of cat’s eye stones
Cat’s eye is an optical phenomenon that creates a vivid line of reflected light across a gemstone, typically a chrysoberyl Cat's eye is caused by inclusions of the mineral rutile, tiny needle-like crystals that reflect light. The inclusions are usually parallel, and they line up like the bristles of a brush, creating the line of reflected light.
The most common form of cats eye is known as cymophane or cimai, which is the Latin term for "wave of the sea." Usually, green or yellow-green in color, it’s an affordable alternative to the rarest and most valuable cats eye, known as chrysoberyl.
The best examples of cat’s eye stones are:
1. Chrysoberyl Cat’s Eye: This is the rarest and most valuable type of cat’s eye. The name comes from a combination of the Greek words “chrysos” meaning gold and “beryl” which is another mineral. They are usually olive green or yellow-green with a light line of yellow.
2. Chrysoberyl Cat’s Eye Quartz: This type of cat’s eye is similar to chrysoberyl, but is usually cheaper because it usually has fewer inclusions. The line of light is usually more subdued than the chrysoberyl variety.
3. Tigereye: This stone is commonly thought of as a type of cat’s eye, but it’s actually a quartz and not a chrysoberyl. With bands of yellow and brown and the distinctive bristle-like inclusions, it is a popular and inexpensive choice.
4. Cat’s Eye Apatite: Apatite is a phosphorous-bearing gemstone. Some specimens contain enough rutile inclusions to create the cat’s eye phenomenon. These stones are a vivid green to blue-green and can be quite affordable.
5. Cat's Eye Aquamarine: Aquamarine is a type of beryl and can exhibit a strong line of light due to the tiny rutile inclusions. These stones can be quite expensive due to their rarity.
No matter what type of cat’s eye stone you choose, it is sure to add an extra sparkle to any jewelry, and is a great way to show off your unique sense of style.