Gem Library

BUYER’S OVERVIEW:
Kyanite is considered to be a semi-precious gemstone and while limited in nature, gems of good color and size are available, however, finely faceted stones above 1 or 2 carats are hard to find because of the difficulties in cutting the stone. While Kyanite can be found in a variety of colors including green, yellow, gray and brown, it is the rich blue color found in Tibetan material, unmatched in color uniformity and brilliance that commands the most attention and the highest prices.

COLOR:
Kyanite is found in a variety of colors ranging from light to dark blue, green, yellow, gray, brown or colorless.

APPEARANCE:
Transparent to translucent, Kyanite is usually included and often color zoned (showing bands of color).

SIZE RANGE:
1 to 5 carats but gemstones over 2 carats are rare given the difficulties associated with cutting the stone.

TYPICAL CUTTING STYLES:
Transparent: most cutting styles are available. Translucent: cabochons and beads

POSSIBLE ENHANCEMENTS & TREATMENTS:
Kyanite has no known enhancements.

HARDNESS:
Kyanite exhibits the property of directional hardness, it is 4 to 5 on the Mohs scale in one direction and 6 to 7½ at 90 degrees to the original direction.

BEST USE OF THE GEMSTONE:
Kyanite is not a strong gemstone due to its directional hardness and as such, earrings, pendants, pins, and tie tacks are probably the safest choice for this stone. Rings should be limited to occasional wear and the stones should be set with a protective setting.

CARE & CLEANING:
It is best to never expose colored gemstones to cleaning solvents or chemicals of any kind.
Common cleaning methods include:
Ultrasonic: never
Steamer: never (very heat sensitive)
Warm soapy water: safe
Reaction to Chemicals: can be damaged by acids.
Reaction to Heat: very heat sensitive
Stability to Light: generally stable after prolonged exposure to sunlight or UV light.

INTERESTING FACTS ABOUT THIS GEMSTONE:
The name “Kyanite” comes from the Greek word “Kranos” meaning blue and in the late 1700’s Kyanite was commonly sold throughout Europe as Sapphire. Kyanite is sometimes called the gem from the “Roof of the World” as it was first discovered in Tibet’s Kali Gandaki Region. The Tibetan material is considered to be the highest quality ever found as it displays rich blues, color uniformity and brilliance, often being compared to Kashmir sapphires.

Kyanite is very unusual in that it exhibits the property of directional hardness, having two levels of hardness in the same stone at 90 degrees to one another. Like diamond it has perfect cleavage in one direction and this property, combined with directional hardness makes Kyanite a challenge to cut and facet.

DESIGNATION:
This gem has a long history but has no traditions currently associated with it.

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