Cat's Eye Beads
Cat's eye beads get their name from the interesting way they refract light, reminiscent of a cat's eye. As the name indicates Cat eyes beads do look exactly like the eyes of a cat. They come in different colours, sizes and shapes. Perhaps the best quality cat eyes beads comes from China. India is also a major manufacturer of Cat Eyes beads but are commonly called as 'Mona Lisa' Beads.
Facts
True cat's eye is a variety of chrysoberyl,
sometimes called cymophane, and as such is related to
alexandrite
It is a rare and valuable gemstone, which is often underrated as being a
"semi-precious" stone.
Chatoyancy
Chatoyancy or chatoyance, literally from French means cat's eye.
It is the effect seen best in this variety of chrysoberyl, but also found in a
few other gemstones. The effect is a strongly banded one caused by tube-like or
needle-like crystals running along the length of the stone.
Other stones which show chatoyancy include sapphire and tourmaline.
Chatoyancy is related to asterism.
Cabochons
Cat's eye chrysoberyls are always cut as cabochons to show off
their spectacular effect to it best.
Colour & Chart
Cat's eye chrysoberyl is green or yellow-green, yellow, or brown
to yellow-brown.
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