Clear faceted Scapolite gemstones are so rarely seen for sale that even we don't have them in stock! However, some opaque or translucent scapolites, with the right inclusions and a skilled cutter, can become excellent Cat's Eye gemstones with a very clearly defined 'pupil'.
Cat's Eye Scapolite Colors
Cat's Eye Scapolite can be found in a variety of colors including yellow, pink and violet but the most common hues tend to be darkish gray and brown tones and they can even look black on occasions.
Read more about gemstones colors here
Cat's Eye Scapolite Species
Mineralogists might describe scapolite as a group of related silicate minerals which has a particularly mixed combination of ingredients which can include sodium, aluminum, chlorine and calcium. This has made scapolite of interest to gemstone collectors but so far it has not often been used in jewelry.
Cat's Eye Scapolite Price
Cat's Eye Scapolites are very rare but also not very well-known so their price is very reasonable. The color tends to be a matter of personal preference and they all tend to be translucent at best.
The determining factor with most cat's eye gemstone is the slitted pupil. Look for a sharply defined line that stands out from the background and is nicely centered. As the gemstone turns the pupil should move smoothly across the surface.
The price per carat will range from a few dollars up to perhaps ten dollars for a very fine example.
For more details please refer to our full Cat's Eye Scapolite Info page here
Cat's Eye Scapolite Treatments
Cat's Eye Scapolites are not enhanced or treated in any way other than the cutting and polishing although any bright pink or vivid violet colored stones could be the result of heat or irradiation.
Where are Cat's Eye Scapolites found?
Cat's Eye Scapolites are still found in Myanmar as well as Madagascar, Tanzania, Brazil and Canada.
How are Cat's Eye Scapolites formed?
The cat's eye effect is formed by parallel aligned fibers found within the stone. When the gemstone is cut and polished in a particular way by a skilled lapidary, light will reflect off these internal fibers to create the cat's eye effect.
What jewelry is Cat's Eye Scapolite suitable for?
Cat's Eye Scapolites are rated from 5.5 to 6 on Mohs hardness scale which is fairly low for jewelry items however they are always cut into cabochons with round domed tops and flat bottoms so there are no easily chipped corners or edges to worry about.
Cat's Eye Scapolites are all very individual gemstones so unique pendants or rings (with protective settings) could be ideal.