Chrysoberyl Cat's Eye Astrology Benefit, Gem and Gemology

Chrysoberyl Cat's Eye Astrology Benefit, Gem and Gemology: "Cat’s Eye

Hardness 8.5, Specific gravity 3.75, Refractive index 1.75
Cat’s eye belongs to the Chrysoberyl family. Chrysoberyl is an aluminate of beryllium. Gems that are a cloudy yellow to brownish greeEn color, which shine with varying colors and luster, are known as cat’s eye. Cat’s eye resembles the eye of a cat caught in headlights at night. It can appear in two colors—translucent honey brown or apple green. It is cut into a rounded cabochon and has moderate dispersion.

A cat’s eye’s value is judged by its luster and the richness of its color, the sharpness of the eye and its clarity and shape. A cat’s eye with a yellow radiance and white band is considered a high quality gem. The gem is considered superior if the inside band is brilliant and straight. Cat’s eye is worth about one-third the cost of a blue sapphire.

Some stones show an effect called “milk-and-honey.” If a flashlight is shined at the stone’s side, half the stone appears milky white while the other half remains a honey color. The honey-yellow gemstones are the most valuable, the green ones next best. A cat’s eye with a band is called alexandarite; without the band it is known as chrysolite.

Cat’s eyes are found in Myanmar (Burma), Brazil, China, Sri Lanka, and Thiruvananthapuram (Trivandrum) in India."