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Kyanite
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Item # KY1207001
Kyanite Blades from Brazil
$32.00
(+4.60 Shipping)
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Kyanite

Kyanite forms bladed crystals. It is generally blue, but can also be green or gray. It has a glassy luster. Kyanite has a
unique physical feature in that it has two different hardnesses. When its hardness is measured across the crystal, it is 7;
when it is measured down the length of the crystal, it is 5. All other minerals have a single hardness no matter where it is
measured on the crystal.
Kyanite is the variant spelling of the original name of this mineral, Cyanite. The name was derived from the Greek word
kyanos meaning blue in reference to this mineral’s most common color. The name was given by Abraham Gottlob
Werner in 1789.
Sillmanite was named in honor of Professor Benjamin Silliman (1779-1864) who was the first professor of mineralogy at
Yale University (as well as professor of chemistry for a time). The name was given by G.T. Bowen in 1824.
Andalusite was named after Andalusia, a province in southern Spain, where this mineral is found. The name was given
by Jean Claude Delametherie in 1798.
There are substantial deposits of Kyanite in the United States. The most important deposits are in Idaho and the
Appalachian Mountain region in Eastern United States. Gneisses in Southern California also have significant Kyanite
resources. Presently, however, it is not economical to mine these deposits. Should economic conditions change, these
deposits may be worth mining. South Africa supplies most of the Andalusite imported for industrial consumption in the
United States. France and India also produce Andalusite and Kyanite, respectively. The most recent finds of Kyanite
have come from Brazil
Kyanite and its related minerals are used to make a variety of refractory materials. Refractory materials are those that
are resistant to very high temperatures. As a result, more than half of the Kyanite consumed is used in refractories for
the production of steel. Kyanite is also used to produce refractories for nonferrous (non-iron-bearing) metals. Some is
consumed to make refractories for glass and heat-resistant ceramics. Kyanite is also used to make spark plugs and is
used for non-refractory applications.
Item # KY1207002
Natural Kyanite Specimen
from Brazil
$22.00
(+$8.25 shipping)
Natural Specimen of Kyanite from Brazil  An interesting specimen of natural Kyanite just as it comes out of the
ground. This specimen weighs 0.55 lbs (248g) and measures 4.4 x 1.8 x 1.5 inches (112 x 46 x 38mm)
Item # KY1207003
Natural Specimen of Kyanite
from Brazil
$18.00
(+$4.80 shipping)
Natural Kyanite Specimen from Brazil A very nice specimen of natural Kyanite just as it is mined. This specimen
weighs 0.82 lbs (374g) and measures 4.3 x 2.2 x 1.8 inches (109 x 56 x 46mm)
Natural Kyanite Blades Specimen from Brazil A very nice specimen of natural Kyanite Blades just as they are
mined. This specimen weighs 2.6 oz (74g) and measures 3.2 x 2.4 x 1.5 inches (81 x 61 x 38mm)