kyanite

[ kahy-uh-nahyt ]

noun
  1. a mineral, aluminum silicate, Al2SiO5, occurring in blue or greenish bladed triclinic crystals, used as a refractory.

Origin of kyanite

1
1785–95; irregular <Greek kýan(os) cyan + -ite1

Words Nearby kyanite

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British Dictionary definitions for kyanite

kyanite

cyanite

/ (ˈkaɪəˌnaɪt) /


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

Derived forms of kyanite

  • kyanitic (ˌkaɪəˈnɪtɪk), adjective

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Scientific definitions for kyanite

kyanite

[ 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: Al2SiO5.

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