Sillimanite (Cat's Eye)

Item Description

Sillimanite is actually trimorphous with Kyanite and Andalusite which means that they have the same chemistry, but different crystal habits create different minerals, just like Brookite, Anatase and Rutile. Sillimanite is sometimes called "Fibrolite" because of the fibrous nature of the material, but this stone is different from most Sillimanite on the market. This is actually pretty rare material, and one of the few cat's eye gems I've seen in this color. Cat's Eye stones are created by orienting the stone perpendicular to the tiny fibrous inclusions inside which in turn reflect the light causing an "eye" to appear. This "Oval Cabochon" cut gem has a very rich golden-brozne color, with a good quality "eye" running the length of the stone. I don't get many of these gems and this would make an excellent addition to any gem collection. Retail value is $92.