THE MINERAL KYANITE

Chemistry: Al2 SiO5, Aluminum Silicate
Class: Silicates
Subclass: Nesosilicates
Uses: in the manufacture of spark plugs etc and as mineral specimens.
Specimens

Kyanite is a polymorph with two other minerals: andalusite and sillimanite. A polymorph is a mineral that shares the same chemistry but a different crystal structure with another, or other, minerals.

Since the three minerals form under different conditions of temperature and pressure, they are diagnostic for those conditions.

Kyanite is an attractive mineral that has a near sapphire-like blue color in some especially nice specimens.

Kyanite has a nearly unique characteristic in that it has a wide variation in hardness in the same crystal face. The hardness of kyanite is approximately 4.5 when scratched parallel to the long axis of the crystal and approximately 6.5 when scratched perpendicular to or across the long axis. Other minerals usually have variable hardness on different crystal faces due to a different concentration and orientation of the atoms in the structure. Diamond is another such mineral, a fact gem cutters use to their advantage.

Kyanite is a refractory material (it has a high melting point, low thermal conductance, and maintains its strength up to about 1100°C).

PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS:

Color is blue usually but also can be white, gray or green. Color is often not consistent throughout the crystal and can be blotchy or in streaks.
Luster is vitreous to almost pearly.
Transparency crystals are transparent to translucent.
Crystal System is Triclinic; bar 1
Crystal Habits include flat, pinacoid dominated, prismatic crystals often embedded in metamorphic rocks and quartz veins.
Cleavage is good in one direction parallel to the flat pinacoid face.
Fracture is splintery.
Hardness is approximately 4.5 when scratched parallel to the long axis of the crystal and approximately 6.5 when scratched perpendicular to or across the long axis.
Specific Gravity is approximately 3.58+ (above average)
Streak is white.
Associated Minerals are biotite, staurolite, garnets, quartz, andalusite and sillimanite.
Other Characteristics: Sometimes intergrown with staurolite.
Notable Occurrences include Brazil; North Carolina and Georgia, USA; Switzerland; Russia; Serbia; India and Kenya.
Best Field Indicators are crystal habit, color, luster and unusual hardness.

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KYANITE specimens:
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KYANITE specimen kya-1
$ 14.00

Dims: 3" x 2-3/8" x 2-5/8"

Wt: 6.2 oz

Minas Gerais, Brazil

A very simple specimen, this piece flaunts a 2-1/8 inch bladed crystal of Kyanite in a clear, massive Quartz matrix. The color is an unmistakable blue that is very popular among mineral collectors- we have a hard time keeping up our supply!

kya-1 ($ 14.00)

Minas Gerais, Brazil

KYANITE specimen kya-2
$ 34.00

Dims: 3-1/4" x 3-1/4" x 2-1/4"

Wt: 12 oz

Minas Gerais, Brazil

Lots of exposed Kyanite crystals are the attraction to this Brazilian specimen. The crystals reach lengths up to 2-3/8 inches long, and are a lovely, royal blue. One crystal juts out over 1 inch from the matrix, and is thus in a rather delicate situation. The matrix is made up of clear Quartz, which can be crumbly, especially with several long, tabular prisms of Kyanite stabbing through it. Everybody seems to like this mineral!

kya-2 ($ 34.00)

Minas Gerais, Brazil

KYANITE specimen kya-3
$ 52.00

Dims: 4-3/4" x 3-3/8" x 2-3/4"

Wt: 1 lb., 2.5 oz

Minas Gerais, Brazil

The blue Kyanite crystals in this specimen are fabulous! Though there are no large percenatges of the crystals exposed, there are lots of them, and a few of the exposed ends have spectacular color and surprisingly good clarity! Scores of these crystals are thrust through the matrix, which is composed primarily of colorless Quartz, but does seem to contain a very white, Muscovite-like substance, and a tiny speck of a heavily-fractured red mineral (Garnet?) You've really got to see this specimen to appreciate its beauty!

kya-3 ($ 52.00)

Minas Gerais, Brazil

KYANITE specimen kya-4
$ 215.00

Dims: 6-1/4" x 6-1/2" x 3-1/2"

Wt: 4 lbs., 12 oz

Minas Gerais, Brazil

This specimen contains the largest single crystal of Kyanite that I have seen in my travels. This particular crystal measures up at 5-1/2 inches long, 1 inch wide, and about 5/8 inch thick! There are three other cystals on the specimen that are longer but thinner, and several that are simply smaller, but no less colorful. They all reside in a large mass of colorless Quartz that is heavily fragmented and has a yellowish tinge. This specimen is truly museum-quality.

kya-4 ($215.00)

Minas Gerais, Brazil

KYANITE specimen kya-5
$ 45.00

Dims: 5-1/4" x 2-5/8" x 2-1/4"

Wt: 15.5 oz

Minas Gerais, Brazil

This particular Brazilian specimen exhibits several bladed crystals and crystal sections of royal blue Kyanite in a matrix of massive quartz. One exposed blade measures almost 3-1/2 inches long, and another has indeterminate length because it is only partially exposed, protruding 1-1/2 inches from the host rock. There are sections of 8 or 9 more crystals visible, but none exceed 2 inches in length. They all exhibit the standard crystal form for Kyanite, layered bladed crystals, and have a uniformly pearly luster.

kya-5 ($ 45.00)

Minas Gerais, Brazil

KYANITE specimen kya-6
$ 87.00

Dims: 8-1/2" x 2-1/2" x 2-1/2"

Wt: 1 lb., 14.6 oz

Minas Gerais, Brazil

A tight cluster of large Kyanite crystals held together with a massive quartz matrix is what constitutes this beautiful specimen. Some of the crystals reach 7 inches in length, and most of them exceed 3 inches. They are all royal blue in color and have a pearly luster, though some of the larger, thicker crystals appear quite dark, and smaller ones may appear pale. None of the crystals appear to have natural terminations, but then again I think that I've seen maybe 3 specimens in my travels that have!

kya-6 ($ 87.00)

Minas Gerais, Brazil

KYANITE specimen kya-7
$ 30.00

Dims: 5.3" x 2.5" x 1.1" (13.5 x 6.3 x 2.8 cm)

Wt: 5.78 oz. (164.0 g)

Minas Gerais, Brazil

I have only seen a few of this particular color Kyanite before. It has a black coloration and a pearly luster. The form it is in consists of large needle-like crystals that are spraying out along a thin radius. There are very many of them and some are quite long, spanning the length of the piece. The crystals are a bit too thin for me to effectively tell what a natural termination is going to look like, but I would guess that there are many that are intact, as well as many that have been broken. I know that it is not as pretty as the blue stuff, but if you have a lot of blue Kyanite you may want to get one of these to "round out" your collection.

kya-7 ($ 30.00)

Minas Gerais, Brazil

KYANITE specimen kya-8
$ 40.00

Dims: 6.6" x 2.5" x 1.2" (16.8 x 6.4 x 3.0 cm)

Wt: 6.36 oz.(180.6 g)

Minas Gerais, Brazil

This Kyanite specimen is an example of a relatively new find in Brazil, that of black Kyanite. It occurs as a spray of long, thin crystals that branch out along one plane. Some of these crystals reach up to 3" (7.5 cm) in length, and none exceed 0.2" (5 mm) in width or depth. They have a black color and a dull pearly to waxy luster. There is noticeable damage in the form of broken crystals, but most of them have indistinct terminations, anyway, so their form is moderately good. There is no host rock of any sort associated with the specimen, and it should be handled with care due to the exposure and delicacy of the crystals.

kya-8 ($ 40.00)

Minas Gerais, Brazil

KYANITE specimen kya-9
$ 30.00

Dims: 3.0" x 2.8" x 2.4" (7.6 x 7.1 x 6.1 cm)

Wt: 9.39 oz. (266.3 g)

Minas Gerais, Brazil

A lone blade of Kyanite is immediately visible jutting from the massive quartz host rock of this specimen. It measures 2.7 x 0.4 x 0.2" (6.9 x 1.0 x 0.5 cm) and has good form and very little damage, if any. Its color is a moderately pale blue and it has a thin streak of darker blue color running down the middle of each main prism face. Its luster is pearly and it shows only a dim translucence. There are other blades of Kyanite visible on the specimen, but these are much smaller than the largest one, as they do not exceed 1" (2.5 cm) in length or 2 mm in width, and are often broken or mostly enveloped by the quartz host rock. It is a pretty little specimen with good contrast.

kya-9 ($ 30.00)

Minas Gerais, Brazil

KYANITE specimen kya-10
$ 36.00

Dims: 3.9" x 1.4" x 0.7" (9.9 x 3.6 x 1.8 cm)

Wt: 1.80 oz. (51.1 g)

Barro de Salinas, Minas Gerais, Brazil

Several blue Kyanite blades protrude from the massive quartz host rock of this specimen. Though a few show some obvious damage, all are in generally good condition. The longest crystal far exceeds the confines of the host, and measures 3.6" (9.1 cm) in length. Oddly, it is visibly warped, and is slightly twisted along its longest axis. There are also two intersecting crystals that are noticeable on the piece. All have a blue coloration that is rather dark for their size and a bright pearly luster. Most of them also show some noticeable transparence, though internal fracturing tends to spoil their clarity. It is really quite a pretty little piece!

kya-10 ($ 36.00)

Barro de Salinas, Minas Gerais, Brazil

KYANITE specimen kya-11
$ 75.00

Dims: 6.8" x 2.7" x 2.0" (17.3 x 6.9 x 5.1 cm)

Wt: 14.3 oz. (406 g)

Minas Gerais, Brazil

The white, massive quartz host rock of this large hand specimen holds dozens of long, thin Kyanite blades together. These blades range in length from 0.8 - 5.2" (2.0 -11.7 cm) or more, and though most show heavy wear or damage, there are very many, and they provide a lot of color. They have the standard royal blue coloration and pearly luster that is common for this mineral, and many of the smaller, thinner blades show obvious transparence that is spoiled in the larger blades by intense internal fracturing and layering. Care should be used in handling the specimen, as it is slightly crumbly.

kya-11 ($ 75.00)

Minas Gerais, Brazil

KYANITE specimen kya-12
$ 70.00

Dims: 4.3" x 3.0" x 1.2" (10.9 x 7.6 x 3.0 cm)

Wt: 4.80 oz. (136.0 g)

Barro de Salinas, Minas Gerais, Brazil

Sections of at least 10 different Kyanite crystals are held together by the white quartz host rock of this specimen. The largest of these crystals has dimensions of 4.0 x 0.6 x 0.1" (10.2 x 1.5 x 0.3 cm) and shows what I believe are natural, flat basal terminations. All of these crystals have the moderate, royal- to sky-blue color that one expects of this mineral and are translucent, showing small areas of dim transparence. Their pearly, micaceous luster is also a standard for Kyanite, and is quite evident. The quartz host shows no detectable crystal form, which is also expected of specimens from its Brazilian locality.

kya-12 ($ 70.00)

Barro de Salinas, Minas Gerais, Brazil

KYANITE specimen kya-13
$ 30.00

Dims: 6.7" x 0.5" x 0.5" (17.0 x 1.3 x 1.3 cm)

Wt: 1.20 oz. (34.0 g)

Barro de Salinas, Minas Gerais, Brazil

This simple specimen consists of several partial and complete Kyanite crystals that are intergrown at their bases. They range in length from 1.5 -6.7" (3.8 - 17.0 cm), and show considerable damage. A few of the crystals show passable examples of their triclinic bladed form ,and one or two even appear to have natural, complete terminations! All have the standard pale-to-deep blue color and pearly luster. Most show considerable transparence, but they all contain many internal fractures and inclusions. The only foreign material that is present is a thin, misshapen book of muscovite that has filled the gap between two of the crystals, and a tiny amount of massive quartz that is visible near the cluster's base.

kya-13 ($ 30.00)

Barro de Salinas, Minas Gerais, Brazil

KYANITE specimen kya-14
$ 75.00

Dims: 4.9" x 3.4" x 1.5" (12.4 x 8.6 x 3.8 cm)

Wt: 14.3 oz. (405 g)

Minas Gerais, Brazil

A sizable hand specimen, this piece consists of at least 16 Kyanite blades that are partially embedded in a massive quartz matrix. Their dimensions vary considerably, but the longest of them measures 4.4" (11.2 cm). Many of them show fresh damage, but some are either intact, with terminations that look somewhat weathered, or were damaged well before the specimen was mined, and then slightly worn or healed over. Their triclinic bladed form is reasonably good, and all of the crystals have the pale-to-moderate blue color and pearly, micaceous luster that are standard for this mineral. All are translucent and heavily internally-fractured, though some of the crystals show some patches of shallow transparence. The quartz base in which they are embedded is milky-white due to intense internal fracturing and shows no crystal form.

kya-14 ($ 75.00)

Minas Gerais, Brazil

KYANITE specimen kya-15
$ 30.00

Dims: 5.0" x 1.1" x 0.7" (12.7 x 2.8 x 1.8 cm)

Wt: 5.18 oz. (147.1 g)

Minas Gerais, Brazil

This specimen consists of a single large Kyanite crystal. Though its edges are somewhat scuffed, it has natural, squared-off terminations on each end that, like the main prism faces, show a pearly luster. Its color is the standard pale blue and shows streaks of darker, royal blue coloration that run along the crystal's length. Due to its thickness, it is essentially opaque; however, thin layers of the material would definitely show transparence in some areas. There are tiny bits of quartz filling some of the small crevices on the crystal, but nothing that could be called a host rock. I think that this is the first time that I have seen a single and complete Kyanite crystal.

kya-15 ($ 30.00)

Minas Gerais, Brazil

KYANITE specimen kya-16
$ 25.00

Dims: 2.7 x 1.3 x 0.9" (6.9 x 3.3 x 2.3 cm)

Wt: 1.15 oz. (32.8 g)

Minas Gerais, Brazil

At least 10 small Kyanite blades permeate the quartz host rock of this large thumbnail specimen. These blades do not exceed lengths of 2.3" (5.8 cm), but are generally in pristine condition, showing amazingly little damage for their exposure; most of them have natural, undamaged terminations! The triclinic blades have well-defined edges and clean faces that possess a pearly luster, and their color is a moderately pale royal blue. All are at least translucent, and many are dimly to moderately transparent. The quartz that acts as their matrix is formless, colorless, and transparent amidst its intense internal fracturing.

kya-16 ($ 25.00)

Minas Gerais, Brazil

KYANITE specimen kya-17
$ 32.00

Dims: 3.6 x 1.4 x 0.8" (9.1 x 3.6 x 2.0 cm)

Wt: 2.63 oz. (74.7 g)

Minas Gerais, Brazil

Though the Kyanite crystals on this specimen do not have the best form that I have seen, they are quite unusual in their own way. The largest of these crystals has dimensions of 3.5 x 0.8 x 0.6" (8.9 x 2.0 x 1.5 cm) and shows only a small amount of damage. It is very strange in the fact that on one side, it has the standard blue coloration, whereas on the other side of the crystal, its color is a dark gray-black! One other, smaller crystal shows this phenomenon, and there are several even smaller crystals that are entirely gray-black in color. These smaller crystals are much more heavily damaged than the largest one, and several are incomplete. There is a thin, finely-grained mica schist matrix holding these crystals together, and a few tiny garnets are partly embedded therein. Finally, there are two hexagonal prismatic crystals with flat, basal terminations that are also partly embedded in the schist matrix- I can only guess that they are made up either of dravite or possibly apatite. They are well-formed and possess a dark brown color and a bright pearly luster.

kya-17 ($ 32.00)

Minas Gerais, Brazil

KYANITE specimen kya-18
$ 28.00

Dims: 3.2 x 2.4 x 1.0" (8.1 x 6.1 x 2.5 cm)

Wt: 4.59 oz. (130.1 g)

Minas Gerais, Brazil

The Kyanite crystals on this specimen are so tightly clustered that I cannot effectively count them. They reach a maximum length of about 2.0" (5 cm) and are generally in good condition, though many of them are damaged and incomplete. Those that are intact, though, tend to have excellent triclinic bladed form- many show intact and complete natural terminations (see the close-up image). All have a color that ranges from a pale to moderately deep blue and a bright pearly luster. Most show some reasonable transparence and clarity, though often the thicker blades are essentially translucent due to internal fractures and inclusions. The white quartz matrix rock in which they rest is somewhat crystalline in nature but has no form.

kya-18 ($ 28.00)

Minas Gerais, Brazil

KYANITE specimen kya-19
$ 25.00

Dims: 4.5 x 1.1 x 0.6" (11.4 x 2.8 x 1.5 cm)

Wt: 1.7 oz. (47.9 g)

Minas Gerais, Brazil

The triclinic Kyanite blades on this specimen reach lengths of 3.5", and were originally longer than that. One can see the cause in the small amount of massive quartz host rock that is present on the specimen- most of the blades that extend through the quartz have been broken at one or more points. The broken pieces are not separated from the rest of their respective crystals, but continue on at odd angles. There is not much more visible damage, so the blades are generally in good condition. All have reasonably good form, though no intact terminations are visible- their edges are relatively well-defined, and their faces are smooth and possess the standard pearly luster. All have the royal-blue coloration that is common for Kyanite and are at least dimly translucent at their thickest points. Some of the thinner, exposed crystals show a hazy but definite transparence. The massive quartz base is amorphous, has a milky-white color and the standard vitreous luster, and is also translucent.

kya-19 ($ 25.00)

Minas Gerais, Brazil

KYANITE specimen kya-20
$ 25.00

Dims: 3.6 x 1.2 x 0.9" (9.1 x 3.0 x 2.3 cm)

Wt: 1.7 oz. (49.2 g)

Minas Gerais, Brazil

This large thumbnail specimen consists of several long, thin Kyanite blades that are held together by a massive quartz matrix. The longest of these crystals measures just under 3" (7.5 cm), and like the rest, is in fair condition, showing considerable damage. Their triclinic form is good, with well-defined edges and clean faces that possess the standard pearly luster. All have a pale royal-blue color that is uneven due to streaks of slightly deeper coloration that run the length of each blade. They range in clarity from dimly to moderately transparent and contain many internal fractures and few cloudy inclusions. The quartz matrix is formless and colorless, containing many internal fractures that spoil its clarity.

kya-20 ($ 25.00)

Minas Gerais, Brazil

KYANITE specimen kya-21
$ 25.00

Dims: 4.4 x 1.2 x 0.9" (11.2 x 3.0 x 2.3 cm)

Wt: 3.4 oz. (95.3 g)

Minas Gerais, Brazil

Several intergrown and incomplete Kyanite crystals make up the bulk of this hand specimen. They reach lengths of up to 4.2" (10.7 cm) and are in fair condition, as almost all are incomplete and show some damage. There are traces of terminations at one end of the piece, however, and their triclinic bladed form is good, with well-defined edges and clean faces that possess the standard pearly luster. All have a moderate royal blue coloration that is uneven and streaked along their lengths. Though all contain patches of noticeable transparence, most of the crystals are essentially translucent or opaque due to their intergrowth with each other and the massive, white quartz host rock that fills the spaces between them.

kya-21 ($ 25.00)

Minas Gerais, Brazil

KYANITE specimen kya-22
$ 25.00

Dims: 3.2 x 1.6 x 1.3" (7.1 x 4.1 x 3.3 cm)

Wt: 3.1 oz. (87.1 g)

Minas Gerais, Brazil

This small hand specimen contains several rather large, thick Kyanite blades that are partly embedded in a massive quartz matrix. These blades are in fair condition, as most of them appear to be missing their natural terminations. The largest of these has visible dimensions of 2.6 x 0.6 x 0.1" (6.6 x 1.5 x 0.3 cm), and like the others, has good triclinic form, with moderately well-defined edges and clean faces that possess a pearly luster. All have a moderately pale royal-blue coloration that is streaked and uneven, and are translucent to dimly transparent and contain many internal fractures and some cloudy inclusions. The quartz matrix has a milky-white color and a slightly dim translucence that is caused by intense internal fracturing.

kya-22 ($ 25.00)

Minas Gerais, Brazil

KYANITE specimen kya-23
$ 25.00

Dims: 2.5 x 2.4 x 1.0" (6.4 x 6.1 x 2.5 cm)

Wt: 3.4 oz. (96.6 g)

Minas Gerais, Brazil

This small hand specimen consists mostly of Kyanite by weight, which is in the form of many large, thick intergrown blades. These crystals are in very good condition, as they show only minor damage and are essentially complete. Their triclinic form is excellent, with well-defined edges, clean faces that possess a pearly luster, and two visible and complete two-faced, domed terminations. Their color is the standard pale royal-blue and shows the classic uneven streaks of dark coloration that run the length of a few of the crystals. There is a small amount of milky-white, massive quartz that fill the crevices and spaces between crystals.

kya-23 ($ 25.00)

Minas Gerais, Brazil

KYANITE specimen kya-24
$ 25.00

Dims: 3.9 x 1.2 x 1.1" (9.9 x 3.0 x 2.8 cm)

Wt: 2.7 oz. (75.9 g)

Minas Gerais, Brazil

This small hand specimen consists of scores of heavily intergrown Kyanite blades that are attatched to a small amount of a massive quartz host rock. Almost all of these blades are damaged, and most are incomplete- the longest does not exceed 2.5" (6.4 cm) in length. Where intact, each crystal has very good triclinic form, with well-defined edges and clean faces that possess the standard pearly luster. All have the pale royal-blue coloration that is a characteristic of this mineral, and many show a deeper blue streak that runs along the length of each crystal.

kya-24 ($ 25.00)

Minas Gerais, Brazil

KYANITE specimen kya-25
$ 25.00

Dims: 6.1 x 1.2 x 0.6" (15.5 x 3.0 x 1.5 cm)

Wt: 4.3 oz. (122.9 g)

Minas Gerais, Brazil

A partly intergrown "stack" of Kyanite blades makes up this hand specimen. These blades range in length from 3.8 - 6.1" (9.7 - 15.5 cm) and are all generally 1" (2.5 cm) wide. Damage is limited to the base of the crystals, where they were separated from their place of formation, and the tip of the termination of the longest crystal- otherwise, all of the blades are in excellent condition. Their triclinic form is surprisingly good, as all of the blades appear to have intact, natural terminations (except for the longest blade, of course). They have the standard uneven royal blue coloration and pearly luster of this mineral, and show translucence or transparence only where portions of individual crystals are exposed- otherwise, they are opaque. The only evidence of a host rock that is present are a few bits of colorless massive quartz that are wedged between the Kyanite terminations and a small bit of crust that coats part of one side of the specimen.

kya-25 ($ 25.00)

Minas Gerais, Brazil

KYANITE specimen kya-26
$ 45.00

Dims: 4.4 x 3.6 x 2.6" (11.2 x 9.1 x 6.6 cm)

Wt: 13.5 oz. (383 g)

Minas Gerais, Brazil

Dozens of Kyanite blades pervade the massive quartz host rock of this hand specimen. Most of these appear to be damaged or broken, but a few are in excellent condition, showing no damage. The longest of these crystals are concentrated in a radiating spray and reach lengths of up to 4.1" (10.4 cm). Though not parallel, all are aligned with each other so that they share a common base and extend outwards, their terminations buried in the base rock. Their form is very good, with well-defined edges and relatively clean faces that possess a pearly luster. All have the uneven, pale to moderate royal-blue coloration that is standard for this mineral, and most of the smaller crystals are either translucent or transparent, though the spray of larger crystals is essentially opaque. The massive quartz base is amorphous, translucent, and has a generally milky-white coloration due to intense internal fracturing. Small areas are colorless and transparent, however.

kya-26 ($ 45.00)

Minas Gerais, Brazil

KYANITE specimen kya-27
$ 25.00

Dims: 2.5 x 2.2 x 1.8" (6.4 x 5.6 x 4.6 cm)

Wt: 3.0 oz. (83.8 g)

Minas Gerais, Brazil

At least 8 separate and distinct Kyanite blades rest in the massive quartz host rock of this large thumbnail specimen. These blades achieve maximum dimensions of 2.3 x 0.7 x 0.1" (5.6 x 1.8 x 0.3 cm) and are generally in fair condition, as there is a considerable amount of visible damage in the form of broken terminations. All have reasonably good triclinic bladed form, with moderately well-defined edges and clean faces that possess a moderate to bright pearly luster. All have the standard, uneven pale-to-deep royal blue coloration of Kyanite and most of the crystals are translucent to dimly transparent, though a few are thick enough to be essentially opaque.

kya-27 ($ 25.00)

Minas Gerais, Brazil

KYANITE specimen kya-28
$ 115.00

Dims: 5.7 x 3.8 x 3.5" (14.5 x 9.7 x 8.9 cm)

Wt: 1 lb., 9.3 oz. (717 g)

Minas Gerais, Brazil

Due to intergrowth, it is difficult to count the number of Kyanite blades that run through the massive quartz host rock of this hand specimen; there are 25, at the very least. They are generally in good condition, as there is some noticeable breakage, and the longest of these measures a minimum of 3.5" (8.9 cm). All have excellent triclinic bladed form, with well-defined edges and clean faces that possess the standard bright pearly luster- a few come to sharp terminations. All have a streaked and uneven, moderate to deep blue coloration, and though some of the smaller crystals are dimly translucent and even show tiny patches of transparence, most are effectively opaque. The massive quartz matrix has the standard uneven surfaces, milky-white color, vitreous luster, and translucence-to-dim-transparence that is standard for material from this locality.

kya-28 ($115.00)

Minas Gerais, Brazil

KYANITE specimen kya-29
$ 35.00

Dims: 4.7 x 2.1 x 1.6" (11.9 x 5.3 x 4.1 cm)

Wt: 11.0 oz. (313 g)

Minas Gerais, Brazil

I really do not have the time to count all of the Kyanite blades that make up this hand specimen- I would guess that there are at least 40 different ones, and probably more than that. Most of them appear to be damaged in one way or another, with most of the damage occurring in the form of damaged, broken, or missing terminations. The longest of these crystals measures 4.3" (10.9 cm). All show very good monoclinic form where intact, with well-defined edges and moderately clean faces that possess the standard bright pearly luster. Their color is also the standard royal blue coloration and is uneven, as streaks of darker color run the lengths of most of them. There are a few tiny bits of a dark red-brown mineral at the bases of a few of the Kyanites, but I do not know what mineral this is. All are partly embedded in a matrix of milky-white, massive quartz that is intensely fractured.

kya-29 ($ 35.00)

Minas Gerais, Brazil

KYANITE specimen kya-30
$ 27.00

Dims: 5.8 x 1.1 x 0.3" (14.7 x 2.8 x 0.8 cm)

Wt: 2.40 oz. (68.3 g)

Minas Gerais, Brazil

A parallel growth of at least 4 Kyanite blades makes up this specimen. They reach lengths of up to 5.8" (14.7 cm) and are generally in very good condition, showing moderate damage on the edges of the largest crystal and a small amount at their termination tips. Their triclinic bladed form is quite good, as all have well-defined edges and clean faces that possess the standard pearly luster. All have an uneven, moderately pale royal blue color with streaks of deeper color that run along their lengths. Exposed edges show translucence and even some transparence, but their parallel growth prevents light from passing through most of the material. There are thin layers of massive, colorless quartz sandwiched between some of the Kyanite blades- these have the standard vitreous luster of quartz and a milky-white coloration that is caused by intense internal fracturing.

kya-30 ($ 27.00)

Minas Gerais, Brazil

KYANITE specimen kya-31
$ 25.00

Dims: 3.4 x 2.2 x 1.1" (8.6 x 5.6 x 2.5 cm)

Wt: 5.28 oz. (149.7 g)

Minas Gerais, Brazil

This specimen consists of two partly intersecting sprays of Kyanite needles. The larger spray makes up most of the mass of the piece and contains crystals that attain lengths of up to 3.6" (9.1 cm). The smaller spray has general dimesions of 2.2 x 0.5 x 0.4" (5.6 x 1.3 x 1.0 cm). Both show heavy surface damage- most of the crystals on the outside of the sprays are broken or badly damaged. Those that are away from the surface, however, are in very good condition and usually possess intact terminations. Their triclinic form, where intact, is very good- edges are well-defined and faces are clean, possessing the standard pearly luster. These crystals have a black coloration, which has only recently been found in Brazil. They are, needless to say, opaque. There is no host rock present on the piece.

kya-31 ($ 25.00)

Minas Gerais, Brazil

KYANITE specimen kya-32
$ 33.00

Dims: 1.6 x 0.4 x 0.3" (4.1 x 1.0 x 0.8 cm)

Wt: 14.0 g w/ base

Barro Preto, Minas Gerais, Brazil

A single Kyanite crystal makes up this small thumbnail specimen. I cannot be sure, but it appears to be twinned, showing a shallow notch that runs its length. The crystal is in very good condition, showing no fresh damage, and shows moderately good triclinic form, as the crystal grew closely against another and was later separated. A few of its edges are still well-defined, though, and some of its faces are still clean, but possess a very dull pearly-to-waxy luster. Its color is its most unusual aspect, for it appears to have an almost olive-green coloration that is likely caused by iron oxide inclusions. Close examination reveals that an uneven streak of pale blue coloration runs lengthwise through the center of the crystal, which is dimly transparent. There is no host rock present, and it is hot-glued onto a square, flat acrylic base.

kya-32 ($ 33.00)

Barro Preto, Minas Gerais, Brazil

KYANITE specimen kya-33
$ 90.00

Dims: 6.9 x 3.4 x 1.5" (17.5 x 8.6 x 3.9 cm)

Wt: 11.7 oz. (332 g)

Minas Gerais, Brazil

Four Kyanite crystals intersect to form this large cabinet piece. The largest of these crystals is by far the most complete, measuring 6.9 x 0.9 x 0.8" (17.5 x 2.3 x 2.0 cm); the others are half that length or smaller, and are all incomplete. All have reasonably good triclinic form, however, and the largest crystal is essentially complete and reasonably well-formed. All have the standard blue color and pearly luster and are opaque, though one area does show some dim translucence. There is no host rock present.

kya-33 ($ 90.00)

Minas Gerais, Brazil

KYANITE specimen kya-34
$ 45.00

Dims: 4.1 x 0.8 x 0.6" (10.5 x 2.0 x 1.6 cm)

Wt: 1.0 oz. (27 g)

Minas Gerais, Brazil

This cabinet piece consists of two intersecting Kyanite blades. The larger of these blades has dimensions of 4.1 x 0.5 x 0.3" (10.5 x 1.2 x 0.8 cm), and the smaller measures 2.6 x 0.2 x 0.1" (6.5 x 0.6 x 0.3 cm). Both are in very good condition, showing almost no human-induced damage, and both have excellent triclinic form- the smaller crystal even has an intact and well-formed termination! They have the standard uneven blue color and pearly luster, and range from dimly transparent (the smaller crystal) to essentially opaque (the larger crystal). Only a small amount of the massive, white quartz matrix is attached to the smaller blade.

kya-34 ($ 45.00)

Minas Gerais, Brazil

KYANITE specimen kya-36
$ 25.00

Dims: 4.5 x 1.1 x 0.7" (11.4 x 2.8 x 1.7 cm)

Wt: 0.8 oz. (24 g)

Barra do Salinas, Minas Gerais, Brazil

Two or three intersecting Kyanite crystals make up this cabinet piece. Two of these crystals are less than 50% complete due to breakage, but the third is intact and in excellent condition. It has dimensions of 4.3 x 0.5 x 0.1" (11.0 x 1.2 x 0.3 cm) and shows excellent triclinic bladed form, with a complete, stepped termination. It has the classic uneven blue color and pearly luster and is generally translucent, though portions are dimly transparent. Only a very small amount of the white quartz base rock is present.

kya-36 ($ 25.00)

Barra do Salinas, Minas Gerais, Brazil

KYANITE specimen kya-35
$ 44.00

Dims: 2.4 x 2.3 x 1.3" (6.1 x 5.9 x 3.3 cm)

Wt: 4.1 oz. (114 g)

Barra do Salinas, Minas Gerais, Brazil

At least 20 Kyanite blades extend from the milky quartz base of this small cabinet specimen. These blades are generally in good condition, showing variable damage, and do not exceed 2 inches in length. Their triclinic bladed form is very good though usually incomplete, and all have the classic uneven blue coloration and pearly luster and are translucent to dimly transparent.

kya-35 ($ 44.00)

Barra do Salinas, Minas Gerais, Brazil

KYANITE specimen kya-37
$ 29.00

Dims:2.4x1.4x0.6" (6.1x3.6x1.5 cm)

Wt: 1.4oz. (39g)

Barra-do-Salinas, Minas Gerais, Brazil

This specimen consists of a single thick tabular crystal of kyanite thrusting up from a massive quartz matrix. The color varies from a pale to a dark blue. The crystal is 1.9" (4.8cm) in length. There is very minor damage to the base and the top on one side of this crystal.

kya-37 ($ 29.00)

Barra-do-Salinas, Minas Gerais, Brazil

KYANITE specimen kya-38
$ 45.00

Dims: 3.1x1.2x1.5" (7.8x3.1x3.9 cm)

Wt: 4.0 oz. (113.2g)

Hit-Ostrov, Karelia, Russia

". It consists of blue kyanite crystals, black biotite crystals, and red garnets, all in a white quartz matrix. The kyanite itself is translucent, even transparent in some areas. This is a very aesthetic hand specimen.

kya-38 ($ 45.00)

Hit-Ostrov, Karelia, Russia

KYANITE specimen kya-39
$ 25.00

Dims: 2.28x1.59x0.91" (5.78x4.03x2.31cm)

Wt: 2.05oz. (58.1g)

Hit-Ostrov, Karelia, Russia

This is a very nice specimen. It has several transparent blue kyanite crystals, one of which is at least 4cm by 1cm by 0.3cm. The host rock is quartz and biotite mica, and now for the bonus: there are dozens of small rhodolite garnet crystals scattered over the surface, and although most of them appear damaged (or at least incomplete), they add color and sparkle to the specimen.

kya-39 ($ 25.00)

Hit-Ostrov, Karelia, Russia

KYANITE specimen kya-40
$ 26.00

Dims: 3.33x1.51x0.98" (8.46x3.83x2.48cm)

Wt: 2.73oz. (77.3g)

Hit-Ostrov, Karelia, Russia

This is another Hit-Ostrov kyanite/biotite/garnet specimen. It boasts a very appealing contrast of transparent blue kyanite crystals on a black biotite base, with scores of rhodolite garnet crystals scattered over the surface. There are also veins of quartz adding more contrast. The kyanite crystals are unusually transparent, some of the smaller ones extremely so. The garnets are a pretty maroon color, and the biotite, while black, has a bright vitreous luster and many well-defined crystals.

kya-40 ($ 26.00)

Hit-Ostrov, Karelia, Russia

KYANITE specimen kya-41
$ 25.00

Dims: 1.98x1.55x1.03" (5.04x3.94x2.61cm)

Wt: 2.84oz. (80.5g)

Hit-Ostrov, Karelia, Russia

I count nine kyanite crystals on this specimen, the largest of which are clearly transparent, one exceptionally so. Their color is blue, and the transparency makes them appear much bluer than typical kyanite. The host rock consists mostly of black, vitreous biotite crystals, with a liberal addition of rhodolite garnet crystals (small, transparent, looking more purple than a pale maroon), and some white quartz veins.

kya-41 ($ 25.00)

Hit-Ostrov, Karelia, Russia

KYANITE specimen kya-42
$ 50.00

Dims: 5.87x4.80x1.27" (14.92x12.19x3.22cm)

Wt: 16.30oz (462g)

Salinas, Minas Gerais, Brazil

This nice specimen of kyanite is in the shape of a large "V". The crystals are long, gernally light blue and translucent, but the best crystal (at the inside of the "V") is impressively blue and transparent. The blue of the kyanite contrasts nicely with the colorless to white host rock (it looks like quartz), most of which has been removed. There is also several crystals of a black mineral with a high luster and some red flashes that uggest to me that it is likely sphalerite.

kya-42 ($ 50.00)

Salinas, Minas Gerais, Brazil

KYANITE specimen kya-43
$ 40.00

Dims: 6.07x2.75x2.41" (15.43x6.99x6.12cm)

Wt: 29.35oz (832g)

Salinas, Minas Gerais, Brazil

This kyanite specimen has a good deal of "character", and by that I mean that it displays fairly well with good contrast and multiple jutting angles. The kyanite is blue and transparent, with the deeper color attributable to better clarity. It is a good blue color, some of which is whitish but other crystals are quite blue, and a few small ones are nearly colorless and very transparent, although all of the crystals exhibit striations and internal fractures running the length of the crystals. The white mineral adding contrast is quartz.

kya-43 ($ 40.00)

Salinas, Minas Gerais, Brazil

KYANITE specimen kya-44
$ 30.00

Dims: 5.72x2.24x1.79" (14.53x5.69x4.54cm)

Wt: 15.06oz (427g)

Salinas, Minas Gerias, Brazil

This specimen displays at least a hundred long, slender kyanite blades in a dirty quartz matrix. The kyanite is unusualy transparent, although its clarity is marred by numerous internal fractures. The color varies greatly, from a nearly colorless pale blue to a very deep blue in a few of the crystals.

kya-44 ($ 30.00)

Salinas, Minas Gerias, Brazil