KYANITE

KYANITE	Perfect cleavage, varying hardness
Major Sources	Nepal, Brazil
Colors Found	Blue
Family	Kyanite
Hardness	4 to 7
Refractive Index	1.71–1.73; Biaxial (–)
Specific Gravity	3.53–3.70
Crystal System	Orthorhombic
Enhancements	Natural

Also called disthene, the name kyanite is derived from the Greek kyanos, meaning blue. The most popular varieties display intensely beautiful colors reminiscent of top Ceylon and Kashmir sapphires. Although the name kyanite has been used since 1789, kyanite was sold in Europe as sapphire until the turn of the 20th century.

Legends and lore

The powerful blue hues of kyanite have long been thought to inspire calmness, composure, serenity, loyalty and respect.

Kyanite is used by alternative healers as a tool for meditation and relaxation. These healers use kyanite to open the third eye chakra to enhance creativity, broaden perception and to reach a better understanding of others. Kyanite is also said to foster tranquillity and believed to have a positive effect on dreams, visualization and foresightedness.

Just the facts

Kyanite has perfect cleavage in one direction. This combined with its varying hardness (kyanite is extremely unusual, displaying two hardnesses within one gem), makes kyanite a challenging gem to facet. Understandably, the cutting of kyanite is an extremely important quality consideration.
Occurring in a variety of locations around the world, the best quality kyanite hails from the Kali Gandaki region of west central Nepal.

The author (RWH) still remembers vividly the day in 1982 when he saw his first parcel of kyanite in Kathmandu. Nepalese kyanite is arguably the best ever found, displaying rich blues, evocative of superb sapphires.