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Cat's Eye Stone Properties

Published on Nov 25, 2013

Summary
Gemstone Cat’s Eye
Other Names Cymophane, Lahsuniya, Vaidurya
Mohs’ Scale Hardness 8.5
Specific Gravity 3.5 – 3.84
Category Oxide Mineral
Lustre Vitreous
Streak White
Metal to Wear in Silver
Color Greenish Black, Lemon Yellow, Bright Yellow, Pale Yellow, Brownish Yellow, Raspberry Red
Origin India, Tanzania, Brazil, East Africa, Madagascar and Sri Lanka

Since the time immemorial, gemstones are being used in different cultures for beautifying the looks, enhancing the health and drawing benefit out of their enchanted powers. The gemstones are mainly extracted from the crust of the earth and at times synthetically processed out in-vitro. Cat’s eye gemstone is one of the most alluring gemstones available to us. The actual name of this gemstone is Cymophane. (See: Cat's Eye Astrological Benefits)

Yellow-Green Chrysoberyl Cats Eye (Ceylonese) - Super Luxury

What is a Cat’s Eye?

  • The gemstone Cat’s Eye is known scientifically by the name of Cymophane.
  • This gemstone comes from the family of Chrysoberyl which is a Beryllium Aluminate. Not every Chrysoberyl is a Cat’s Eye gemstone but every Cat’s Eye gemstone is a Chrysoberyl. Translucent yellow chatoyant Chrysoberyl is known as a Cat’s Eye stone or Cymophane.
  • The cat’s Eye is known for its signature phenomenon to show a silky band light of light green extending across the gemstone. This phenomenon is known as Chatoyancy or Opalescence.
  • The name of this gemstone is derived from a Greek word which is related to the wavy appearance. The combination of two Greek words “Chryso” which stands for golden and “Beryl” which stands for “Green” together forming “Gold colored Beryl” presents the name of this attractive gemstone.
  • Quite similar to the Cymophane, ruby gemstone & quartz also possess the property of Chatoyancy and hence termed “Ruby Cat’s Eye” & “ Quartz Cat’s Eye”.
  • Being the third hardest gemstone, Cat’s Eye Stone gives a rating of 8.5 on the Moh’s Scale of Hardness.
  • The color of a Cat’s Eye is usually termed as milk and honey as a sharp milky ray passes through the center line on the honey colored background.
  • The popularity of Cat’s Eye stone increased by the 19th century when the Duke of Connaught presented a Cat’s Eye ring in his engagement.
  • The largest Cat's Eye gemstone is displayed in the Museum of Natural History, New York, and weighs 85 carats.
  • The mining of this amazing gemstone takes place in the countries of India, Tanzania, Brazil, East Africa, Madagascar and Sri Lanka.
  • Only the ‘Cabochon cut’ which keeps its signature milk and honey effect. Any other form given to this gemstone will make this effect disappear.
  • This enchanted gemstone is found in a variety of hues varying from greenish black to brown, yellow, green and raspberry red.
  • At times, this gemstone is treated with electronic bombardment and gamma rays to enhance its asterism and color.
  • Being found mainly in two distinctive colors, lemon yellow is considered to be popular and attractive but Gemologists find honey color to be more beneficial.

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