Chrysoberyl cat's eyes, distinctly different from tiger's eye, are genuine rarities which, together with other varieties of chrysoberyl, are found only in a few deposits in the world, namely, Sri Lanka, Brazil, or East Africa.
This gem is really something special with its narrow, bright band of light on a shimmering golden background, which seems to glide magically across the surface when the stone is moved. Like the eye of a sleek feline predator, the chrysoberyl cat's eye winks at the astonished observer – a real miracle of Nature!
From a mineralogical point of view, chrysoberyls are aluminum oxide containing beryllium, and thus actually have little in common with the beryls, which belong to the silicate family. Indeed, with their excellent hardness of 8.5 on the Mohs scale, they are clearly superior to the beryls.
Responsible for this fascinating phenomenon, are very fine inclusions of straight fibers of asbestos deposited in the stone, reflecting incoming light so that a bright strip of light appears, running perpendicular to the inclusions. When the stone is turned, this strip seems to glide away across the surface of the stone. In technical terminology this phenomenon is known as 'chatoyancy', which comes from the French 'chat' (for cat) and 'oeil' (for eye). While chrysoberyls lacking the cat's eye effect are mostly faceted (Alexandrite), cat's eyes are always cut into cabochons, since only tall, rounded shapes render the line of the eye properly visible.
The chrysoberyl, with its hues ranging from honey-colored to mint green (Alexandrite), is a popular gemstone, and one which is esteemed by connoisseurs and gemstone lovers the world over. In its most attractive variety, the cat's-eye, it is an extremely valuable stone for those in the know. In general, the value of a chrysoberyl - as with other gemstones - depends on its quality, that is to say its beauty, color and attractiveness, the depth of the color and its transparency.
Anyone who wants to acquire a cat's-eye of good color and with a finely marked eye-line will be obliged to dig fairly deep into his pocket, for these gems fetch much higher prices on account of their beauty and rarity. When buying a cat's-eye, you should be aware of this: it is important that the 'eye' has a fine line running right through it, and that it can be recognized clearly. In particularly good specimens, it seems to open and close when the stone is turned. Fine cat's eyes should be of a distinctive color and be as transparent as possible. The most popular ones are those of a beautiful honey yellow and those with fine green tones.
Chrysoberyl cat's eyes are among the most beautiful things that Nature has created. Again and again, they fire the enthusiasm of those who are looking for something individual and unique. Cat's eyes are also well suited to being worn as jewelry by men.
Often, the name chrysoberyl is spoken in the same breath as that of the beryl group, the most well known representatives of which include the emerald and the aquamarine. The name 'chrysoberyl' comes from the Greek and means 'gold-colored beryl'. In spite of its name, however, it is not actually a beryl at all.
Since ancient times, chrysoberyl has been regarded as a gemstone which protects its wearer and keeps disaster at bay. The cat's eye most of all is seen as a particularly effective protective stone and talisman. On account of its golden tones, chrysoberyl is often also associated with wealth – and this idea is certainly not without foundation, since in its most beautiful form as a high-quality cat's eye it is up among the gemstones of the luxury class.
Discipline and self-control are the qualities mainly associated with chrysoberyl in modern gemstone therapy. Chrysoberyls are said to promote concentration and the ability to learn, and to enable the wearer to think clearly and far-sightedly. Thanks to the secret power of the chrysoberyl, negative thoughts are said to be transformed into positive energy. And these positive qualities are said to be even more marked with a chrysoberyl cat's eye. However, chrysoberyl is also regarded as a gemstone which promotes tolerance and harmony, and it is one of the lucky stones for those born under the sign of Leo.
The structure of this gemstone represents happiness and serenity. It can also 'amplify' good luck. It acts to stimulate intuition and enhance awareness.
It is also known to provide a protective energy to the wearer and aids in dispelling unwanted energy from ones etheric field.
(Astrological Signs of Capricorn, Taurus & Aries )
Vibrates to the number 6
This mineral is used in the treatment of eye disorders and to increase night vision. Its calming effect can act as an aid to relieving tension headaches and pains related to the nervous system.
(chrysoberyl)