What is Kyanite?
Kyanite is a mineral with versatile properties that make it useful in a wide range of industrial and artistic endeavors. It is a blue crystal resembling a sapphire that is created by when two other minerals polymorph under high pressure conditions. Kyanite is easy to identify and is considered to be a collector's mineral associated with a variety of other minerals and appreciated by many who believe it has metaphysical properties. It is also called cyanite or disthene.
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Definition
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When andalusite and sillimanite polymorph, kyanite is produced, which means that it maintains the chemistry of the two minerals but is packaged in a different crystal structure. The name is a Greek derivative from the word "kyanos" or blue. Kyanite is found in areas rich in silicates and aluminum-rich areas with indications of high kilobar pressure forcing the andalusite and sillimanite together.
Indentification
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As mentioned, the crystal is most often blue but may also be white, or green. The color does not need to be consistent and can range from transparent to translucent. One of the main characteristics that kyanite is recognized for is its defined cleavage which is the split that remains flat and definite along at least one plane. It is an unusually hard mineral often found near quartz veins.
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Geographic Locations
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Kyanite is found around the world where regional high pressures attributed to aluminious rocks occurs. It is found through the United States, most notably in North Carolina and Georgia. It is also found in regions of South America including Brazil. In Europe, kyanite can be found in Serbia, Switzerland and throughout Russia. Kyanite deposits have also been found in Kenya and India. It is believed to have metaphysical properties in many of these locations by indigenous tribes.
Uses
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Kyanite is used in industrial products, ceramics and jewelry. Kyanite is used in spark plugs, abrasive cleaners and as an electrical insulator. It has high refractory properties which make is a good inlay product or composition addition in porcelain dishware and other products. For jewelry it can be an attractive gemstone if difficult to shape.
Rock Metamorphism
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There are certain index minerals that are used to determine the levels at which a rock undergoes metamorphism. The levels evaluated include temperature, depth and pressure. Kyanite is one of the index minerals used for this best utilized for it's anisotropic properties which are properties that differ based on the direction of measurement.
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