kyanite

[ kahy-uh-nahyt ]

noun

1. a mineral, aluminum silicate, Al 2 SiO 5 , occurring in blue or greenish bladed triclinic crystals, used as a refractory.

kyanite

/ ˈkaɪəˌnaɪt; ˌkaɪəˈnɪtɪk /

noun

1. a grey, green, or blue mineral consisting of aluminium silicate in triclinic crystalline form. It occurs in metamorphic rocks and is used as a refractory. Formula AL 2 SiO 5

kyanite

/ kī′ə-nīt′ /

1. A bluish-green to colorless triclinic mineral. Kyanite occurs as long, thin, blade-shaped crystals in metamorphic rocks. It is unique among minerals in having two grades of hardness, one along its length, and one along its width. It is a polymorph of andalusite and sillimanite, but can form at lower temperatures than either of these. Chemical formula: Al 2 SiO 5 .

Derived Forms

• kyanitic, adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of kyanite¹

1785–95; irregular < Greek kýan ( os ) cyan + -ite ¹

Example Sentences

In mica-gneisses sillimanite, kyanite, andalusite and garnet may occur.

From Project Gutenberg

Kyanite and staurolite may also be mentioned as occasionally occurring.

From Project Gutenberg