The name kyanite comes from the Greek word kyanos which means "blue" because of its color. Kyanite forms as a result of regional metamorphism. High to very high-pressures are required to produce this mineral.
| Al2SiO5 |
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| Nesosilicate |
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| Triclinic |
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| -1 |
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| 5 parallel to c-axis, 7 perpendicular to c-axis |
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| 3.55-3.66 |
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| {100} perfect |
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| Brittle |
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| Blue |
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| White |
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| Vitreous, pearly |
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| Transparent/translucent |
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| Columnar |
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| Notable Localities: |
St. Gotthard, Switzerland; Austria; France; India, Kenya; North Carolina; Georgia |
| Uses: |
Manufacture of spark plugs and porcelain, sometimes cut as a gemstone |
Specimens:
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