Difference between revisions of "Kyanite" - New World Encyclopedia

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{{Copyedited}}{{Images OK}}{{Submitted}}{{Approved}}{{Paid}}
 
{{Infobox mineral
 
{{Infobox mineral
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| name       = Kyanite
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| name   = Kyanite
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| category   =  
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| category =  
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| boxwidth   =  
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| boxwidth =  
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| boxbgcolor =  
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| boxbgcolor =  
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| image       = Kyanite_crystals.jpg
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| image   = Kyanite_crystals.jpg
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| caption     =  
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| caption   =  
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| formula     = [[Aluminium|Al]]<sub>2</sub>[[Silicon|Si]][[Oxygen|O]]<sub>5</sub> <br> (aluminium silicate)
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| formula   = [[Aluminum|Al]]<sub>2</sub>[[Silicon|Si]][[Oxygen|O]]<sub>5</sub> <br/> (aluminum silicate)
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| color       = Blue; also green, white, grey, black
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| molweight  =
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| habit       = Columnar; fibrous
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| color   = Blue; also green, white, grey, black
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| system     = Triclinic
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| habit   = Columnar; fibrous
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| twinning   =  
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| system   = Triclinic
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| cleavage   = [100] Perfect, [010] Imperfect
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| twinning =  
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| fracture   = Brittle
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| cleavage = [100] Perfect, [010] Imperfect
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| mohs       = 4.5-5 parallel to one axis <br> 6.5-7 perpendicular to that axis
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| fracture = Brittle
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| luster     = Vitreous; Pearly
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| mohs   = 4.5-5 parallel to one axis <br/> 6.5-7 perpendicular to that axis
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| refractive = 1.71 - 1.75
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| luster   = Vitreous; Pearly
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| refractive = 1.71 - 1.75
 
| opticalprop =  
 
| opticalprop =  
 
| pleochroism = Trichroic, colorless to pale blue to blue
 
| pleochroism = Trichroic, colorless to pale blue to blue
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| streak     = White
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| streak   = White
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| gravity     = 3.56 - 3.67
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| gravity   = 3.56 - 3.67
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| melt       =  
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| density  =
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| fusibility =  
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| melt   =  
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| diagnostic =  
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| fusibility =  
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| solubility = None
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| diagnostic =  
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| solubility = None
 
| diaphaneity = Transparent to translucent
 
| diaphaneity = Transparent to translucent
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| other       =  
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| other   =  
 
}}
 
}}
  
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'''Kyanite''', whose name derives from the Greek word ''kyanos'', meaning blue, is a typically blue [[silicate]] [[mineral]], commonly found in [[aluminium]]-rich metamorphic [[pegmatite]]s and/or [[sedimentary rock]]. Kyanite is a diagnostic mineral of the [[Blueschist Facies]] of [[metamorphic]] rocks.
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'''Kyanite''' is a member of the aluminosilicate subgroup of [[silicate]] minerals. It is typically blue, but its color may vary. It is used in porcelain plumbing fixtures, dinnerware, electrical insulators, and abrasives. It has also been used as a gemstone, and it is a collector's mineral.
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{{toc}}
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== Etymology and alternative names ==
  
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Kyanite is a member of the aluminosilicate series, which includes the [[polymorphism (materials science)|polymorph]] [[andalusite]] and the polymorph [[sillimanite]]. Kyanite is strongly [[anisotropy|anisotropic]], in that its [[Mohs scale of mineral hardness|hardness]] varies depending on its crystallographic direction. While this is a feature of almost all minerals, in kyanite this anisotropism can be considered an identifying characteristic.
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The name kyanite derives from the Greek word ''kyanos'', meaning blue. This mineral is also known by several alternative names, including '''disthene''', '''munkrudite''', and '''cyanite'''. White-gray kyanite is also called '''rhaeticite'''.
  
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==Uses of kyanite==
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== Occurrence ==
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Kyanite is used primarily in refractory and ceramic products, including porcelain plumbing fixtures and dinnerware. It is also used in electrical insulators and abrasives. An interesting property of kyanite is that it undergoes an irreversible expansion when fired at high temperature.{{Fact|date=February 2007}} Kyanite has also been used as a gemstone, though this use is limited by its anisotropism and perfect cleavage. Finally, as with most minerals, kyanite is a collector's mineral.
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Kyanite is commonly found in [[aluminum]]-rich metamorphic [[pegmatite]]s and [[sedimentary rock]]s. It is a diagnostic mineral of the [[Blueschist Facies]] of [[metamorphic]] rocks.
 +
 
 +
== Characteristics ==
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Kyanite has two [[polymorphism (materials science)|polymorphs]]: [[andalusite]] and [[sillimanite]]. Kyanite and its polymorphs have the same chemical formula, Al<sub>2</sub>SiO<sub>5</sub>, but they differ in crystalline structure.
 +
 
 +
An interesting property of kyanite is that it undergoes irreversible expansion when fired at high temperature. In addition, this mineral is strongly [[anisotropy|anisotropic]], in that its [[Mohs scale of mineral hardness|hardness]] varies depending on its crystallographic direction.
 +
 
 +
=== Identifying traits ===
 +
 
 +
Kyanite's elongated, columnar crystals are usually a good first indication of the mineral, as well as its color (when the specimen is blue). Associated minerals are useful as well, especially the presence of the polymorphs or staurolite, which occur frequently with kyanite. However, the most useful characteristic in identifying kyanite is its anisotropism. If one suspects a specimen to be kyanite, verifying that it has two distinctly different values of hardness on perpendicular axes is a key to identification.
  
 
==Associated minerals==
 
==Associated minerals==
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Kyanite is usually found in association with its polymorphs, as well as other silicate minerals. These include:
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 +
Kyanite is usually found in association with its polymorphs and other silicate minerals. They include:
 
*[[andalusite]], Al<sub>2</sub>SiO<sub>5</sub>
 
*[[andalusite]], Al<sub>2</sub>SiO<sub>5</sub>
 
*[[sillimanite]], Al<sub>2</sub>SiO<sub>5</sub>
 
*[[sillimanite]], Al<sub>2</sub>SiO<sub>5</sub>
Line 44: Line 61:
 
*[[garnet]]s, A<sub>3</sub>B<sub>2</sub>(SiO<sub>4</sub>)<sub>3</sub>
 
*[[garnet]]s, A<sub>3</sub>B<sub>2</sub>(SiO<sub>4</sub>)<sub>3</sub>
  
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==Alternative names==
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==Uses of kyanite==
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Kyanite has several alternative names, including disthene, munkrudite and cyanite. White-grey kyanite is also called rhaeticite.
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[[Image:BBBoxCar50Ft.jpg|thumb|230px|right|In [[Buckingham County, Virginia]] kyanite from the mine at [[Mt. Willis]] is transported by train on the [[Buckingham Branch Railroad]].]]
 +
 
 +
Kyanite is used primarily in refractory and ceramic products, including porcelain plumbing fixtures and dinnerware. It is also used in electrical insulators and abrasives. Kyanite has also been used as a gemstone, though this use is limited by its anisotropism and perfect cleavage. Finally, as with most minerals, kyanite is a collector's mineral.
  
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==Notes for identification==
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== See also ==
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[[Image:BBBoxCar50Ft.jpg|thumb|230px|right|In [[Buckingham County, Virginia]] kyanite from the mine at [[Mt. Willis]] is transported by train on the [[Buckingham Branch Railroad]].]]
+
 
−
Kyanite's elongated, columnar crystals are usually a good first indication of the mineral, as well as its color (when the specimen is blue). Associated minerals are useful as well, especially the presence of the polymorphs or staurolite, which occur frequently with kyanite. However, the most useful characteristic in identifying kyanite is its anisotropism. If one suspects a specimen to be kyanite, verifying that it has two distinctly different hardnesses on perpendicular axes is a key to identification.
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* [[Garnet]]
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* [[Mica]]
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* [[Quartz]]
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* [[Silicate]]
  
 
==References==
 
==References==
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*[http://webmineral.com/data/Kyanite.shtml WebMineral Listing]
 
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*[http://www.mindat.org/min-2303.html MinDat Listing]
 
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*[http://mineral.galleries.com/minerals/silicate/kyanite/kyanite.htm Mineral Galleries]
 
  
−
[[Category:Gemstones]]
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* Deer, W.A., R.A. Howie, and J. Zussman. 1996. ''An Introduction to the Rock-Forming Minerals''. 2nd ed. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Prentice Hall. ISBN 0582300940
−
[[Category:Aluminium minerals]]
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* Farndon, John. 2006. ''The Practical Encyclopedia of Rocks & Minerals: How to Find, Identify, Collect and Maintain the World's best Specimens, with over 1000 Photographs and Artworks''. London: Lorenz Books. ISBN 0754815412
−
[[Category:Nesosilicates]]
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* Klein, Cornelis, and Barbara Dutrow. 2007. ''Manual of Mineral Science''. 23rd ed. New York: John Wiley. ISBN 978-0471721574
 +
* Pellant, Chris. 2002. ''Rocks and Minerals''. Smithsonian Handbooks. New York: Dorling Kindersley. ISBN 0789491060
 +
* Schumann, Walter. 2006. ''Gemstones of the World''. 3rd ed. New York: Sterling. ISBN 1402740166
 +
* Shaffer, Paul R., Herbert S. Zim, and Raymond Perlman. 2001. ''Rocks, Gems and Minerals''. Rev. ed. New York: St. Martin's Press. ISBN 1582381321
 +
 
 +
== External links ==
 +
All links retrieved June 16, 2018.
 +
* [http://webmineral.com/data/Kyanite.shtml Kyanite Mineral Data] ''Webmineral.com''.
 +
* [http://www.mindat.org/min-2303.html Kyanite] ''Mindat.org''.
 +
 
 +
[[Category:Physical sciences]]
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[[Category:Earth sciences]]
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[[Category:Geology]]
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[[Category:Minerals]]
  
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[[de:Kyanit]]
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{{credit|130207832}}
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[[es:Cianita]]
 
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[[eo:Kianito]]
 
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[[hr:Kijanit]]
 
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[[it:Cianite]]
 
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[[he:קיאניט]]
 
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[[hu:Kianit]]
 
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[[nl:Kyaniet]]
 
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[[ja:藍晶石]]
 
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[[pl:Dysten]]
 
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[[pt:Cianite]]
 
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[[ru:Кианит]]
 
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[[sk:Kyanit]]
 
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[[fi:Kyaniitti]]
 
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[[sv:Kyanit]]
 

Latest revision as of 15:28, 16 June 2018

Kyanite
Kyanite crystals.jpg
General
CategoryMineral
Chemical formulaAl2SiO5
(aluminum silicate)
Identification
ColorBlue; also green, white, grey, black
Crystal habitColumnar; fibrous
Crystal systemTriclinic
Cleavage[100] Perfect, [010] Imperfect
FractureBrittle
Mohs Scale hardness4.5-5 parallel to one axis
6.5-7 perpendicular to that axis
LusterVitreous; Pearly
Refractive index1.71 - 1.75
PleochroismTrichroic, colorless to pale blue to blue
StreakWhite
Specific gravity3.56 - 3.67
SolubilityNone
DiaphaneityTransparent to translucent

Kyanite is a member of the aluminosilicate subgroup of silicate minerals. It is typically blue, but its color may vary. It is used in porcelain plumbing fixtures, dinnerware, electrical insulators, and abrasives. It has also been used as a gemstone, and it is a collector's mineral.

Etymology and alternative names

The name kyanite derives from the Greek word kyanos, meaning blue. This mineral is also known by several alternative names, including disthene, munkrudite, and cyanite. White-gray kyanite is also called rhaeticite.

Occurrence

Kyanite is commonly found in aluminum-rich metamorphic pegmatites and sedimentary rocks. It is a diagnostic mineral of the Blueschist Facies of metamorphic rocks.

Characteristics

Kyanite has two polymorphs: andalusite and sillimanite. Kyanite and its polymorphs have the same chemical formula, Al2SiO5, but they differ in crystalline structure.

An interesting property of kyanite is that it undergoes irreversible expansion when fired at high temperature. In addition, this mineral is strongly anisotropic, in that its hardness varies depending on its crystallographic direction.

Identifying traits

Kyanite's elongated, columnar crystals are usually a good first indication of the mineral, as well as its color (when the specimen is blue). Associated minerals are useful as well, especially the presence of the polymorphs or staurolite, which occur frequently with kyanite. However, the most useful characteristic in identifying kyanite is its anisotropism. If one suspects a specimen to be kyanite, verifying that it has two distinctly different values of hardness on perpendicular axes is a key to identification.

Associated minerals

Kyanite is usually found in association with its polymorphs and other silicate minerals. They include:

  • andalusite, Al2SiO5
  • sillimanite, Al2SiO5
  • quartz, SiO2
  • staurolite, Fe2Al9Si4O22(OH)2
  • micas, AB2-3(X, Si)4O10(O,F,OH)2
  • garnets, A3B2(SiO4)3

Uses of kyanite

In Buckingham County, Virginia kyanite from the mine at Mt. Willis is transported by train on the Buckingham Branch Railroad.

Kyanite is used primarily in refractory and ceramic products, including porcelain plumbing fixtures and dinnerware. It is also used in electrical insulators and abrasives. Kyanite has also been used as a gemstone, though this use is limited by its anisotropism and perfect cleavage. Finally, as with most minerals, kyanite is a collector's mineral.

See also

References
ISBN links support NWE through referral fees

  • Deer, W.A., R.A. Howie, and J. Zussman. 1996. An Introduction to the Rock-Forming Minerals. 2nd ed. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Prentice Hall. ISBN 0582300940
  • Farndon, John. 2006. The Practical Encyclopedia of Rocks & Minerals: How to Find, Identify, Collect and Maintain the World's best Specimens, with over 1000 Photographs and Artworks. London: Lorenz Books. ISBN 0754815412
  • Klein, Cornelis, and Barbara Dutrow. 2007. Manual of Mineral Science. 23rd ed. New York: John Wiley. ISBN 978-0471721574
  • Pellant, Chris. 2002. Rocks and Minerals. Smithsonian Handbooks. New York: Dorling Kindersley. ISBN 0789491060
  • Schumann, Walter. 2006. Gemstones of the World. 3rd ed. New York: Sterling. ISBN 1402740166
  • Shaffer, Paul R., Herbert S. Zim, and Raymond Perlman. 2001. Rocks, Gems and Minerals. Rev. ed. New York: St. Martin's Press. ISBN 1582381321

External links

All links retrieved June 16, 2018.

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