Kyanite is most commonly seen in it’s blue form, but it also has black, green and orange varieties. Blue Kyanite forms in varying size bladed specimens, whilst Black Kyanite typically forms in fans, and Green and Orange Calcite crystals tend to be very small. Gem quality Kyanite is translucent and makes for very attractive cabochon jewellery, though it is difficult to cut. Until fairly recently, it was confused with Sapphire, rather than being known as a separate mineral.
The name Kyanite comes from the Greek 'kyanos' meaning blue, although it is also known by the name "Disthene" which translates roughly to "two strengths" due to it's unusual dual hardness. Most crystals only have one hardness on the Moh's Scale, but Kyanite has two, depending on whether you scratch it along the length or across it. If scratched along the length of the crystal, it has a hardness of 4.5-5, but across the crystal it is much harder, around a 7 on the scale. This makes cutting and polishing it difficult!
In industry it has a wide variety of uses in heat resistence such as in molds and furnaces as it holds its strength very well in high temperatures. It is also used to make high strength porcelain items such as spark plugs and dentures. Kyanite also has the unusual feature of expanding to around twice it's original volume when heated!
Although it's not commonly seen in jewellery, it does make a beautiful piece when cut or polished correctly as either a cabochon or a faceted gem.
Blue Kyanite Metaphysical Properties include:
- Increasing perseverance and mental stamina
- Helps singing and strengthens the voice
- Aids communication and self expression
- Promotes calm and tranquility
- Aligns all chakras
- Has a very strong energy and high vibration. Excellent for meditation
- Aids dream recall
- Boosts psychic ability and communication
Find our Kyanite collection here.