Cat's Eye Aquamarine
Aquamarines are a high quality member of the prestigious beryl group of gemstones that also includes the emerald. Every now and then this lovely light green to light blue gemstone can display the cat's eye effect in quite stunning specimens.
Cat's Eye Aquamarine Colors
The name aquamarine can be translated to mean water from the sea and this reflects the classic colors of this gemstone. Light blue, teal, turquoise, sea green are terms often used to describe the color of Cat's Eye Aquamarine.
In the case of Cat's Eye Aquamarine, trace elements of iron within the crystal structure are responsible for the coloring.
Read more about gemstones colors here
Cat's Eye Aquamarine Species
Cat's Eye Aquamarines are part of the famous beryl group of gemstones which also includes emerald as well as morganite and golden beryl.
Rutile inclusions within the gemstone create the Cat's Eye phenomenon on the surface of a cabochon cut gemstone making this gemstone resemble a slitted pupil in the eye of a cat.
What are the spiritual benefits of Cat's Eye Aquamarine?
Cat's Eye Aquamarines, like all cat's eyes, have a reputation as a protective stone – especially effective in warding off the evil eye. They will also possess all the other well-known spiritual strengths of regular Aquamarine:
- The Stone of Communication
- Serenity and Harmony
- Tolerance and Understanding
- Good Luck for Travelers
See our detailed article on aquamarine meaning and uses
Cat's Eye Aquamarine and the Chakras
Cat's Eye Aquamarine's blue color has led it to be linked to the Throat Chakra. This Chakra can influence public speaking, sincerity and truthfulness as well as medically benefitting anything to do with the throat, neck and thyroid.
Find more details on Chakra gemstones here
Cat's Eye Aquamarine Price
Color will always play a part in the price of a Cat's Eye Aquamarine with bright blue tones being the most appreciated but with cat's eyes a few other factors must be considered:
- The 'eye' or 'pupil' is distinctive, sharp and preferably well-centered
- A flowing movement of the eye across the gemstone's surface
- An even color across the stone with few blemishes
Cat's Eye Aquamarines are usually opaque or translucent gemstones which are easier to find in large sizes than transparent stones. For this reason the price per carat of Cat's Eye Aquamarine does not rise dramatically as the sizes get bigger.
As a very rough price guide, most good quality Cat's Eye Aquamarines will fall into a price range of between $15 and $25 per carat.
Cat's Eye Aquamarine Treatments
Cat's Eye Aquamarines are completely untreated other than the usual cutting and polishing into beautiful cabochons that you can see on our website. It is possible that some of the very blue examples are the result of heating but as this can also spoil the cat's eye effect it is not a common practice.
Cat's Eye Aquamarine History
Aquamarine gemstones were admired for their beauty and thought to bring good luck to sailors in the ancient cultures of Rome and Greece over 2000 years ago.
No doubt Cat's Eye Aquamarines were just as highly respected but the earliest written history of this gemstone was the 6th century Hindu treatise on gemstones, the Ratnapariksha by Buddhabhatta.
Where are Cat's Eye Aquamarines found?
Not surprisingly, Cat's Eye Aquamarines are found in the same mines that other aquamarine stones are found. The leading producer is Brazil but other sources include Australia, Myanmar (Burma), India, Kenya, Madagascar and Mozambique.
What jewelry is Aquamarine suitable for?
Cat's Eye Aquamarines have a rating of 7.5 to 8 on Mohs hardness scale making them durable enough for all types of jewelry items, including daily wear pieces.
The availability of Cat's Eye Aquamarines in large sized cabochons make them ideal for impressive pendants and brooches.
Birthstones and Anniversaries
Cat's Eye Aquamarines are the birthstone of March and would make ideal gifts for anyone who has a birthday in that month.
Cat's Eye Aquamarine is the traditional gemstone gift for the 19th wedding anniversary.
