What is Cat's Eye?
Cat's Eye describes a gemstone polished into a cabochon that displays a narrow band of concentrated light going across the width of the stone. This effect, known as chatoyancy, or cat's eye effect, is caused by inclusions of fine, slender parallel mineral fibres in the gemstone that reflect light in a single band. Of all the gemstones that exhibit cat's eye, Chrysoberyl Cat's Eye is the best known. Chrysoberyl has the strongest and most distinct cat's eye effect of all gemstones. Though several different gemstones types exhibit a cat's eye effect, only Chrysoberyl's cat's eye enjoys the privilege of having the name "Cat's Eye" without any prefix. Whenever the term "Cat's Eye" is used, it refers to Chrysoberyl cat's eye by default, unless otherwise specified.
Healing properties of Cat's Eye
Cat's Eye acts to stimulate intuition and to enhance awareness. It is a grounding stone that provides a very effective protective energy. Cat's Eye dispels unwanted energy from the aura. It amplifies good luck and fortune. Chrysoberyl Cat's Eye transforms negative thoughts into positive energy. Cat's Eye brings happiness and serenity, along with optimism, generosity and confidence. It can enhance creativity and kindness. Traditionally, Cat's Eye is believed to protect the wearer from evil spirits.
Cat's Eye treats eye disorders and improves night vision. It relieves headaches, facial and sciatic pain. Cat's Eye aids the nervous system and associated pains. It can be used to heal the kidneys, pancreas, liver, lymph nodes, spleen and issues associated with leukemia.
Properties of Cat's Eye
| Chemical Formula | BeAl2O4 |
| Colour | Blue, Red, Green, Yellow, Orange, Brown, Pink, Purple, Gray, Multicoloured |
| Hardness | 8.5 |
| Crystal System | Orthorhombic |
| Refractive Index | 1.744 - 1.755 |
| SG | 3.5 - 3.8 |
| Transparency | Translucent |
| Double Refraction | .009 |
| Luster | Vitreous |
| Cleavage | 1,1 ; 3,2 |
| Mineral Class | Chrysoberyl |