Cat's Eye

Cat's Eye

True cat's eye is a variety of chrysoberyl, sometimes called cymophane, and as such is related to alexandrite.It is a rare and valuable gemstone, which is often underrated as being a "semi-precious" stone.

Chatoyancy

Chatoyancy or chatoyance, literally from French means cat's eye. It is the effect seen best in this variety of chrysoberyl, but also found in a few other gemstones. The effect is a strongly banded one caused by tube-like or needle-like crystals running along the length of the stone.Other stones which show chatoyancy include sapphire and tourmaline.Chatoyancy is related to asterism.

Cabochons

Cat's eye chrysoberyls are always cut as cabochons to show off their spectacular effect to it best.

Colour

Cat's eye chrysoberyl is green or yellow-green, yellow, or brown to yellow-brown