Kyanite

Kyanite is an aluminum silicate whose crystals occur in elongated combinations along the vertical axis, and rarely terminated at the extremity. The name derives from the Greek "kyanos", blue, the most common color among the minerals of this species. Kyanite is also called also "distene" which means "two forces" due to the change in hardness with the direction in the crystal lattice.
The color ,not homogeneous, is sky-blue, intense blue, however irregularly distributed to grayish, greenish or yellowish, due to extraneous inclusions. The coloring is due to iron oxides. It has a vitreous luster, often pearly and appears transparent to translucent. The value of the mineral, and consequently of the gemstone, depends on the color and transparency of the specimen. As previously mentioned, the hardness of this mineral assumes particular importance, varying from 4 to 5 and from 6 to 7 depending on the faces and directions on which it is determined.
Important deposits are located in India, Burma, in the diamond sands of Brazil in Diamantina, in the gold floods in Russia in the Urals, in Madagascar, in the USA, in Kenya, in Tanzania and in Switzerland in the canton of Ticino. Kyanite crystals are also found in Italy in Valtellina, on Lake Como, in South Tyrol and in Trentino. In crystal healing, kyanite is considered as a stone that brings lucidity: it helps the individual to see the reality of what sorrounds him. Cyanite is also used against communication problems and has various physical benefits : it promotes brain activity; slows down aging processes; strengthens the immune system.