Some gemstone minerals exhibit a luminous band reminiscent of a cat's eye. The
fascinating discovery of scientists to this phenomenon of the stone
replicating a cat's eye is believed to be due to the very fine
inclusions, deposited in the stone. When light is reflected off the
stone, a bright strip of light appears on the stone which is similar
to the eyes of the cat. This is considered to be an optical
reflectance effect or chatoyance, seen in certain gemstones and
Chrysoberyl
is one of them. The effect is truly magical.
The name 'chrysoberyl' is a Greek word and means 'gold-coloured
beryl', though Chrysoberyls are not actually beryls. They are
aluminium oxide containing beryllium. They come in shades ranging
from honey colour to green.
Genuine Cat's Eye gemstones are identified by their weight,
smoothness, brilliance of chatoyance and the straightness of the
band of white. It is important that the stone has a fine line
running right through it. To prove it to be genuine. It would appear
as though the eye opens and closes when the stone is turned. This is
what distinguishes a stone of quality from other
Chrysoberyls.
Chrysoberyl or cat's eyes are genuine rarities which are found only
in gemstone deposits only in a few parts of the world like Brazil,
Sri Lanka and East Africa.
Since ancient times, Chrysoberyls have been worn as talisman. These
gemstones are believed to possess some positive energy. They are
regarded as gemstones which bestow harmony good luck and wealth upon
the wearer.
Chrysoberyl gem stones are a remarkable imitation of the cat's eye.
The striking similarity of the stones to the cat's eye is what makes
the stone so intriguing.
- Some of the
finest Chrysoberyls are available in Ceylon, where some
magnificent Chrysoberyls have originated, including one weighing
80 carats.
- The finest cut
chrysoberyl is the one exhibited in the Mineral Gallery of the
British Museum (Natural History). Absolutely flawless and
weighing 43 carats, it was formerly part of the famous Hope
collection.
- Set in gold with rubies a magnificent cat's eye gemstone was
included in the crown of the King of Kandy during his rule in
the year 1815. This jewel was later a part of the Hope
collection.