Chrysoberyl (Cat's Eye)

Item Description

The term "cat's eye" is used in the gem world to describe certain stones that exhibit a chatoyance reflecting light in a way that resembles the eye of a cat. As a matter of fact, the word ''chatoyancy'', is derived from the French phrase "œil de chat", which literally means "cat's eye". These stones are cut in way so that the thin, fibrous inclusions are oriented at the correct angle to properly show off an "eye" when the gem is rotated in the light. Think of it the same way as a "star" gem, but with only one line of reflection instead of several. Some of the best known "cat's eye" gems are Chrysoberyls, found in various localities around the world. This is a nice little Chrysoberyl "cat's eye" gem stone that has a bright green-yellow color with a sharp "eye" that runs across the stone when it is viewed in strong lighting.