Apatite Cat's Eye

Apatite Cat’s eye Price

The value of apatite cat’s eye varies tremendously depending upon its place of origin, quality, size and treatment. In India, apatite cat’s eye price per carat ranges from ₹ 400 per carat ($7) and above.

• Origin

  – Cat’s Eye Apatite gemstones from origins such as Brazil, Burma, Tanzania and Sri Lanka are considered to be of good quality and therefore hold a good market value.

• Strength of Chatoyant Band

  – The sharp and clearly visible cat’s eye effect has a strong influence over apatite cats eye prices. The stones with narrower, brighter and more sharply defined band owe a better price.

• Color

  – Color is regarded as the second most important factor in assessing the cat’s eye apatite value. Because of the huge demand and lesser availability, cat’s eye apatite in greenish yellow or deep honey color commands the highest value.

• Clarity

  – Since inclusions are common in apatite cat’s eye, therefore the presence of inclusion is acceptable up to a certain extent. But as the inclusions start hampering the clarity, prices get affected. Cat’s eye apatite value decreases steeply for stones with surface spots and blemishes. Eye clean pieces are rare and are priced exorbitantly.

• Cut

  – Due to the low hardness and high opacity, this gemstone is mostly cut in cabochons. Oval shaped cabochons are easily available and comparatively more affordable due to minimum weight reduction involved in the cutting process. Being less common, round and pear-shaped cabs are comparatively pricier.

• Carat Weight

  – Due to the softness and rarity, apatite cat’s eye gem is hardly found in large sizes. This is the major reason behind the dramatic rise in apatite cat’s eye prices for stones above 4-5 carats.

• Treatment

  – Natural cat’s eye apatite gems are rarely treated or enhanced. If present, a heat-treated cat’s eye is priced cheaply and is not considered good for astrological purposes.