Among gems, the cat's eye stone stands out with its special mystical beauty. It is a mineral with a narrow holographic stripe of light inside, reminiscent of the eye of a cat, an animal that was believed to be associated with the other world.
The effect of a cat's eye with a characteristic vertical pupil is achieved only when cutting a cabochon. This mineral is known as an assistant to mystics, clairvoyants and magicians, a material for amulets and amulets, preserving its strength and beauty in jewelry.
History and origin
It is one of the most ancient and expensive minerals known to mankind. Judging by archaeological finds, jewelry and talismans with a cat's eye were worn by kings and high priests several thousand years BC. The ancients believed that the stone, which looked like a shimmering cat's eye, gave its owner an understanding of the language of birds and animals.
cat's eye
And according to Indian Vedas, the gem forces its owner to undergo spiritual tests that will lead him to rebirth. Most esotericists agree that the cat's eye has the ability to develop harmony of character, generosity, and bring positivity to thoughts. It balances the energy of yang and yin, so it is suitable for wearing by both men and women.
The gem is widely known in the East and India, where its large deposits are located. It appeared in Europe at the end of the 19th century and immediately created a sensation. Since then, interest in it has only grown.
The mineral itself is called chrysoberyl (cymophane).
Formula | BeAl2O4 |
Color | Bluish-green, brown, brownish-green, green, gray |
Shine | Glass |
Transparency | Transparent, translucent |
Hardness | 8,5 |
Cleavage | Clear |
Kink | Uneven, conchoidal |
Density | 3.5—3.84 g/cm³ |
Cat's eye stone with milk and honey color
Natural chrysoberyl most often has a yellow-green color. The extraordinary effect of the cat's pupil after processing in the form of a cabochon appears due to the many parallel voids along the crystallographic axis, inclusions of asbestos and rutile “needles”. All together they create the mesmerizing internal glare of the stone.
The best color for tsimofan is “milk and honey,” when a bright white highlight moves under the opaque bright yellow surface of the stone. This is the most expensive variety, according to the international gemological classification. Cheaper shades include taupe, gray and brown. In rare cases, there is a play of different shades from different viewing angles.
Some types of cat's eyes are sapphires and beryls.
The following precious and semi-precious stones have similar appearance and physical and chemical properties to a cat's eye: scapolite, quartz, selenite, jade, spinel, corundum, moon and sun stones, tourmaline, diopside.
How to wear and care
Original jewelry with a cat's eye will delight you with its attractive appearance for a long time if you follow the basic rules for wearing it:
- There must be direct contact of the talisman with the skin, regardless of the type of frame.
- To establish a relationship, it is better to wear the stone alone, in the form of a pendant, bracelet or ring.
- You need to store your jewelry separately from other pieces of jewelry, in a separate box for it or wrapped in a soft cloth, to prevent scratches.
- Periodic cleansing will preserve the beneficial properties of the crystal. To do this, wash the jewelry with a weak soap solution, then with running water and wipe with a soft cloth.
Deposits in the world
Most often, this mineral is found in the thickness of granite or shale. It is mined in Sri Lanka, South Africa, the Czech Republic, Madagascar, India, Ceylon, Colorado, Brazil, Australia, and Russia.
Raw mineral cat's (tiger) eye
The deposits are being actively developed as more and more people learn about the healing and magical properties of the stone, and it is becoming more and more in demand.
Features of gems
There are an incredible amount of minerals in nature. They are all very different, and this concerns not only their color, but also the lighting effects. Experts say that the cat's eye effect occurs on the surface of the gem due to the presence of asbestos and crocodile inside it. They are the ones who create the special silver stripe. The intensity of the color shades largely depends on how long the stones were in the ground. If we talk about a green cat's eye, its color appears due to the presence of chromium inside the stone.
Typically, such gems are found near alluvial placers where garnets, tourmalines and topazes are mined. Beautiful stones are mined in Sri Lanka, India and Brazil. By the way, it was in Sri Lanka that the largest cat's eye stone in history was found. Its weight was 475 carats.
Varieties and shades of mineral
The main natural colors of a cat's eye are grayish-golden with green, light brown, translucent grayish-brown. But there are also other varieties. Many are created by physically and chemically treating the original stone.
Golden-brown “tiger” is the stone of people in power, firefighters, rescuers, the military, and leaders. Gives authority, inspires others with unconditional respect for the owner. It should be worn openly. You can place on your desktop or in your car a figurine of a creature that evokes warm feelings, made from a brown tiger.
A thread of small tiger-colored cat's eye stone
Dark green is an assistant to workers engaged in physically difficult work. Helps restore strength and emotional balance, protects against the evil eye, and enhances concentration.
Cat's eye dark green
Honey, yellow, opal yellow is the stone of those who are engaged in education: clergy, teachers, as well as lawyers and diplomats. Promotes suggestion, helps the spoken word penetrate hearts and minds. This variety is the most expensive.
Cat's eye beads, golden honey color
Light green is a talisman for financiers, businessmen and traders. Helps to catch luck in business. Recommended to everyone who is trying to achieve financial success and build a career.
Thread from light green cat's eye
White - protects young children from illnesses, and mothers from worries associated with children, strengthens the family bond between them.
Cat's eye white
Crimson-cherry interspersed with hematite - gives good health, protects against wild animals, relieves infertility, helps to give up nicotine addiction, and banishes depression. Establishes a warm, friendly atmosphere in the house and extinguishes conflicts. Recommended for athletes for greater endurance.
Cherry cat's eye beads
Blue is the stone of dreamers. It will help you choose the shortest path to realizing your plans for those who have already decided what they want, but do not know how to take the first step.
Earrings with blue cat's eye
Blue - gives courage to those who suffer from excessive shyness, but at the same time endows the owner with caution and foresight, acute intuition and flair. A blue stone can be hung above the entrance inside the apartment.
Threads of dark blue stones
Pink - relieves insomnia, drives away nightmares. It is enough to place it at the head of the bed, and bad visions will not dare to break into your sleep. Helps tame jealousy.
Pink cat eye bracelet
Violet - calms the nervous system, gives balance, relieves the consequences of a concussion. Capable of leading the owner to spiritual insights.
Strings of small purple cat's eye stones
Black, gray, black-blue-gold “falcon” - endow a person with attractiveness, magnetism, and a sharp mind. Suitable for those who strive for recognition. They give you self-confidence and the ability to feel the right moment to implement your plans.
Threads of small cat's eye gray
Bracelet with cat's eye color “Hawkeye”
Synthetic imitations come in different qualities and have a rich palette of shades: lilac, orange, beige, olive, rainbow, bright red. But don't forget that this is just jewelry. It looks great on a beach holiday, but has neither healing nor mystical properties.
Important: the peculiarity of wearing a cat’s eye is that the frame should be silver, and if possible it is better to do without it, since the stone reveals its qualities to the maximum when it comes into contact with the owner’s skin.
Types of stone by color
The cat's eye effect is the result of a professional cabochon cut. An elegant strip of light running parallel to the axis is a sign of proper processing of the mineral. That same luminous rim is formed as a result of the reflection of light from minerals with a needle-like structure. The color palette of this type of chrysoberyl is extremely wide - the stone can be black, purple, red, yellow, white, etc. A black mineral with a white highlight is considered very beautiful.
It is generally accepted that the choice of stone color directly depends on the profession, character and inclinations of its owner, for example:
- Yellow cat eye. The owner of the stone can force his interlocutors to listen to him, take his opinion into account, and also enjoys the trust of other people. This variety of chrysoberyl is well suited for law enforcement officers, priests and educators.
- Green cat eye. It has the unique ability to attract money into its owner’s pocket. It will be an excellent talisman for people whose activities are related to finance; the stone will give them self-confidence and the ability to achieve goals. Recommended for accountants, businessmen, bankers and other money-conscious people.
- Pink cat eye. Perfect for people of both sexes: it concentrates male and female energy. If a person is aggressive, then the mineral will give him calmness and prudence; if he is too soft and flexible, it will give him decisiveness and strength of character. Suitable for advertising business workers, service workers and lawyers.
- White cat eye. He is the patron saint of mothers and children. Will relieve the mother's unnecessary, groundless concern for the child. It will teach you not to look for problems where there are none. White stone amulets will help avoid the development of female diseases.
- The blue cat's eye promotes the development of its owner's abilities of clairvoyance, observation and intuition. Protects from the evil eye and envious people. Recommended for romantics and dreamers.
What medicinal properties does the gem have?
The cat's eye has strong energy and is a good assistant in healing practices. But even without being a healer, anyone can acquire such a talisman in order to improve their health.
Attention: of course, no one disputes the importance of official treatment or calls for abandoning it. But it will be more effective if you have this wonderful mineral with you, which enhances the effect of medications and therapeutic procedures.
When and for what diseases is it recommended to wear cat eye products for medicinal purposes:
- angina;
- cold;
- intercostal neuralgia;
- nervous disorders;
- cycle disruptions in women;
- hypertension;
- asthma;
- alcoholism;
- joint problems;
- muscle tension, even to the point of cramps;
- soreness in some skin diseases;
- lymph stagnation;
- decreased visual acuity;
- disorders of the gastrointestinal tract;
- regeneration processes of skin, muscles and bones.
Also, wearing a stone activates the brain and helps make decisions in difficult situations, and in the postoperative period speeds up recovery.
Earrings with green cat's eye
The healing properties of the stone will help smooth out the uneven character of its owner: it will make the aggressive one softer, and it will give courage to the meek. Some experts believe that the main meaning of the cat's eye is the harmonization of personality and space.
In adolescence, emotional overload and a dramatic perception of the world are inevitable. An amulet or decoration made from a cat's eye will help reduce psychological stress and protect the young person from mood swings and rash actions. It is better to wear it in the form of a rosary or a bracelet.
Bright bracelet made of cat's eyes in different colors
Characteristics of cymophane
Cat's eye is not a type of stone, but the gemological name for a variety of chrysoberyl - cymophane.
It appeared due to the mineral’s resemblance to a cat’s eye. This similarity appears only after processing in the form of a cabochon, when a narrow luminous stripe appears in the form of a highlight. Cymophane is a translucent or translucent mineral with a glassy luster. It is resistant to acids.
- Its hardness is quite high - 8.5 on the Mohs scale .
- Chemical formula - BeAl2O4 .
- Colors: yellow, yellow-green, golden, green, rarely blue-green.
The color of the mineral depends on various impurities: beryllium is sometimes partially replaced by ferrous oxide, aluminum by chromium.
The color intensity may vary. In addition to the main colors, brown, gray, and purple stones are sometimes found.
In some samples, the effect of internal iridescence of color (asterism) appears. Sometimes there are needle-like inclusions of rutile and thin tube-like cavities. After processing such a mineral in the form of a cabochon, a “cat’s pupil” effect appears.
Occasionally you come across specimens in which, in addition to the eye effect, pleochroism is also manifested (a change in shade when the stone is turned at an angle).
Cymophane has significance for humans as an unusual and rare jewelry stone.
Its name combines two Greek words: “kyma”, that is, wave and “phanos”, which means light. This mineral is sometimes called alexandrite cat's eye. But this does not mean that this gem is an alexandrite, but only indicates that cymophane is as rare and valuable a stone as its closest relative, alexandrite. Both are varieties of chrysoberyl and can sometimes change color depending on the light.
Despite the fact that in some other stones, after processing, the so-called cat's eye effect also appears (for example, in corundum, spinel, tourmaline), the chrysoberyl variety has a special place in jewelry. And if they say “cat’s eye” without defining which mineral it refers to, then this means cymophane.
Quartz, ruby cat's eye and other similar minerals are beautiful. But only the cymophan variety of chrysoberyl is considered the standard cat's eye and does not require clarification.
You can rarely find jewelry with it, since cymophane is a rare mineral. There are other reasons for this:
- Earrings with it are made very rarely, since it is difficult to choose two identical stones.
- Most of these minerals are supplied to Japan and Southeast Asian countries. They are very popular there, as they are considered the strongest magic stones.
Magical properties of the stone
Astrologers believe that “eye” stones are the “eyes” of space, with the help of which the Universe collects information about what is happening in the world and transmits it to the owner of the stone. And it was not by chance that the cat's eye was chosen by the ancient priests as a protective amulet. Those who work with energy use its magical properties to enhance intuition, improve clairvoyance, expand the ability to interact with astral entities and protect against negativity and bad influences.
It has been noticed that in case of danger, the gem warns the owner: it becomes heavier, heats up, and even begins to interfere. This means that the owner needs to be vigilant.
Important: those who wear such an amulet need to know that it does not support dishonest plans and can use its power to prevent their implementation. But he will never bring misfortune even on an unlucky owner; at most, he will tie his hands or confuse the roads in order to prevent an evil deed.
Wearing an amulet made of this stone will help single people meet a suitable partner, and married people will help smooth out tensions and contradictions in relationships.
Relationships between people are harmonized if one gives the other a piece of jewelry or a souvenir made from a cat's eye. Even if there is a serious conflict between these people, such a gift will smooth out the contradictions and help find a common language. When placed as a pendant on the throat chakra, the mineral works wonders, endowing the wearer with charisma and charm.
Original pendant made of silver, with a blue cat's eye
This stone is also suitable for artists, writers, actors, diplomats - it will help realize the creative potential of everyone whose work is connected with words and persuasion.
Who is suitable for cat eyes?
The magic of an iridescent mineral allows you to give the desired qualities to your character:
- It makes men brave, determined and persistent.
- Women become softer, more mysterious and charming, attracting the attention of the opposite sex.
- It allows teachers and people in creative professions to better express their thoughts, adding eloquence and enhancing their creativity.
- For those who strive for more income, a green and yellow talisman will attract the energy of money.
- Pendants and bracelets with stones will help single girls meet their love.
In addition, pendants relieve throat diseases if worn around the neck.
Interesting! You can stabilize relationships if you give the person with whom you are in a quarrel a cat's eye. Such an act will smooth out even a serious conflict and help preserve a marriage in a state of crisis.
Which signs are recommended to wear this stone?
Zodiac sign | Compatibility |
Aries | + |
Taurus | + |
Twins | +++ |
Cancer | +++ |
a lion | + |
Virgo | + |
Scales | + |
Scorpion | + |
Sagittarius | + |
Capricorn | + |
Aquarius | — |
Fish | + |
(“+++” – fits perfectly, “+” – can be worn, “-” – is strictly contraindicated)
Most sources say that the cat's eye is ideal for Libra, Cancer, Pisces and Scorpio according to the horoscope, and is strictly contraindicated for Aquarius (although officially it is not the birthstone of any sign at all, even the mysterious Ophiuchus).
But this information can be disputed, since interaction with a stone depends on many factors: the color of the mineral, the purity of the owner’s thoughts, the need for the gem to influence a particular organ, in modeling the situation, and so on. And given the peaceful nature of the cat's eye, the question of banning wearing is called into question.
Threads of multi-colored cat's eye oval shape
One thing can be said with confidence: signs with lighter energy will receive more strength, determination and confidence from the talisman, they will learn to take risks, emotional signs will become calmer, and powerful ones will be softer and wiser.
Compatibility with other stones
Stones, like metals, are connected to the planets as if by invisible threads. Belonging to one or another cosmic body indicates what energies the gem is rich in. Judging by the color and properties of chrysoberyl, it is protected by the Sun.
Companions of the cat's eye are stones that are red, yellow or golden in color. The following crystals are compatible with each other: Diamond, Hyacinth, Ruby and Heliodor. The mineral may be compatible with Amber and Aventurine. How Chrysoberyl is combined with other stones in finished products depends on the color scheme.
Where is it used?
All kinds of jewelry are made from the stone, which can be worn one at a time or in different combinations: earrings, rings, rosaries, cameos, cufflinks, necklaces, bracelets, pendants. It is also used in the production of souvenirs and amulets. The mineral very quickly tunes into the energy of the owner, establishes contact with him and becomes his third eye.
Brass pendant with cherry cat's eye
On which finger to wear a ring with this stone depends on what goals are set. To develop abilities - on a large scale. For career advancement - on the index. To increase attractiveness to the opposite sex - on the nameless one.
Therapeutic effect
The strong magical abilities of the mineral are complemented by healing ones.
- Vision. The stone, whose name speaks for itself, comprehensively solves eye problems: the green bracelet cures diseases and sharpens the ability to see in the dark like a cat. Eye fatigue will go away if you apply a stone of suitable dimensions to them for a few minutes.
- Heart, blood vessels. A ring on the index finger eliminates headaches and strengthens blood vessels.
- Pressure. For hypertension, you need an instance of the yellow scale, hypotension requires blue or green stones.
- Breath. Inhibits the development of the disease, helps cure pneumonia, sore throat, bronchial asthma, and other respiratory tract ailments. Makes breathing easier, helping to clear the lungs faster. The effect is enhanced by a pendant or beads around the neck.
- Injuries, fractures. Wounds, internal inflammation, and other tissue damage will heal faster with it.
- Nervous system. The natural mineral will ease neuroses, depression, reduce aggressiveness, and bring peace and harmony to the soul. It’s enough just to sort through the “big-eyed” rosary.
- Digestion. Cat's eye tones, activates the system, can act as a laxative, and helps with indigestion.
Minerals treat blood diseases, improve the functioning of internal organs, and strengthen the immune system. The healing properties of cat's eye have been confirmed experimentally.
How to spot a fake
You cannot buy a real cat's eye in the gem markets and in cheap ignoble frames, its cost is too high. It can only be purchased in a specialized store, with all the documentation, which will indicate whether it has been processed in any way.
- The mineral is very hard, leaves scratches on the glass, and only a diamond or ruby can leave a mark on it. This quality is one of the criteria for verifying the authenticity of a gem.
- The second way to distinguish a fake from a natural stone is to place it in a dark place. Amazingly, a true cat's eye will begin to emit a faint glow, similar to the flickering of a cat's pupil in the darkness.
- The third sign of natural chrysoberyl is its natural shine, which is visible to the naked eye. And if you wipe the stone with a soft cloth, it will sparkle even brighter.
- The fourth method is the speed of warming the stone in your hand. The natural one will remain cool for a long time, and the synthetic one will heat up quickly.
- The fifth way is to observe whether the strip of light moves when the stone rotates. A real stone has a static stripe.
Important: natural cymophane is almost never used in earrings, because it is very difficult to find two stones with similar patterns. Beads from these stones are also created in isolated cases: the stone is quite heavy and very expensive, its cost is comparable to ruby, diamond, and sapphire.
Talismans and amulets
The cat's eye stone has been considered magically powerful for centuries and was worn as an amulet that protects against dark forces. Not much has changed today.
This is a talisman for diplomats, teachers, and representatives of creative professions. The mineral will give inspiration, reveal talent, add charm and eloquence.
The magic of the stone smoothes out extremes in the owner’s character. It makes the aggressive one softer, the soft one more decisive.
- Girls looking for love for life wear a pendant, earrings or ring.
- Green or yellow copies are a money talisman, stored next to banknotes. Jewelry with a mineral is worn by ladies who want to get an increase in salary or a higher position. For men, a crystal in their pocket or a ring is enough.
- Blue quartz protects against envy, jealousy, anger, and aggression.
- Pendants are worn by children to prevent sore throats.
- It is believed that you can save a person from death by giving him a necklace or rosary.
- The cat stone is placed in a place of honor in the house to strengthen family ties.
- The image of a reserved business person is created by jewelry with stones of the same color. Multi-colored ones are worth buying for people who position themselves as free from conventions.
- The cameo stone neutralizes the evil eye best.
For the power of the stone to work, you need to know how to wear it correctly:
- When decorating, it should be in contact with the skin. Any frame will do.
- Other gems for decoration are excluded. The cat's eye is an egoist who does not tolerate neighbors. Like a cat that walks by itself.
The best talisman or amulet is a ring. In it, the cat's eye exhibits magical properties to the maximum.
Favorable time to purchase
It is better to buy jewelry from this stone after drawing up the natal chart, and special attention should be paid to which house the descending lunar node Ketu is located in.
Aries | 5th, 9th, 12th of every month |
Taurus | 9th, 11th of every month |
Twins | 9th, 11th of every month |
Cancer | 10th, 11th of every month |
a lion | 8th, 9th, 11th of every month |
Virgo | 3rd, 4th, 9th of every month |
Scales | 2nd, 3rd, 11th of every month |
Fish | 1st, 2nd, 10th of every month |
Scorpio, Sagittarius, Capricorn and Aquarius should consult an astrologer before purchasing a mineral.
cat tiger eye
If you are not confident in your ability to distinguish a real stone from a fake, and it is difficult to understand what kind of mineral is offered under the name “cat’s eye,” then it is better to use the services of an expert gemologist.
Artificial chrysoberyl
Of course, jewelry with artificial stones has a right to exist. However, the cost of such products is not high. Such jewelry does not have the magical properties that natural stones have. And yet, if you are attracted by the bright patterns of artificial chrysoberyls, they can be purchased. For the first time, they developed a method for growing artificial stones in the USA. Dyes and fiber optic glass were used to produce them. Stones made using this method cannot be distinguished externally from real ones. Only the smallest of them can be transparent. Larger specimens always turn out cloudy.
The material used in the production of synthetic stones is called catsite. Artificial stones can contain up to 8 thousand fibers. The cost of such products is not high - from 5 to 20 dollars (300-1200 rubles). But sometimes these “gems” are sold under the guise of real ones, the price of which ranges from 150-200 dollars (9-12 thousand rubles). The high cost of the natural mineral is explained by its very low prevalence.