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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.
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