Today’s topic starts with the letter “K”.
You know there are not many gemstones that start with the letter “K” so I didn’t have a big selection to choose from. This pictures shows off the beautiful crystals in the gemstone Kyanite.
Kyanite's name is derived from the Greek word kuanos meaning deep blue. It is typically a blue silicate mineral found in pegmatites or sedimentary rock. It can also be gray, white or green in color.
Kyanite is most notably found in Australia, Brazil, India, Kenya, Myanmar, Russia, Serbia, Switzerland, and the United States. Orange kyanite has recently been discovered in Tanzania with the color coming from small amounts of manganese inclusions in the stones.
It has a variable hardness depending on whether is cut across or lengthwise on a cleavage plane. It is rarely found in a faceted form but is usually polished smooth or sold in the rough.
It is used primarily in refractory and ceramic products including porcelain plumbing fixtures and dishware. It is also used in electronics, electrical insulators and abrasives.
Thanks for stopping by and hope to see you again Monday when the letter is "L". I have a very pretty gemstone picked out for that day.
Carolyn
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