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Identification
The gemological term for cat's eye is chrysoberyl. Cat's eye is an aluminum oxide stone that contains beryllium and shares its own category with alexandrite.
Features
Cat's eyes have an overall golden tone that ranges from lemon-colored to brownish green with a narrow, iridescent band through the middle. They are very hard stones, measuring 8.5 on the Mohs scale.
Geography
Cat's eyes deposits are located in Brazil, Sri Lanka, India, China and East Africa.
Significance
The distinctive cat's eye feature comes from fine inclusions in the stone. Light reflects off the inclusions, creating an effect called "chatoyancy," derived from the French words for "cat" (chat) and "eye" (oeil).
Function
To preserve and highlight the cat's eye effect, most chrysoberyls are made into cabochons, an unfaceted, polished cut.
History
In ancient times, people carried cat's eye gemstones for protection from harm. Today, some people believe the stone helps improve concentration and self-discipline.