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Kyanite: Mineral Information Page

Links To Kyanite Information Topics On This Page:
Kyanite Items in our VIRTUAL GALLERY
Physical Properties
Background Info
Occurance and Diagnostic Features
History and Uses
Metaphysical Properties

KYANITE ITEMS IN OUR VIRTUAL GALLERY:
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• Kyanite Mineral Specimens
• Kyanite Spheres
• Kyanite Gemstones
• Spectacular Kyanite Decorator and Collector Items
• Handcrafted Kyanite Jewelry

PHYSICAL PROPERTIES

• Kyanite Chemical composition: Al₂SiO₅
• Class: nesosilicate
• Crystal system: triclinic
• Crystal habit: commonly as tabular prismatic crystals elongated on c, can be folded or wavy, in bladed agregates, rarely terminated.
• Twinning: multiple twinning common on {100}
• Specific gravity: 3.55 - 3.66
• Index of refraction: 1.712 - 1.734
• Birefringence: moderate (0.012-0.016)
• Pleochroism: strong: colorless/violet-blue/cobalt blue
• Hardness: 4.5 to 5 parallel to crystal length, 7 to 7.5 perpendicular to length
• Color: usually in shades of blue, also white, gray to black, yellow, green or colorless, often with irregular color zoning.
• Luster: vitreous to pearly
• Transparency: translucent to transparent
• Cleavage: perfect on {100} and distinct on {010}
• Fracture: splintery to fibrous
• Streak: white

KYANITE BACKGROUND INFORMATION

There are three polymorphs of Al₂SiO₅: andalusite, kyanite and sillimanite. Each of these minerals has the same chemical composition but differing crystal structure.

These three minerals form in aluminous metamorphic rocks. The temperature and pressure are what determines which of these polymorphs will crystallize. Knowing the pressure and temperature stability field for each of these three minerals can be of significant value in understanding metamorphic terrains. Under conditions of high temperature regional metamorphism, sillimanite tends to occur from rocks of appropriate composition. Kyanite is typically found in rocks that formed under conditions of high pressure regional metamorphism. Andalusite is indicative of relatively low pressure conditions of formation, often occuring in contact metamorphic deposits.

OCCURRENCE AND DIAGNOSTIC FEATURES

Kyanite most often occurs in high pressure regionally metamorphosed aluminous rocks and in the quartz veins that cut through them, associated with quartz, muscovite, almandine garnet, biotite, staurolite and corundum. It also occurs in some kimberlite pipes and eclogites associated with pyrope garnet and omphacite.

The blue color in metamorphic kyanite is due to trace amounts of Fe⁺² and Ti⁺⁴ impurities substituting for aluminum. The light blue color of kyanites found in kimberlites is due to trace amounts of chromium.

Kyanite is characterized by its blue color, differing hardnesses, perfect cleavage and bladed crystal form.

HISTORICAL INFORMATION AND USES

The name kyanite is from the Greek word kyanos, meaning blue.

Kyanite is used in the manufacture of spark plugs and other heat resistant ceramics.
Kyanite gems of fine color and transparency are rare, and since the relatively low hardness and well developed cleavage make it comparatively easy to damage, its use as a gemstone is generally limited to earrings, brooches and pendants.

The astrological signs of kyanite is Taurus, Libra and Aires.

METAPHYSICAL PROPERTIES

Kyanite is said to be very usefull in enhancing one's creativity, broadening one's perspective, and in reaching a better understanding with others. Kyanite is also said to bring calm and tranquility, and to facilitate meditation.

Kyanite is said to help clear sinus congestion, and to help in the treatment of muscular disorders.

For more in-depth metaphysical information, see our Metaphysical Books section.

This is the end of our Kyanite Factsheet and Information page.