The Eye That Follows You
Cat's eye is a variety of the mineral chrysoberyl that displays chatoyancy — a single, bright band of light that glides across the stone like the slit pupil of a cat's eye. When people say simply "cat's eye," they almost always mean chrysoberyl cat's eye, the finest of all cat's-eye gems. Sri Lanka is the world's premier source.
Chrysoberyl is very hard (Mohs 8.5), making it durable for rings and daily wear. Colours range from honey and golden brown to greenish and the prized "milk and honey" effect.
How the Effect Forms
Fine, parallel tube-like inclusions reflect light into a single sharp line. The stone must be cut as a cabochon with the inclusions aligned correctly for the eye to appear crisp and centred.
What Affects Value
- Sharpness of the eye — a thin, bright, well-defined line is best.
- "Milk and honey" — when lit from the side, fine stones show one half golden and one half shadowed.
- Body colour — a rich golden or greenish-gold is most prized.
- Cut — a well-domed, centred cabochon.
Cultural Note
Like several Ceylon gems, cat's eye is valued in astrology (associated with Ketu) and worn as a protective talisman across South Asia.
See the Gem Country
Cat's eye comes from the Ratnapura gem fields — browse Ratnapura accommodation and the Island of Gems overview.