Chrysoberyl Cat's Eye

About Chrysoberyl 

Cause of Cat’s Eye Effect or Chatoyancy

Cat’s Eye effect is seen in chrysoberyl containing microscopic tubelike cavities or needlelike inclusions of rutile which occur parallel to the c-axis of the crystal. When these are cut en cabochon perpendicular to the c-axis, a single ray of light can be seen to move on the surface. This effect is termed as Chatoyancy. Chatoyancy comes from the French 'chat' (for cat) and 'oeil' (for eye). Chrysoberyls lacking the cat's eye effect are mostly faceted, Cat's eyes are always cut into cabochons, since only tall, rounded shapes render the line of the eye properly visible.

History of Cat’s Eye

Cat’s eye became popular since the end of the 19^th century when it was given as engagement token by Duke of Connaught. This greatly increased its value as a gemstone. The increased demand in turn created an intensified search for it in Ceylon.

Sources of Chrysoberyl

Astrological and Other Benefits 

The astrological sign of cat's-eye chrysoberyl is Gemini. Cat’s Eye is said to help balance one's emotions, and to make one feel at ease with oneself as well as with others. It is also said to stimulate one's problem solving capabilities by providing a more indepth understanding of the details involved. It is also said to provide relief from feminine discomforts and intestinal maladies.

How to Wear Cat’s Eye

• A cat’s eye should be set in steel or gold, or even platinum, on the small finger of the left hand, at midnight on Thursday, when the Moon is waxing. 
  
• The stone should weigh more than three carats, but five carats or more is better.
• Depending on a person’s occupation, different shades of cat’s eye should be worn. A priest, teacher, scientist, or intellectual should wear a honey yellow stone. A ruler, soldier, or administrator should wear a honey brown stone. A businessman, farmer, or banker should wear a honey green stone. A laborer, artisan, or servant should wear a dark green stone. 

Care & Cleaning

Clean with a soft polishing cloth in plain water. Commercial jewelry cleaner can damage the polish of the gem. Do not soak. Also avoid sudden temperature changes.

Tests for Identification of Real Cat's Eye

• A Cat’s eye is a very hard stone and its surface can be scratched only by a Diamond or a Ruby or Sapphire. Cat’s Eye can easily scratch glass.
• If a real cat's eye gemstone is put in a dark place, it shines like the eyes of a cat.
• If a real cat's eye gemstone is rubbed against a cloth, its brilliance increases.

How to Choose 

Fine cat's eyes should be of a distinctive colour and be as transparent as possible. The most popular ones are those of a beautiful honey yellow and those with fine green tones. It should have a very good cat’s eye effect which should be also visible in low light. Translucent varieties are more sought after than opaque varieties and command a higher price. 

Cat’s Eye Properties

View our stock of Chrysoberyl Cat's Eye