Strand Length: approx. 15 inches. 8x12mm shown in penny photo. Gorgeous quality natural Brazilian Blue Kyanite beads! These are great as accents pieces and make breathtaking earrings. Kyanite is a beautiful blue stone that has been used in jewelry and ornamentation for centuries. It is one of several metamorphic minerals, meaning that it is formed when another type of rock is changed by heat or pressure. Kyanite is often found in sedimentary rocks such as limestone and shale, as well as metamorphic rocks such as gneiss and schist. The stone can also be found in igneous rocks, but this is relatively rare. In the same crystal, Kyanite's hardness can range from 4.5 to 7 on the Mohs Hardness Scale depending on which orientation the scratch test is performed - this is due to its anisotropic crystal structure. Kyanite scratches soft parallel to the crystal axis, and hard in the perpendicular orientation. Kyanite is often used for beading crafts and is commonly seen in handmade jewelry, especially in bracelets and necklaces. Kyanite is a popular choice for those who appreciate the beauty of natural stones. View the Kyanite Beads Full Collection.
