Kyanite

Kyanite is a popular gemstone composed of aluminum silicate. ^[1]

Kyanite: Quick Facts and Characteristics

Some quick facts for Kyanite:

• Transparency: Kyanite can be translucent or transparent.
• Crystallography: In terms of crystallography, kyanite is triclinic.
• Luster: In terms of luster, kyanite can be pearly or vitreous (glassy).
• Streak: Kyanite streaks colorless.
• Hardness: Kyanite's hardness ranges from 4 to 7.5 on the Moh's scale.
• Specific Gravity: Kyanite's specific gravity ranges from 3.53 to 3.67.

Kyanite: Background and Summary

Kyanite is a blue silicate mineral that is commonly found in metamorphic rocks. It is a polymorph of andalusite and sillimanite, which means that they share the same chemical formula but have different crystal structures. Kyanite is typically blue, but it can also be green, gray, or white. It is a relatively hard mineral, with a Mohs hardness of 5.5 to 7.0, and has a vitreous to pearly luster.

One of the most distinctive features of kyanite is its crystal habit. It typically forms long, slender crystals that are often striated. These crystals can be up to several feet long and are often found in clusters. Kyanite also has perfect cleavage in one direction, which means that it can be easily split into thin, flat sheets.

Kyanite has a variety of uses, both industrial and decorative. It is used as a refractory material in high-temperature applications such as furnace linings and kiln bricks. It is also used in the manufacture of spark plugs and other electrical components due to its high electrical conductivity. Kyanite is also used as a gemstone and can be faceted into beautiful blue or green gems.