Kyanite is an aluminum silicate mineral found mainly in metamorphic rocks. It most often forms from the high-pressure alteration of clay minerals during metamorphism. It is a mineral that crystallizes in the forms of elongated bladed structures, as well as fibrous & mass formations. And while Kyanite's typical habit is a bladed crystal, it can occur as radiating masses of crystals. It is often associated with other metamorphic minerals like garnet, staurolite, & corundum. The color can range from a very light baby blue to a dark indigo which resembles a soft black.
Blue Kyanite was discovered in 1789 by A.G. Werner & named after the Greek word “kuanos”, meaning “blue”.
Kyanite is a challenging mineral to cut because it has two distinctly different hardnesses. Kyanite crystals are typically long, narrow blades. They have a hardness of about 4.5 parallel to their length but a hardness of 6.5 to 7.0 across the width of the blade. The mineral was once commonly called "disthene" which means "two strengths."
Kyanite is used to manufacture refractory products such as bricks, mortars, & kiln furniture used in high-temperature furnaces. For foundries, molds used for casting high-temperature metals are made with kyanite. It has properties making it exceptionally well suited for the manufacture of a high-refractory-strength porcelain - a porcelain that holds its strength at very high temperatures. A familiar use of this porcelain is the white insulator on a spark plug.
Kyanite has a calming effect on the whole being, bringing tranquility. It encourages psychic abilities & communication on all levels. It drives away anger, frustration, confusion & stress & helps to provide a capacity for linear & logical thought. Kyanite provides a stimulating energy, encouraging perseverance in & support of activities & situations which would normally reduce strength.
