CAT'S EYE

4.00 ct. cat's eye chrysoberyl and emerald ring in 14K gold
Cat's eye chrysoberyl and emerald ring in 14K gold
Variety:  Cat's Eye
Species:  Chrysoberyl
Mohs Hardness:  8.5 out of 10
Color:  Greens and yellows, with chatoyancy
RI:  1.746 to 1.755 (+0.004 / -0.006) (1.75 spot reading common)
Birefringence:  0.008 to 0.010
SR/DR/AGG:  DR (AGG reaction possible)
Optic Character:  Biaxial positive
Pleochroism:  Light to medium tones of the gem's bodycolor in semi-transparent stones
Spectrum:  Strong band at 444nm
Fluorescence:  Usually inert
SG:  3.73 (+/- 0.02)
Routine Treatments:  None
Additional Enhancements:  Dyeing

Cat's Eye Facts


Cat's eye is a phenomenal variety of chrysoberyl that displays a rare, chatoyant, "cat's eye" effect.

This rare phenomenon is caused by many microscopic inclusions within the gem that reflect light back in a thin band.  This thin band will appear to move as the gem is rotated, resembling the eye of a cat.

Cat's eye chrysoberyl occurs in different tones of yellow and green.

Did you know that cat's eye is related to alexandrite?  Both cat's eye and alexandrite are phenomenal varieties of chrysoberyl.

Cat's eye chrysoberyl has the longest history of all members of the chrysoberyl "family".  It was treasured in Asian culture pre-dating Christ and was more well-known in Rome by the late First Century.

Cat's eye chrysoberyl was very popular in Victorian and Edwardian jewelry, and is still used by creative designers to this day.


​All photos courtesy of Scott Papper, GG, ASA, CMA, RGA, AJP, CMSP, CSSP