KYANITE ON QUARTZ, Rio Grande Do Norte, BRAZIL (cabinet)

Kyanite is a blue aluminosilicate mineral commonly found in aluminium-rich metamorphic pegmatites and sedimentary formations. It serves as the high-pressure polymorph of andalusite and sillimanite, with its presence in metamorphic rocks typically signifying deep metamorphism within the Earth's crust. Also referred to as disthene or cyanite, kyanite exhibits strong anisotropy, meaning its hardness varies based on crystallographic direction, which is a key identifying feature alongside its distinctive blue hue. The name kyanite is derived from the Ancient Greek word κύανος, which translates to "dark blue."

THIS MINERAL SHOULD BE HANDLED WITH CARE.