Different models are discussed to interpret the presence of kyanite as a stable phase in contact aureoles especially in the andalusite-, sillimanite-bearing aureoles. In such aureoles the polymorphic sequence kyanite → andalusite → sillimanite can be explained in terms of an essentially isobaric path during which kyanite initially crystallises from the breakdown of pyrophyllite or more likely muscovite + chlorite beneath the pressure of the triple point (3-4 kbar  10-14 km depth), followed by andalusite and sillimanite crystallisation.  The sequence kyanite-sillimanite and/or fibrolite can be seen in thermal aureoles subjected  to  isobaric metamorphism  above  the  triple  Al2SiO5  point (5-8 kbar 17-28 km depth). The absence of kyanite in some thermal aureoles can be explained on the basis of either compositional constraint or overstepping of low-temperature reactions due to high heating rates.