A fairly new gemstone discovered during the nineteenth century, kyanite is more of a collector gem than a mainstream gemstone . Rarely available as a faceted gem, especially only when free from inclusions and flaws, kyanite’s perfect cleavage and high variation in hardness makes it extremely challenging to cut.  Unlike most other minerals, kyanite can expand significantly when heated – almost twice its volume.

A gemstone that you will rarely come across in typical jewelry stores nearby, kyanite is mostly unheard of. Often referred to as an “exotic” gem, well-colored premium quality kyanite can be cut into attractive and desirable beads, cabochons, and faceted stones.

Kyanite immediately aligns the chakras and subtle bodies, bringing tranquility and a calming effect to the mind and soul. It is an exceptional stone used to improve concentration in meditation . It has several other uses, metaphysical and healing properties.

Our buying guide will tell you everything you need to know about kyanite and how to identify a real one.

What is kyanite?

Found mainly in metamorphic rocks, kyanite is an attractive blue mineral that often appears as large, well-formed bladed crystals . It is the most anisotropic of all gemstones, meaning as the orientation changes, the hardness varies. It appears soft with a hardness of only 4.5 to 5.5 Mohs when cut parallel to the longitudinal axis of the crystal. On the shorter side of the crystal, the kyanite hardness is 6 to 7 Mohs.  With a fibrous appearance, kyanite’s internal structure encourages chatoyancy (the cat's eye effect). Displaying partial pleochroism, kyanite is rarely found in a single color. It doesn’t belong to the traditional birthstone chart. But this gemstone is often considered as a natural birthstone for the Taurus zodiac sign.

Where is kyanite found?

Kyanite stone deposits are found and extracted in several locations of the world. Some of the most important sources include India, Myanmar, Nepal, Brazil, Cambodia, Kenya, Austria, Burma, Russia, Serbia, Switzerland, Tanzania, the United States (North Carolina, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, and Georgia) and Zimbabwe. Orange kyanite was recently discovered in Tanzania. Large, teal-colored kyanite gemstones have also been found in Kenya’s Umba Valley. Nepal, now regarded as one amongst the finest kyanite sources, is said to rival the blue color of fine Ceylon and Madagascar sapphire.

Types of Kyanite:

Kyanite stone is a polymorph of andalusite and sillimanite formed at lower temperatures and higher pressures. Although all three are aluminum silicates, kyanite forms as triclinic crystals, whereas andalusite and sillimanite are both orthorhombic. The difference in crystal structures is owed to geological conditions such as temperatures and pressures during formation. Though there aren’t any well-known types or variants of kyanite, it is often confused with blue sapphire and topaz. Along with sapphire (corundum), andalusite and sillimanite, kyanite also has a close association with talc, hornblende, quartz, almandine, and albite.

The Four C’s of kyanite:

Color: Kyanite is generally found in various shades of blue, with lighter and darker color zones and streaks often present. The pleochroic  (the ability to display different colors when viewed from different angles)  characteristic of this gemstone makes the cutting procedure quite challenging as it’s difficult to get the right color consistency. Kyanite can also be found in other colors such as white, green, black, yellow, and orange, but these colors are quite uncommon. The colorless form is quite rare, but it’s not the most valuable form of kyanite. Sapphire-like blue color is the most sought after even though the color is often inconsistent and unevenly distributed.

Clarity: Kyanite generally displays transparent to translucent clarity. Transparent specimens are the most desirable ones. Almost every kyanite stone will exhibit some visible flaws and color zoning, and it is often mistaken for internal inclusions. Exhibiting a vitreous to near-pearly luster when cut and polished, kyanite  looks absolutely perfect when exposed to sunlight.

Carat weight: Kyanites over 2 carats are quite rare.  The blue kyanite that originates from Nepal is said to weight about 1 carat. A few large specimens have also been cut up to about 20 carats . Kyanite gemstones over 5 carats are hardly completely clean and clear.

Cut and shapes: Kyanite gemstones that are transparent are typically faceted, whereas the translucent ones are most often cut into cabochons. Cat's eye kyanite cabochons are also available but are more valuable than regular cabochons. Since kyanite's hardness is directly associated with its cut, it has to be skillfully cut and shaped. Stones cut in oval and pear shape are the most preferred ones, since they preserve the most weight. Fancier shapes, such as rounds, hearts, and trillions, particularly when cut into calibrated sizes, are rarer and costlier.

Association with chakra:

Like a wi-fi that's perpetually on, this gemstone is believed to align with all chakras automatically. Its abilities are also believed to –

• enhance communication and bridge the gaps
• grow awareness of others
• promote a balance of female and male energies

It is believed to have a balancing effect on all chakras and is used for deep meditation. It is proven to be very effective when worn near the throat chakra.

Treatments of kyanite:

Though some localities have reportedly been treating kyanite with oil or other synthetic lubricants to enhance luster, this gemstone is typically untreated.  Unlike many popular gemstones that are often enhanced and treated to refine the color and durability, kyanite has nothing to do with any such process. It is sometimes used as an imitation stone and maybe falsely traded as a more expensive blue sapphire.

Value of kyanite:

The value of kyanite depends mainly on the color, cut, and clarity of the stone. Dark blue kyanite stones that display luminescent transparency and visual depth are highly valued. A quality or custom cut kyanite gemstone will certainly fetch a higher price as this stone’s cleavage properties make it difficult to cut the stone.

Kyanites that are clean and free from obvious inclusions or blemishes are also valued at higher prices. The three most important C’s – color, clarity, and cut are of utmost priority to determine the value of a kyanite gemstone. Larger carat sizes can also increase the overall cost of a stone. There are luxurious and very expensive jewelry designs made from high-quality kyanite. Overall, the value of kyanite boils down to its quality and the setting it’s mounted in.

How to take care of kyanite?

Compared to many other gemstones, kyanite is fairly durable but a little fragile. Like diamonds and topaz, kyanite has a perfect cleavage that can cause the stone to split with a single hard knock or blow.  It is often considered to be durable but also complicated, which is because of its anisotropic properties. This unique characteristic makes kyanite a brittle stone that is prone to splitting along its grain.  It is recommended to avoid ultrasonic cleaners or steamers, bleach, or other harsh chemicals and cleaners while cleaning kyanite. Use only mild soapy water to clean this gemstone. Wipe the stones with a soft cloth and rinse well to remove any soapy residue.

When engaged in household chores such as dishwashing or gardening, and even while playing sports or exercising, there are high chances of this delicate stone getting damaged. It is best to store kyanite away from other gems. To maintain its quality, it is recommended to wrap the gemstone in a soft cloth and place it in a jewelry box with a fabric lining.  One very important fact to note is that kyanite dissolves in water, so it cannot be left submerged in water.

Meaning, Mythology, Uses, Metaphysical, and Crystal Healing Properties:

Kyanite Meaning: Bestowing supernatural abilities, including dreams with insightful messages and foresight, kyanite gives the ability to concentrate and meditate deeply. It is known to alleviate anger and agitation and helps in overcoming depression. No wonder kyanite is also called the calming stone.

Kyanite Mythology: In ancient times, it was believed that kyanite possessed the ability to follow the earth’s magnetic force, so it was used as a compass by travelers.  It was believed that kyanite could be used as an accurate replacement in the absence of a compass. The working principle was simple; kyanite suspended from human hair, could follow the earth's magnetic force, just like a compass needle would.

From then, many travelers took kyanite along with them when they went on long journeys and to explore unknown territories.  It is said that the name “kyanite” is derived from the Greek word “kyanos,” meaning blue.

What is kyanite used for?

1. Other than jewelry-making, kyanite is also widely used in industrial processes of porcelain refractory, foundry molds, and heat treatment.
2. They are highly used in cutting and wheel grinding and brakes in the railway industry.

Kyanite Metaphysical Properties:

• Kyanite acts as a tremendous source in creating pathways with excellence and connection of mind with the third eye since it has a high vibrational crystalline structure.
• Anyone who seeks to achieve in-depth knowledge about mediation, improve concentration, and achieve success can obtain several benefits from this stone.
• Kyanite is an extraordinary crystal of connection that opens the mind centers by enhancing and bridging the gaps in all communication efforts. It works as a universal bridge by providing a link for transmitting or receiving healing energy.
• Believed to aid with communication, self-expression, and strengthen supernatural abilities, kyanite is believed to possess the ability to open the body's center for communication.  Kyanite properties encourage and provide psychic abilities.
• Assisting you by providing capacity for a more logical and linear thought process, kyanite also helps drive away stress, confusion, frustration, and anger.
• It boosts energy and encourages perseverance in day-to-day activities or in work that would normally reduce one’s strength.

Kyanite Healing Properties:

For meditation and attunement, kyanite is a perfect choice. It will assist you in connecting with your spirit guides and dispel all negative energy or vibrations. Kyanite can provoke dream calls to guide you on the righteous path. Kyanite treats parathyroid glands, adrenal glands, and the urogenital system. It also aids in disorders of the muscular system, brain, and throat. A natural pain reliever, kyanite, greatly assists in lowering blood pressure and healing infections.

Kyanite side effects:

Not just absorbing negative energy but actually dissipating it makes kyanite an important gemstone. This is possible due to its unique characteristic of vibration at too high of a frequency, so anything on lower vibration cannot withstand the nature of its force. Anyone with a lower vibration is bound to observe terrible side-effects as the vibration of kyanite gemstone is high and powerful. Its ability to uplift the vibrations in its range stimulates consciousness to reach higher levels, which may prove harmful if the individual is not ready for the transcendence.

Where should you buy kyanite gemstones?

At GemsforJewels, we offer a beautiful range of kyanite gemstones of the highest quality in blue and green shades. These stones can be bought loose, as cabochons, strands, or connectors; there are many varieties to choose from. We also offer other shapes, including pear, tear drop, oval, and rondelles. We also have some fascinating kyanite beads that you could use for anklets or necklaces. Kyanite is an attractive and renowned gemstone that is suitable for all your requirements.