy residue.
Always remove kyanite jewelry before playing sports, exercising or engaging in household chores, such as gardening or dishwashing. When removing jewelry, do not pull from the stone as this can weaken prongs and eventually lead to a lost stone. When storing kyanite gemstones, store them away from other gems. It is best to wrap them in a soft cloth and place them inside a fabric-lined jewelry box.
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Kyanite is fairly durable, but compared with many other gemstones, it is a little fragile. Like diamond and topaz, kyanite has perfect cleavage that can cause the stone to split with a single hard knock or blow. It is softer than diamond, sapphire, spinel and many other popular gems, so it's best to not mix kyanite with other types of gemstones in order to prevent scratches and fractures. Avoid the use of ultrasonic cleaners or steamers when cleaning kyanite, and avoid bleach or other harsh chemicals and cleaners. When cleaning kyanite gemstones, use only water and a mild soap. Wipe stones with a soft cloth and rinse well to remove soapy residue.
