This large chunk of Kyanite, 2-4 inches in diameter, is great for any mineral collection.

Kyanite, whose name derives from the Greek word kuanos sometimes referred to as "kyanos", meaning deep blue, is a typically blue silicate mineral, commonly found in aluminium-rich metamorphic pegmatites and/or sedimentary rock.  The mineral takes on beautiful shades of blue, but its flaky consistency makes it fragile and susceptible to wear from handling.

Kyanite is one of the index minerals that are used to estimate the temperature, depth, and pressure at which a rock undergoes metamorphism

FOUND IN: MANHATTAN, NEW YORK (formed under extreme pressure as a result of the two landmasses that formed supercontinent Pangaea)

Kyanite is used primarily in refractory and ceramic products, including porcelain plumbing fixtures and dishware. It is also used in electronics, electrical insulators and abrasives.

Kyanite has been used as a semiprecious gemstone, which may display cat’s eye chatoyancy, though this use is limited by its anisotropism and perfect cleavage^.

Specifications:

• Color: Blue, White
• Color of streak: White
• Moh’s hardness: 4.5-5
• Specific gravity: 3.53-3.65
• Cleavage: Perfect
• Fracture: Splintery
• Crystal system: Triclinic
• Chemical composition: Al₂SiO₅ , Neosilicate
• Transparency: Translucent to Transparent