Kyanite is an uncommon mineral that often bears a deep blue hue. The mineral is used industrially in the production of refractory materials for kilns and foundries (refractory materials can absorb a lot of heat and still maintain their strength). It is also used in ceramics, abrasives, and some electronics. Transparent, brilliantly-colored kyanites may be carved into gemstones, and particularly striking crystal specimens are valued by collectors.
Hardness:
5.5 - 7
Density:
3.67 g/cm³
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Properties
Values
Market Price
How to Care
Real vs Fake
Characteristics
Cultural
Common Questions
General Info About Kyanite
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Blue stones - strong trichroism: colorless/pale blue, greenish-blue/violet-blue, dark blue
Dispersion
0.02
Optical Character
Biaxial positive or negative
Discover the Value of Kyanite
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Rarity
Uncommon
Collection Recommendation
4.2 out of 5
Popularity
3.6
Aesthetic
4.2
Rarity
4.0
Sci-Cultural Value
4.1
The Market Price of Kyanite
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Color, clarity, and weight are the decisive factors affecting the price of kyanite. Crystals with a length of about 2.5 cm and average quality usually cost $2-$6/piece. Top specimens presents a vivid blue similar to royal blue color of sapphire. These are often cut into faceted gemstones for jewelry, and the price for high-clarity ones can reach hundreds of dollars per carat.
Rough/Tumbled Price
Smaller Than Hand (0-1.5in)
$1 - $6
Close Hand (1.5-3in)
$6 - $30
Equal To Hand (3-6in)
$30 - $70
Bigger Than Hand (>6in)
$70
Cluster/Geode Price
Smaller or Equal To Hand (<3in)
$5 - $50
Equal To Hand (3-6in)
$48 - $90
Bigger Than Hand (>6in)
$90
How to Care for Kyanite?
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Durability
Nondurable
Scratch resistance
Poor
Toughness of Kyanite
Poor
Fair
Good
Excellent
The poor toughness of kyanite is due to its perfect cleavage in one direction, leading to easy splitting along specific planes and making it vulnerable to breakage under impact or stress.
Stability of Kyanite
Sensitive
Stable
Kyanite demonstrates resilience under most daily use conditions except for direct heat and harsh chemical exposure. It maintains integrity against water, sunlight, dryness, and common stains.
More Care Tips of Kyanite
Real vs Fake Kyanite
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4 Ways to Tell if kyanite is Real
Fake Alert Level:
Caution Needed
Dyed Quartzite, Crackle Quartz, and Calcite are sometimes utilized to mimic natural kyanite. It's recommended to buy from reputable retailers and, if possible, request a certificate from a gem testing laboratory for authentication. Here are some handy tips to help you initially discern the authenticity of kyanite.
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Characteristics of Kyanite
Kyanite is strongly anisotropic, in that its hardness varies depending on its crystallographic direction. In kyanite, this anisotropism can be considered an identifying characteristic.
Formation of Kyanite
Kyanite occurs in gneiss, schist, pegmatite, and quartz veins resulting from high pressure regional metamorphism of principally pelitic rocks. It occurs as detrital grains in sedimentary rocks. It occurs associated with staurolite, andalusite, sillimanite, talc, hornblende, gedrite, mullite and corundum. Kyanite occurs in Manhattan schist, formed under extreme pressure as a result of the two landmasses that formed supercontinent Pangaea.
Cultural Significance of Kyanite
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Uses of Kyanite
Kyanite is used in to manufacture many products such as bricks and mortar. Kyanite can resist very high temperature, and as such is used to create shelving inside kilns and other temperature-resistant materials. This mineral is also used to create brakes and clutches for automobiles and trains.
The Meaning of Kyanite
Blue kyanite is said to be what the legendary sword used by Archangel Michael was made from. Ancient Greek seafarers wore kyanite as an amulet because it was believed that Poseidon used it to travel to Earth and assist them. More recently, artist Nemanja Nikolic is said to have used kyanite in her paintings.
Etymology of Kyanite
Its name comes from the same origin as that of the color cyan, being derived from the Ancient Greek word κύανος. This is generally rendered into English as kyanos or kuanos and means "dark blue".
Healing Properties of Kyanite
Kyanite is believed to ease many physical ailments, as well as helping to achieve better mental awareness and an improved emotional state. Those who use it say it calms nerves and helps to improve communication and compassion. It is often used by those who seek better relationships but don't want to lose their own self-awareness.
Chakras
Throat, Third Eye
Common Questions People Also Ask
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