New Blue Sapphire – Nepal’s Kyanite

Nepal's Kyanite

Everyone is looking for the rich velvety blue Kashmir Sapphire gem.

Yes!  We have an alternative solution:  Nepal’s Kyanite.

The name “kyanite” comes from the Greek “kyanos“, meaning “blue,” the common colour of the species.  Oftentimes the rich Kashmir blue color is mistaken for sapphires.  So much so that  in the past, unscrupulous dealers in India have sold it as sapphire in set jewelry to the unsuspecting tourist.

Kyanite is a rare gemstone and is only available in small supply.  It’s yield is  3% to 5% and supplies are finite as mines do run out of production.  Also, because this Kashmir Blue Kyanite is from Nepal, the political situation there makes it very difficult and expensive to get it to the cutters.

The cutting of Kyanite is very difficult because it comes in blades and three (3) hardnesses.  It is tricky to polish as well.  We have found a few “expert” cutters who can skillfully cut and polish this rare gemstone – providing us with a select inventory of beautifully cut loose gemstones and cabochons in addition to our accumulated stock of fine quality rough.

Current loose Kyanite gemstone stock includes:  Oval and Emerald shapes in 8x 6, 9 x 7 and 10 x 8 sizes; Rounds in 6mm, 8mm and some 10mm; and a selection of large stones in free sizes and cuts.   Anil B. Dholakia, Inc. is currently offering this rare gem at $50 (USD) per carat.

Physical and Optical Properties of Kyanite

• Chemical Formula: Al2OSiO
• Lustre: Vitreous, Pearly
• Diaphaneity (Transparency): Transparent, Translucent
• Colour: Blue, white, green, yellow, orange, pink
• Streak: Colourless
• Hardness (Mohs): 5½ – 7
• Comment: 5.5 parallel to [001], 7 parallel to [100]
• Cleavage: Perfect on (100), good on (010)
• Fracture: Splintery
• Density (measured): 3.53 – 3.65 g/cm³
• Density (calculated): 3.67 g/cm³
• Optical Properties: Transparent to translucent.
• Color: Blue, white, rarely green, gray, yellow,pink, black, can be zoned; colorless to pale blue in thin section.
• Luster: Vitreous to pearly.
• Optical Class: Biaxial ({).
• Pleochroism: Weak; in thick sections.