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Cat's Eye |
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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
Cat's eye chrysoberyl is green or yellow-green, yellow, or brown to yellow-brown.
Technical Information
Chemical Composition and Name | BeAl2O4 - Beryllium Aluminium Oxide |
Hardness | 8.5 |
Refractive Index | 1.742 - 1.749 to 1.750 - 1.757 |
Bi-refringence | 0.008 - 0.009 |
Other Optical Properties | Biaxial |
Optic Sign | Positive |
Specific Gravity | 3.68 - 3.78 |
Crystalline System | Rhombic |
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