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cyanite

cyanite

9.9
A grey or greenish-blue mineral found in rocks changed by heat and pressure and used for heat-resistant materials
  • noun
  • /ˈsaɪəˌnaɪt/
  • Specialized
: cianita
  • The high melting point of cyanite makes it valuable for use in refractory products.

Examples

  • Geologists discovered large deposits of cyanite in the mountain range.

  • The geologist discovered a large deposit of cyanite in the mountains.

  • A specimen of cyanite showed a brilliant blue color under the light.

  • Can you identify cyanite among these minerals?

  • Geologists discovered large deposits of cyanite in the mountain range, known for its unique properties.

  • A specimen of cyanite exhibited a striking blue hue, showcasing its characteristic color.

  • The high melting point of cyanite makes it an essential material in the manufacturing of heat-resistant ceramics.

Synonyms

kyanite
vscyanite
  • Specialized
1 9.9

A hard blue or greenish-blue stone people use in heat-resistant ceramics and jewelry

has identical meaning but uses an alternative spelling

Surface Forms

cyanite singular
cyanites plural

Morphology

cyanite = cyan (semi-transparent) = cyan + ite

The colour element 'cyan' clearly signals a blue/green hue, but the mineral-forming suffix '-ite' and the specific mineral sense may be unfamiliar to average learners.

Etymology

The word cyanite comes from the Greek kyanos, meaning 'dark blue', and the mineral ending -ite. You can see the same root in the colour word cyan, so cyanite simply means a 'blue mineral', which matches its usual colour and name.