mineral
Blue kyanite (probable)
Kyanite, Al₂SiO₅
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectSmall, rough blue-gray bladed crystal with a vitreous to pearly luster. Kyanite has uneven hardness—about 4.5–5 parallel to its length and 6.5–7 across it—and typically forms triclinic crystals; the photo is too small to confirm cleavage or other diagnostic features.
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Physical properties
Small, rough blue-gray bladed crystal with a vitreous to pearly luster. Kyanite has uneven hardness—about 4.5–5 parallel to its length and 6.5–7 across it—and typically forms triclinic crystals; the photo is too small to confirm cleavage or other diagnostic features.
Formation & geological history
Forms mainly during regional metamorphism of aluminum-rich sediments, commonly in schist and gneiss. Its age depends on the host rock and cannot be determined from the image.
Uses & applications
Used in refractory ceramics and furnace linings; attractive crystals are collected and occasionally cut as gemstones.
Geological facts
Kyanite’s hardness varies by direction, an unusual property among common minerals.
Field identification & locations
The elongated, bladed blue-gray appearance is consistent with kyanite, but identification from this image is uncertain. It occurs in metamorphic terrains worldwide, including Brazil, Nepal, and the United States.
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Other mineral specimens
Gneiss or Schist
Gneiss or Mica Schist with Garnet
Metamorphic
Sandstone (with potential mineral staining/concretions)
Arenite (SiO2 based)
sedimentary
Tumbled granite
Granite, a coarse-grained felsic intrusive igneous rock
igneous
Pegmatite with Tourmaline and Quartz
Igneous Pegmatite
igneous
Epidote
Epidote | Ca2(Al2,Fe3+)(SiO4)(Si2O7)O(OH)
metamorphic
Gypsum (variety Selenite or Alabaster)
Calcium sulfate dihydrate (CaSO4·2H2O)
Mineral