Kyanite

Blue Kyanite

Crystals of aluminium silicate (Al2SiO5) are known as either 'anadlusite', 'sillimanite' or 'kyanite', depending on the form of the crystalline solid, which is in turn due to the conditions under which its constituent elements of aluminium, silicon and oxygen solidified.

Kyanite has many metaphysical associations (see below), and is recognisable by its blue colour, although there are variations in colour and structure.

Kyanite crystals may appear to be slightly dull in colour when compared with other crystals such as those in the quartz family, and also to have a more grainy, sometimes even 'flaky' appearance than is usually associated with crystals. Kyanite is of most interest for its metaphysical properties and associations and is therefore used in jewellery, especially pendants.

Structures of Kyanite

Andalusite, kyanite, and sillimanite are examples of polymorphism because the conditions under which they were formed gave rise to their structures. All three of these minerals have the combination of chemical elements indicated by the formula Al2SiO5. Andalusite is the least dense of this group, having been formed under the lowest pressure, whereas kyanite is the most dense due to formation under the highest pressure conditions. This is consistent with the closely packed structure of kyanite.

Kyanite crystals are formed according to triclinic crystal symmetry. This system of crystal symmetry consists of three axes, all of unequal length and none at right-angles to the others. There is either a centre of symmetry, or no symmetry at all.

The crystal form in which kyanite is usually formed is a flat bladed structure (as in the photograph below, in the 'colours' section). Kyanite is also found in the form of radiating bladed aggregates - as mentioned in The Hamlyn Guide to Minerals, Rocks and Fossils, Hamlyn, London, 1974 by W.R.Hamilton, A.R.Woolley & A.C.Bishop

Distinguishing features of kyanite

This is how to tell if a crystal is kyanite rather than another similar material.

All of the following apply to kyanite:

  • Usually blue in colour, although some other colours e.g. black are also possible
  • Bladed habit (form)
  • Hardness in the range 6.5 to 7.5

Associations of Kyanite

Kyanite has many interesting metaphysical associations, including:

  • This is a mineral that does not accumulate negative energies, therefore it never needs to be cleaned/cleansed/cleared. Due to the energy of kyanite being unlimited, it is said to be one of the best crystals for use as an attunement stone.
  • Kyanite has several uses for chakra balancing:
    • It is said to align all chakras automatically and immediately - without conscious direction.
    • It may also be used to open chakras (with the conscious intent of the user).
    • Similarly, kyanite may also be used to align the layers of the aura (human energy field).
    • Specifically, it may be used to align the astral, ethereal, emotional, intellectual and spiritual "bodies" (layers of the energy field). This may be achieved using conscious direction.
  • Inducing tranquility and calm.
  • Enhancing communication and psychic awareness.
  • Eases, enhances and supports meditation.
  • Can be used for radionic analysis (more about radionics).

Colours of Kyanite

The most well-known forms of kyanite are blue. (The word 'kyanite' is derived from a Greek word that means 'blue'.) However, there is a range of colours and shades of kyanite, including black, blue, green, grey, white and, according to some texts even yellow and pink, although the latter are less common.

Kyanite crystals may be unevenly coloured, usually with the darkest tints towards the centres of the crystals. The transparency of kyanite ranges from transparent to translucent.

Above: Photograph of a blue kyanite bladed crystal.

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