Kyanite vs Sapphire: What Are They, And What's The Difference?

Any discussion comparing kyanite and sapphire will begin with comparing the colors of the two stones.

These stones are both a unique blue that dazzles people around the world, and use them for a variety of both industrial and metaphysical purposes.

Learn more bout the differences between kyanite and sapphire in the article that follows.

Kyanite vs Sapphire: The Basics

What is Kyanite?

Kyanite is a stone that is found in metamorphic combinations.

It is said to have a dual hardness to it, which, for kyanite, means that it’s colors and hues are prone to blotching and streaking.

Because of that, kyanite is often very easy to differentiate from other stones of the same color.

Kyanite has been found all over the world, and is used all over the world for multiple purposes.

Those sources Austria, Kenya, Myanmar, Brazil, Austria, Kenya, India, and Cambodia.

It is also found for mining in the United States and Zimbabwe.

Kyanite is also known to have a hardness range on the Mohs scale of 4.5 to 7.

This makes it a very difficult stone to cut or use.

It’s considered to have two different strengths because of this, and is also said to have a “dual hardness” as a result.

Uses of Kyanite

Kyanite is used for a variety of purposes, with uses in manufacturing, metaphysics, and even in cleaning products.

It is known to be used in some products that require refractory materials for stability, including products such as bricks and mortar.

It can be used in products to construct buildings, and is also used in the transportation industry, including in the construction of railroads and the automotive industry.

Kyanite is also used to insulate porcelain, due to its refractory properties and strength.

Kyanite’s dual hardness makes it ideal for many industrial uses as it can withstand heat, and it is also very durable providing longevity to almost any material that it is used for.

For porcelain products, it is used in everything from bathroom sinks to dentures.

In manufacturing, it is also used in grinding wheels as an abrasive component.

It can bind particles together to create a wheel.

It is not as frequently used in jewelry as other stones, and it would be difficult to find it in a conventional jewelry retail store.

To find kyanite in jewelry, you are most likely to find it in a New Age store where it is used for metaphysical purposes of healing and wellness.

Metaphysical Uses of Kyanite

Kyanite is used by people all over the world for spiritual and metaphysical purposes.

It is said to align chakras and clear negativity.

It is considered to be so durable for clearing negativity that it is recommended that the stone not even be cleaned when used, as it does not need a cleansing at all.

This stone is also considered to be helpful in clearing the past energy and memories from those that are suffering from trauma.

For physical health, kyanite is used by practitioners for surgery repair, nerve damage, and to help connect tissues that have experienced physical trauma.

It is also widely used by spiritualists for brain trauma and brain damage, including that from a stroke or seizure.

Others find kyanite useful for treating fever, adrenal glands, throat, and the thyroid.

Another physical healing result from kyanite is said to be pain relief.

Clearly, the metaphysical world has a large base of uses for kyanite that go well beyond its use in porcelain and brick production.

This is a very durable stone, with mysterious properties and benefits to millions all over the world.

What is Sapphire?

Sapphire is a gemstone that has a significant value in the world of gems and jewelry.

It also has a number of purposes, colors, and uses in both the industrial world and the metaphysical world.

This stone has a compound of aluminum oxide, but also contains vanadium, chromium, iron, magnesium, and titanium.

The color of sapphire is most often blue, but it can also be found in orange, yellow, purple, red, and green shades.

Pink sapphire is not uncommon either.

On the hardness scale, sapphire has a Mohs scale of 9, with the only other stone harder than sapphire being diamond.

Sapphire is used in a variety of applications, from industrial applications such as windows and LED lights, to jewelry and as décor as a stone on its own.

Purposes and Uses of Sapphire

The purposes and uses of sapphire are many, ranging from serving as window construction material to jewelry and interior design.

Some types of glass used in windows today are made of a material called sapphire glass, as this compound is transparent and emits wavelengths desirable for the human eye.

This kind of glass can withstand scratching and abrasions more than many other kinds of glass.

Sapphire is also used in lasers for lamps, unique bulbs, and other industrial purposes where lasers are required.

Like other stones such as titanium, sapphire is used for the construction of prosthetic devices such as hip joints and other devices that support ambulatory function.

Metaphysical Uses of Sapphire

Every religion in the world can trace sapphire back to a symbolic significance.

The Royal Family dons sapphire in almost every crown or important piece of adornment because all of their ceremonial events are rooted in religion and spirituality.

The New Age world and metaphysical uses of sapphire are no exception.

In addition to being used as a spiritual stone, steeped in symbolism and love of the Higher Power, sapphire is used by metaphysical proponents for good health.

Many believe it can repair conditions such as neuralgia and heart conditions.

It is said to also aid with vision for some, and some people believe that it will even slow down trembling in the limbs.

Similarities and Differences Between Kyanite and Sapphire

When comparing kyanite against sapphire, the key similarities are in their colors.

They are both offered in a wide range of colors, most often a brilliant blue.

They also are both considered to be very hard stones.

Where they differ is in their level of hardness, with sapphire being considerably more hard than kyanite.

They also differ in value.

Kyanite can be used in a wide variety of applications because it is much more affordable than sapphire is.

The Confusion Between Kyanite and Sapphire

Where the confusion lies when comparing kyanite and sapphire is in their colors.

Putting them side by side as naked stones may make it confusing to someone inexperienced with these stones.

Kyanite is not used as often for adornment, so you are not likely to come across it when shopping for jewelry unless you are in a New Age boutique.

From a value perspective, the market value of kyanite is much lower than sapphire.

However, when used in industrial applications the value of kyanite may be higher.

When there is confusion between kyanite vs sapphire, the hardness level of the stones will determine the answers with crystal clarity.

Learn More About Kyanite and Sapphire Today

The discussion comparing kyanite vs sapphire almost always begin with a discussion on color.

They both offer the same brilliant hues, but kyanite only comes in one color.

They both are as durable as they are beautiful, and enjoyed by millions all over the world today.