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Chrysoberyl Cat»s Eye

The chrysoberyl family comes in three varieties: alexandrite, cat»s-eye, and chrysoberyl. While chemically alike, they are quite distinct in their optical characteristics and bear no resemblance to one another.

Cat»s-eye chrysoberyl is known for its reflected light effect called ñchatoyancy.î This effect is achieved by cutting stones which have very small, parallel ñsilkî inclusions into cabochons (dome shapes, not faceted). As the gem is rotated, it exhibits a distinct, silvery white line across its dome which seems to open and close like a cat»s eye.

Cat»s-eye is a translucent gem ranging in color from a honey yellow or honey brown to yellowish green to an apple green.

It has long been used as a charm to guard against evil spirits, and one can understand why, given the pronounced eye effect (the eye could see all, and it watched out for its wearer). It was also believed that to dream of cat»s-eye signified treachery. It has also symbolized long life.

Cat»s-eye chrysoberyl is found mainly in Sri Lanka and Brazil.

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