History of Cats eye gemstone

Introduction:

Cat’s eye is the gemstone representing the planet Ketu. Cat’s Eye gemstone is a costly and valuable stone because of its association with the planet Ketu. It is said that wearing cat eye stone gives the blessings of the planet Ketu in native lives.

The Cat’s Eye stone is one of the most unique looking gemstones available and comes in many colors and sizes. If you are looking for ornamental jewelry that is unique, mystical looking and fashionable, look forward for the Cat’s Eye.

Chrysoberyl cat's eye is a gemstone variety of beryllium aluminum oxide. Chrysoberyl cat's eye is one variety of the chrysoberyl gemstone family. Golden Chrysoberyl is more common than a cat's eye, while chromium-rich alexandrite is considered the rarest and most valuable member of the Chrysoberyl group.

Chrysoberyl is considered the 'original' cat's eye gemstone. Unlike most other cat's eyes, Chrysoberyl can exhibit very sharp and distinct eyes under almost any kind of light, which makes it extremely attractive and desirable, especially combined with its superior level of hardness and durability.

History:

The term Chrysoberyl for the gemstone Cat’s eye came from “Beryl” & “Chryso”, two Greek words, which means green and golden.  The most popular varieties of Chrysoberyl are cat’s eye gemstone. The range of colors includes colorless, pink, yellow, green, blue and violet.

Ordinary chrysoberyl is yellowish-green and transparent to translucent. When the mineral exhibits good pale green to yellow color and is transparent, then it is used as a gemstone.

The Chrysoberyl species was first discovered in 1789 by renowned geologist, Abraham Gottlob Werner. Chrysoberyl has been a prized stone for thousands of years in Asia, as it is believed to provide the wearer with protection from the evil eye.

Chrysoberyl is a very important stone for making important life decisions. It brings the wearer a great clarity, keenness of perception, and most importantly, strength. The stone has the ability to give the wearer a certainty in decision making, incomparable to the power of any other gemstone.

Chrysoberyl is also a powerful healing stone on the physical level. Cat’s eye has always been thought to protect from the evil eye, therefore bringing long life to the wearer.

Cat’s eye became popular since the end of the 19th century, when it was given as engagement token by Duke of Connaught. This greatly increased its value as a gemstone.

Cat's Eye gemology:

Family: Chrysoberyl

Hardness: 8.5 on Mohs scale of hardness

Index of refraction: 1.744 - 1.770

Chemical composition: BeAl2O4

Specific gravity: 3.68 - 3.75

Density: 3.70- 7.78

Color: Golden yellow, greenish yellow, green, brownish, red, colorless