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Kyanite
Main Deposits
Brazil, India, Switzerland, the United States, Russia, and Nepal.
Description and Characteristics
Kyanite is an aluminium silicate that forms in metamorphic rocks (such as schists and gneisses) under high-pressure conditions. It belongs to the triclinic crystal system and usually occurs as elongated, flattened prismatic crystals resembling blades or swords. Its most unusual physical characteristic is its extreme anisotropy: it has two different hardnesses within the same crystal depending on the direction in which it is scratched, which earned it the name ‘Distena’ (two forces).
| Chemical Formula | $$A_{l2}SiO_5$$ |
|---|---|
| Luster | Vitreous, pearly |
| Streak | White |
| Fracture | Astastillosa / Irregular |
| Cleavage | Perfect |
| Hardness | 4 a 4,5 Mohs |
| Crystal System | Triclinic |
Did you know...?
Its name, ‘kyanite’, derives from the Greek word kyanos, meaning blue. It is widely used in industry to manufacture heat-resistant porcelain and spark plugs, as it expands in a predictable manner at high temperatures.
New-Age Properties
Kyanite is one of the few minerals that does not accumulate or retain negative energy, so it never needs cleansing. It is a stone of connection that instantly aligns the chakras and subtle bodies.