Kyanite

Kyanite, whose name derives from the Greek ‘kyanos’ meaning blue, is a blue silicate mineral commonly found in aluminium-rich metamorphic or sedimentary rock. Kyanite has several alternative names, including disthene, munkrudite, cyanite and rhaeticite (for white-grey varieties). The United States has fairly large deposits of high gem quality Kyanite. Some of the very best gem quality Kyanite has been mined in Nepal, though not in huge volumes. It was believed that Kyanite suspended from a human hair could follow the Earth's magnetic force lines like a compass needle, so early travellers and explorers took Kyanite along with them when they entered unknown territories. Kyanite jewellery is thought to aid self- expression, communication and boost supernatural abilities. It is also a semi-precious gemstone for the zodiac sign of Aries (Mar 22-Apr 20).