Greek 'Kyanos' means 'blue,' and Kyanite is derived from this word. Colors including pink, yellow, white, gray, and even green-blue with hue patches can also be found in the gemstone. Because purchasing and identifying a Kyanite can be a complicated process, we're here to assist you in avoiding becoming a victim of fraud.
Because of the kyanite healing properties and the vast array of characteristics, it stands out from the rest of the mineral kingdom. For the novice collector, this can be a challenge to comprehend. For those who consider themselves novices in Kyanite identification and are looking for some guidance, keep reading.
How do you know if that blue Kyanite is genuine? Here are four ways.
Kyanite's cleavage
You can see rigid plane surfaces on crystals that have cleaves. Uncut Kyanite's most noticeable physical and tactical trait should be its coloration. The cleavage in real Kyanite is gorgeous in both directions.
This signifies that the atomic bonds are weaker in the direction of the splintering. When held up to the light, Real Kyanite seems to be a splintered mess of colorful wood.
Unfortunately, you can't replicate this quality in any other substance. Real Kyanites can keep together even when perfectly cut due to their high-atomic-bond strength. The splintering of real Kyanite does not occur in the opposite direction of the partitions.
Even if hit in the direction of its fracture planes, a real Kyanite is very hard to shatter. The appearance of a structurally weakened crystal may result from layers of glass being glued together. On the other hand, glass does not splinter when a force is applied; instead, it shatters.
There are several ways to test the presence of fake Kyanite, such as using a mallet to strike it along its cleavage planes. Authenticity can be determined by whether or not the item breaks rather than breaking away into small pieces.
Pleochroism can be found
Pleochroism is a term that refers to a more significant number of colors. It is pleochroic if a gemstone appears to change color depending on the angle at which it's seen. Gemologists use this to categorize and grade Kyanite stones, making it an essential tool.
Chatoyancy, or Cat's eye effect, is a fascinating phenomenon in some Kyanites. The splintery structure of the Kyanite causes light traveling through it to form a narrow band across its surface.
This is so-named because it resembles a cat's glass eye pupil. Some specimens of kyanite exhibit a cat-eye effect due to the presence of Chatoyancy, which occurs when the crystals in Kyanite are long, flattened, and fibrous. Because pleochroic Kyanite is extremely rare, it is more expensive than Kyanite, which does not display such results.
Pay attention to the sheen
In photographs where Kyanite appears splintery, almost woodlike, it may feel Kyanite has a dull or waxy surface. This is a far cry from reality. This bright vitreous, almost glass-like shine is what distinguishes true Kyanite from its look and cracks. The most accessible approach to get a sense of a stone's sheen is to hold it in your palm and look at it in the light.
Some often use resin to adhere layers of glass together in imitation materials that look splintery, and you can notice these seams. The cleavage planes of a true Kyanite would appear sparkly and hazy under dim light.
Find out from the vendor where the item originated
If you plan to purchase Kyanite from a gem dealer or expert, inquire about the gemstone's provenance. This is an excellent approach to learning more about the history of your diamond and verifying its authenticity. Pegmatites of quartz, Kyanite, and feldspar are the most common places to find considerable amounts of the mineral. As a result, while purchasing an uncut variety, you may be able to obtain big pegmatites.
When purchasing a Kyanite, be sure to check for authenticity using the procedures mentioned above, but also be sure to give any Kyanite you purchase constant attention.
WRITTEN BY
Brand Voices