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 Kyanite is a gemstone that you will rarely encounter in the typical jewelry store. It is an "exotic" gem. Perhaps that is what makes it so interesting. Kyanite
derives its name from the Greek word kyanos, which means blue.
The most highly prized Kyanite gemstones are a vibrant blue or
blue-green color, reminiscent of azure blue spring skies or cerulean
blue summer seas. The beautiful range of blue and blue-green
that Kyanite beads and briolettes come in makes them a perfect
choice for the beading projects of the season.
Most gemstone-quality kyanite is blue in color. However, kyanite can be clear, green, black and in the rarest of instances, purple. Some kyanite gemstones are pleochroic (appear to be different colors when viewed from different directions).
Blue kyanite stones can be found in a continuous color range between clear and dark blue. The most popular kyanite gemstones are transparent with a deep sapphire blue color. Transparent blue kyanite with a lower color intensity might look like blue topaz or blue aquamarine.
High quality and nicely colored kyanite can be cut into attractive and desirable beads and faceted stones. Beads often have a flat shape because the mineral typically occurs in thin blades. Kyanite is a challenging mineral to cut because it has two distinctly different hardnesses. On the Mohs scale of hardness the mineral typically has a hardness of about 4.5 parallel to their length but a hardness of 6.5 to 7.0 across the width. Skilled cutters are needed to work these stones. Good quality blue kyanite can resemble a gorgeous blue sapphire, but this is where the similarity ends. Kyanite is peculiar because the gemstone exhibits different degrees of hardness along the long axis and across the long axis. On the Moh's Scale of Hardness, Kyanite measures a hardness of 5 along the long axis and 7 across the long axis. To make a comparison, sapphire has a hardness of 9 on the Moh's Scale.
Kyanite was discovered during
the nineteenth century in mountainous mining regions. During
the nineteenth century it was believed that kyanite suspended
from a human hair would follow the Earth's magnetic force like
a needle on a compass. Some early travelers even took kyanite
along with them while traveling in unfamiliar territory. Today
Kyanite is mined in the United States, in Montana and North Carolina
and in Switzerland, Brazil and Nepal. The best quality kyanite
comes for the Kali Gandaki region of West Central Nepal.
 Kyanite is also believed to possess
certain metaphysical properties. The fan like clusters or blades
that are formed by kyanite make it an ideal stone for restoring
energy balance. It helps to quiet the mind, dissolves emotional,
mental, or spiritual confusion, and the letting go of anxiety.
The belief is that there are two gems that do not retain negative
energy and never need cleansing and kyanite is one of them, the
other gemstone that does not need cleansing is citrine. With
its ability to keep the mind calm, the powerful blue hues of
kyanite have long been thought to inspire calmness, composure,
serenity, loyalty and respect. Kyanite is both bright and grounded
and works well for all skin tones.
Sources:
Gems: A Lively Guide
of the Casual Collector, by David J. Dennis Jr.; 1999
Harry N. Abrams, Inc., Publishers.
Gemstones, by Cally Hall 2002; Dorling Kindersley Limited,
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