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The name Kyanite is derived
from the Greek kyanos meaning "blue" as the finest specimens display colors
similar to Blue Sapphire. Like Diamonds, Kyanite has perfect cleavage
in one direction, a fact that gem cutters take into consideration when
faceting this unusual gemstone. Kyanite is commonly cut into Baguette,
Octagon, Oval and Pear shapes.
While Kyanite is most commonly blue in color it can also appear as white,
gray or green. A splintery stone with perfect cleavage, its hardness is
different on the parallel and perpendicular axes - a very rare trait amongst
gemstones. Lengthwise Kyanite's hardness is 4-5, while Crosswise it is
6-7 on the Moh's scale.
Kyanite can be found in a wide variety of locations around the world including:
Brazil, India, Kenya, Mozambique, Nepal, Russia, Serbia, Switzerland,
Tibet, and in the USA in the states of North Carolina and Georgia.
Kyanite's color is often not consistent throughout the crystal and can
be blotchy or in streaks. Kyanite is a difficult stone to cut, making
quality of faceting an important value consideration. Overall Kyanite
is an affordable gem type and its unusual characteristics make it a very
striking statement of individuality for those who choose to wear this
little-known yet very attractive gem.
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