Cat-eye
Phenomenal & Rare Gems
This catalogue name describes cat’s-eye quartz, not a separate mineral. Parallel fibers, tubes or needle-like inclusions reflect a narrow moving band of light called chatoyancy; a domed cabochon cut displays the band most clearly.
Identity
- Material or variety
- Cat-eye trade material; mineral species not specified
- Scientific or material identity
- Cat-eye trade material; mineral species not specified
- Classification
- Trade name with unspecified mineral identity
- Aliases or trade names
- Cat’s-eye quartz · Chatoyant quartz
- Crystal system or structure
- Variable
- Geological or manufacturing origin
- Can form in more than one geological environment, or combines several materials.
Appearance & optical properties
smoky quartz cat-eye with a narrow luminous white light band.
History & discovery
Chatoyancy takes its name from French œil de chat, “cat’s eye.” In gem trade usage, cat’s eye without a mineral qualifier normally means chatoyant chrysoberyl, so quartz showing the effect is identified as cat’s-eye quartz.
Uses & care
- Common uses
- Chatoyant quartz is usually cut as cabochons for rings, pendants and other jewelry because a curved surface concentrates the moving light band.
- Handling and cleaning
- Clean with warm soapy water and a soft brush. Avoid steam, ultrasonic cleaning and hard knocks, particularly where aligned inclusions or internal fractures are present.
Jewellery
5 pieces of Cat-eye jewellery. Learners earn each one in DigMyGem by learning words; until then it shows as a silhouette.
Cat's Eye Sovereign Ring
Ring
A honey coloured chrysoberyl with a perfect silver band of light runs across it, set in a tall gold ring.
Eye of Ra Pendant
Pendant
A grey green cat's eye stone is cut as a narrow eye, its moving band of light following the wearer.
Shimmer Shield Brooch
Brooch
A broad cat's eye cabochon is pinned flat so its ray of light slides across the shield of metal.
Honey Eye Earrings
Earrings
An imagined pair of earrings set with cat's eye chrysoberyl, honey-yellow stones each crossed by one sharp line of light.
Watching Eyes Bracelet
Bracelet
An imagined gold bracelet of cat's eye chrysoberyls, each honey stone crossed by one sharp line of light.