|
All
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Cat's Eye Gemstones
A Real Cat's Eye
Among the gemstones that display special optical phenomena, cat's eye gems are particularly interesting, in part because the effect is found in so many different gem varieties. The technical term for the cat's eye effect is chatoyancy, derived from the French for eye of the cat ("oeil de chat"). The chatoyant effect resembles, appropriately enough, the slit eye of a cat. The effect is caused by the reflection of light by parallel fibers, needles or channels in the gemstone. Usually the gemstone needs to be cut en cabochon with the base parallel to the fibers for this effect to be displayed. When the gem is rotated, the cat's eye appears to glide over the surface. The chatoyant effect is similar to asterism (the star effect), except there is one straight ray instead of four or six. Occasionally a cat's eye with two parallel rays can be seen. 
Natural Chrysoberyl Cat's Eye
The most famous and valuable cat's eye gemstone is chrysoberyl cat's eye. In fact when the term cat's eye is used alone in the gem trade, it always refers to chrysoberyl cat's eye. All other types of cat's eye gems require an additional varietal designation, such as cat's eye apatite. Chrysoberyl cat's eye belongs to the same family as the rare alexandrite. Since chrysoberyl is a very hard stone (8.5 on the Mohs scale), it is suitable for all kinds of jewelry. Chrysoberyl cat's eye is found in Sri Lanka, Brazil, India, China and Zimbabwe. The cat's eye effect can be found in a number of other gem varieties, though in some cases the effect is quite rare. Among the finer gemstones, cat's eye tourmaline can often be found in green and pink, and larger sizes are not uncommon. With a hardness of 7 to 7.5 on the Mohs scale, cat's eye tourmaline is durable enough for rings. Several quartz varieties are well-known for their chatoyant effects. The most famous is so-called tiger's eye. Found in gold-yellow and gold-brown, it is first formed as the fibrous blue mineral called crocidolite, which is made up of iron and sodium. The crocidolite was gradually transformed into quartz while maintaining its fibrous formations. 
Natural Cat's Eye Apatite
Among the softer gemstones, the cat's eye effect is often found in the gemstone apatite, in a golden color somewhat reminiscent of chrysoberyl. It can also be found in colorless, pink, yellow, green, blue and violet. But with a hardness of only 5 on the Mohs scale, cat's eye apatite is most suitable for pendants, brooches and earrings. The cat's eye effect can also be seen in a number of other gem varieties, but only very rarely. They include emerald, iolite (also known as cordierite), aquamarine, andalusite, tanzanite and scapolite. These are real collector's items.
About Us
Overall Rating -> 10 Great selection that I couldn't find locally and very good and prompt shipping and delivery via Fedex. Posted By Gala in January, 2023 Source: Bizrate Overall Rating -> 10 Gemselect is the perfect site for all your precious stones to buy Posted By Nate in October, 2022 Source: Bizrate Overall Rating -> 10 This is the second purchase I have made from you. I am very pleased. Posted By Jim in August, 2022 Source: Bizrate Overall Rating -> 10 Great site easy to find what I'm looking for Posted By Gero in December, 2022 Source: Bizrate Overall Rating -> 10 This site is *amazing*! The vast selection is almost enough to make you giggle. Oh, wait…If you want it, it’s probably here. I’ve read some reviews saying it’s hard to use the search filters but I found the opposite to be true. In fact, it’s plain fun to throw different filters on and see what you come up with. I ordered a small stone to sort of try them out and, dang! I’m so thoroughly impressed that I think I found a new hobby. The stone I got was exact what was represented on the site. So much so that I had to really look to see the difference between the picture and the stone that I got. And the range of prices. Wow! From a few dollars to tens of thousands if you’re into like, Ruby’s, Emerald’s, Sapphire’s and other gems that make you drool. And the cuts! The shapes and cuts are just plain gorgeous!Honestly, I can’t possibly say just how happy I am with this purchase! Now… off to make another… Posted By Tom_63 in July, 2022 Source: Bizrate Overall Rating -> 10 This is the most convenient way to shop for gemstones. They have such a wide selection to look through and some of the best prices online. I have shopped on many gemstone websites but now I only shop with Gem Select. Posted By Zac in July, 2022 Source: Bizrate Overall Rating -> 10 I've purchased a few items within the last year and the products are amazing, easy to find with detailed information on each product. Thank you for being on time with everything delivery. Posted By Lifeovamoney in September, 2022 Source: Bizrate Related Articles Gemstone Clarity and Cut Clarity and Cut - Gemstone Information - GemSelect ... Why Cut as Cabochons? Why are Some Gems Cut as Cabochons? ... Cat's Eye Aquamarine Info Cat's Eye Aquamarine Info - A true phenomenon of rare beauty ... Cat's Eye Diaspore Info Cat's Eye Diaspore Gemstone Information - GemSelect ... Cat's Eye Moonstone Info Cat's Eye Moonstone Information - glowing with spiritual power ... Cat's Eye Scapolite Info Cat's Eye Scapolite Gemstone Information - GemSelect ... Cat's Eye Tourmaline Info Cat's Eye Tourmaline Gemstone Information - GemSelect ... Actinolite Cat's Eye Info Actinolite Cats Eye Gemstone Information - GemSelect ... Tiger's Eye Info Tiger's Eye Gemstone Information - GemSelect ... |
| STAY IN TOUCH |
| *You're signing up to receive GemSelect promotional email. |
Privacy Notice © 2005-2023 GemSelect.com all rights reserved.
Reproduction (text or graphics) without the express written consent of GemSelect.com (SETT Company Ltd.) is strictly prohibited.
534
|
More Shapes
|
English speaking customer support only
|
|
Toll Free - USA & Canada only: |
Save Money
No shipping Fees for Additional Items!
$8.90 Worldwide Shipping
|
Update Translation
|
||||
|
||||
|
Size and Weight
|
|
Gems are always measured in Millimeter (mm) Dimensions are given as; Select gems by size, not by weight! Note: 1ct = 0.2g  |
