Learn About Chrysoberyl Cats Eye Gemstones

Chrysoberyl Gemstone Properties
The exotic and interesting phenomenon of chatoyancy, which results in a star or cats eye in many gemstones, is among the most fascinating of all gemstone anomalies. The chrysoberyl family of gemstones can posses the most striking example of this miracle of nature. This striking example of chatoyancy, which mimics the eye of a cat, is its narrow line of bright light highlighted by the golden honey colored background of the gemstone. When the gemstone is turned, this feline like eye moves across the surface of the gemstone. This “cat’s eye” is best seen is a single light source such as the sun or penlight. Another member of the chrysoberyl family of gemstones is Alexandrite, which also rarely exhibits these cats’ eye phenomena. Chrysoberyls are extremely durable gemstones, measuring 8.5 on the Mohs hardness scale. It also can display many different colors ranging from an earthy brown to a bright lime green. The most sought after color is a lovely bright brownish yellow, called “honey” in the gemstone trade. In corundum, the element of Titanium is incorporated into the crystal structure at high temperatures and during a slow cooling process, crystallizes separately as fine, fibrous inclusions of Rutile. Because of corundum’s trigonal crystal symmetry, a chatoyant six and occasionally twelve-rayed star results in sapphires or rubies. Many times these fine inclusions can be heat treated to make the gemstone more translucent, which makes the stone more intensely colored and of better clarity. Among the most expensive of all gemstones is the alexandrite cat’s eye, which is a result of the rutile inclusions oriented in one direction. Many gemstones are known to display the chatoyancy phenomenon is chrysoberyl, tourmalines and beryl’s.

Chrysoberyl Gemstone History and Lore
One of the most spectacular gemstone types in the world’s finest gemstone collections are stars and Chrysoberyl Cats Eye gemstones. The incredible 563ct Star of India resides in the American Museum of Natural History, and has a recorded history from the sixteenth century. It was mined in Ceylon (now Sri Lanka) and circulated among various Indian princes and kings for almost four hundred years, before being acquired by George Kunz, the noted gemologist. Star sapphires are known as the stone of destiny. Its three crossed lines represented faith, hope and destiny. Another legend states that these gems are sparks from the Star of Bethlehem. Chrysoberyl cat’s eye gems have the longest history of the chrysoberyl varieties. Chrysoberyl has throughout history been known to protect it’s wearer from disaster and is associated with wealthy individuals. Chrysoberyl cat’s eyes are also thought to improve ones concentration, learning abilities and increase positive thought levels. It is the gemstone for those born with the Leo astrological sign.

Chrysoberyl Gemstone Sources and Occurrences
Chatoyant gemstones are found with along with their non-chatoyant cousins. The best chrysoberyl cat’s eyes are to be found in Sri Lanka, Brazil and Tanzania. In recent years the cats eye from India have appeared on the gemstone market but lack the fine color of the Brazilian and Tanzanian gems. The best Alexandrite cat’s eyes are found in the Hematita alexandrite mine, along with the regular, non chatoyant variety of Alexandrite. The best star rubies and sapphires are found very rarely in Burma.

Chrysoberyl Gemstone Evaluation and Valuation
The sharpness of the eye or star, the clarity of the gemstone, and the color are the most important factors to consider when evaluating these types of chatoyant gemstones. Another significant factor to separate a gem from a world class chrysoberyl cats eye are the proportions of the gemstone and the alignment of the eye/star itself. Fine chrysoberyl and alexandrite cat’s eye, star ruby and sapphire gems are so rare in the finest qualities, that the price is determined by what the buyer is willing to pay.