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: