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History & Introduction


Kyanite word comes from the Greek word Kuanos or kyanos meaning "deep blue." It is famous as semi-precious gemstone bead in fashion jewelry. It comes from Aluminum rich sedimentary rocks. Kyanite is also known as Cyanite, Disthene and Rhaeticite.

The Kyanite gemstone bead was first seen in the nineteenth century. In the beginning it was utilized as a compass by travelers to follow the earth's magnetic force and get the directions. The orange-color kyanite is discovered from Tanzania and the presence of manganese in the rock structure is the cause of orange color. It is related to zodiac signs Taurus, Libra, and Aries.

Recognise - Kyanite shows a distinctive property known as anisotropism because it comes from the aluminosilicate series. Kyanite is easily recognized because of the dual hardness. Several materials show variable hardness on different crystal faces, however the variable of kyanite’s hardness is seen in the very same crystal. As a result because of its distinctive dual hardness and its frequent habit of color streaking and blotching, kyanite gemstone is very easy to recognize from other gems. The kyanite gemstone beads are mostly available in 0.10 to 5 carats in the market. Its specific gravity is between 3.53 and 3.67. When buying a kyanite gemstone bead one must look for high transparency, uniformity in color and maximum luster.

Availability - Kyanite deposits is available in many places in the world. The important deposits of kyanite are available at Burma, Brazil, Austria, Cambodia, Kenya, Myanmar, Nepal, India, Russia, Serbia, Switzerland, Tanzania, the United States (Pennsylvania, Georgia, Connecticut and North Carolina) and Zimbabwe. Recently, orange kyanite was discovered in Tanzania. Huge crystals of teal is recently been found in Umba Valley, Kenya. Nepal is a renowned sources of finest kyanite gemstone. Nepalese kyanite is believed to the rival of the blue color of fine Ceylon and Madagascar sapphire.

Usages - The use of Kyanite is mainly for refractory product in casting moulds, plumbing fixtures and dishware etc. It is used for abrasives and insulators purposes in electronics. However, the most favorite use is as a semi-precious gemstone which shows cat's eye effect. In case of gemstone industry it is basically used in jewelry like pendants, earrings and brooches. It is one of the important index mineral used to measure the depth, pressure and temperature at which a stone undergoes metamorphism. The stone is taken as an important gemstone bead for relaxation and meditation. It is an excellent tranquilizer and makes a person oneself peaceful and calm. It gives a positive effects on visualization, dreams and psychic activities. It helps foster flow of energy in body, concentration power and communication abilities. It brings loyalty, honesty and helps dispel anger and frustration. Kyanite is an important mineral collectors because of its beautiful color and ease of obtaining. It is even used as a minor blue gemstone.

Buying Guide

Color - Kyanite most often occurs in various shades of blue. It is less commonly colorless, white, grey, yellow, green or orange. Hardly the colorless form is available, though not the most valuable form of kyanite. The maximum color in demand is sapphire-like blue. Frequently, there inconsistency and unevenly distribution in color. The zoning of color is common among maximum number of stones that shows the displaying of multiple shades of blue in a single specimen. Streaks and blotches are available in general and naturally white, however streaks may even form in other colors.

Clarity and Lustre - In case of clarity kyanite gemstone is from transparent to translucent. Transparent material are much in demand. Almost all kyanite stones will display some flaws that is visible. Frequently, the zoning of color is mistaken for internal inclusions. Kyanite stones above 2 carats are hardly available. Kyanite gives an excellent look in daylight and shows a vitreous to near-pearly luster while it is cut and polished.

Cut and Shape - Transparent kyanite is faceted naturally, whereas translucent materials are mainly cut en cabochon. Availability of cat's eye kyanite cabochons are there. While cutting, proper orientation is essential as the hardness of kyanite stone is directly related with the cut. In general the shapes adds up to ovals and pears as they preserve the maximum weight. Shapes in fancier hardly available and may demand higher premiums, like trillions, rounds and hearts, especially when cut into calibrated sizes.

Treatment - Kyanite is not treated naturally, though there are reports of kyanite available in areas where it is treated with oil or other synthetic lubricants to improve luster. There are times when Kyanite is used as an imitation stone and may be falsely traded as an expensive blue sapphire.

Gemmological Characteristics:

Chemical Formula Al2O[SiO4] Aluminium silicate
Crystal Structure Triclinic; long, flat prisms
Color Blue to colorless, blue-green, brown
Hardness 4 to 4.5 (along axes); 6 to 7 (across axes) on the Mohs scale
Refractive Index 1.710 to 1.734
Density 3.53 to 3.70
Cleavage Perfect
Transparency From transparent to translucent
Double Refraction or Birefringence -0.015
Lustre Vitreous to pearly
Fluorescence Weak: Red
Rock Type Igneous, Metamorphic
Popularity (1-4) 2
Prevalence (1-3) 2
Demand (1-3) 2

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