Kyanite derives from the Greek word kuanos sometimes referred to as “kyanos,” meaning deep blue. Kyanite is valuable in the industrial world for heat resistance, used in high refractory porcelain, refractory bricks, mortars, kiln furniture and foundry molds, in the auto and railroad industries it is used for brake shoes, grinding wheels and cutting disks, and in the standard porcelain of dentures, sinks and bathroom fixtures.