Cat's eye is a semiprecious noble stone. In nature, it is not so common. Its unusual color gave rise to many rumors and legends. Experts say that the green cat's eye has strong magical properties, and therefore can cure ailments.
Appearance
Green cat's eye has a unique unique appearance. It cannot be confused with any other mineral. The stone belongs to chrysoberyls. A feature of the gem is a unique light effect, due to which the stone is really very similar to the eyes of a cat. This effect is also characteristic of green quartz. Gems in nature are found in different colors, but the green cat's eye is most common (photo is given in the article).
Gem Features
In nature, there is an incredible amount of minerals. They are all very different, and this concerns not only their color, but also lighting effects. Experts say that the effect of a cat's eye occurs on the surface of the gem due to the fact that asbestos and crocodilite are present inside it. They create a special silver strip. The intensity of color shades depends on how many stones were in the ground. If we talk about the cat's eye green, then its color appears due to the presence of chromium inside the stone.
Typically, such gems are found near alluvial placers in which garnets, tourmalines and topazes are mined. Fine stones are mined in Sri Lanka, in India and Brazil. By the way, it was in Sri Lanka that the largest cat-eye stone in history was found. Its weight was 475 carats.
Stone in magic
In ancient times, the green cat's eye in people caused a lot of fears, because it was believed that outwardly it resembles the eye of the devil. For this reason, it was used for magic rituals. The stone was a companion of witches, magicians and sorcerers. Later, the attitude towards the gem changed, literally 100-200 years ago, chrysoberyl gained popularity. It began to be used for the manufacture of gold and silver jewelry.
The cat's eye has always been considered an expensive stone. In the old days, acquiring it was not so simple. Only rich people could afford a stone.
In jewelry, the gem began to be very actively used in the second half of the nineteenth century after Prince Arthur presented his bride with a cat-eye ring. Since then, chrysoberyl has become incredibly fashionable and in demand. And therefore, its deposits began to be actively developed.
Physical properties of stone
Green cat's eye has many shades: from gray-green to golden-green, resembling the iris of the eyes. The color of the stones depends on the content of minor impurities in them.
When cutting a stone, it is given the shape of a cabochon, which allows the cat's eye effect to manifest itself in the best way. Modern craftsmen have learned to obtain synthetic stones by combining barium titanium and borosilicate fiber.
Varieties and shades
Green cat's eye (photo is given in the article) is far from the only option for coloring gems. Other shades are found in nature. To the cat's eye include not only chrysoberyl, but also quartz, moonstone, tourmaline, scapolite. However, it is worth noting that the effect is only pronounced for the first mineral.
In the royal treasury of Britain, a mineral is stored, whose weight is 300 carats. The gem was presented to Queen Victoria in 1886.
Speaking about the green stone of the cat's eye, it is worth recalling Alexandrite. The gem has an emerald green color. In the evenings in the conditions of artificial lighting, it seems that the stone takes on a red or purple hue. This effect is associated with the peculiarities of human vision.
The rarest cat eye variety is cymofan. The mineral has a silky structure and a greenish-golden color. With proper processing, a shiny band appears in the center of the stone. The effect of a cat's eye is most noticeable in bright light.
How to distinguish fake from natural stone
Real chrysoberyl is a very expensive stone. The green cat's eye (photo is given in the article) costs not a lot of money. Experts say that its price is comparable to the cost of diamonds of a similar size. For this reason, fakes are most often on sale. A distinctive feature of the gem is its hardness. The indicator is 85 units. on the Mohs scale. This means that you can scratch a stone only with sapphire, ruby or diamond. By the way, chrysoberyl itself can leave serious scratches on the glass.
In order to understand before you a fake or an original, you need to place the stone in the dark. The gem should glow in a dark room, like cat's eyes. If you rub the stone, then its luster will increase. Under natural light conditions, a fake usually looks more vibrant and saturated, unlike natural chrysoberyl.
Experts say that about half of the jewelry is made with artificial stones, which are very simple to manufacture.
The magical properties of green stone
Because of its unusual appearance, the cat's eye has long been endowed with magical properties. Since ancient times, such a stone was considered a powerful amulet. They say that the gem is able to protect the owner from death. For example, one of the legends tells that in 1917, some aristocrats were able to move to live in France only thanks to their treasures, which warned them of the danger.
Modern experts claim that the stone cleans the aura, and also gives a person good luck and peace. If you wear jewelry with a gem, you can avoid the bursts of jealousy. The dark green cat's eye sets in harmony and a positive mood.
But golden stones are associated with wealth. The mineral strengthens the desire for success and helps to focus attention. A gift decoration with such a stone evokes sympathy for the donor himself. Therefore, gems are a symbol of reconciliation.
The green cat's eye is a stone whose properties have long worried all magicians. And to this day it is believed that he has powerful energy. The gem has become a symbol of luck, success and longevity.
Color features
The light green cat's eye adds good luck to its owner, it makes a person more purposeful. It is difficult to say whether this is true or not, but since ancient times the stone has been considered incredibly strong. It is recommended to be worn by those people whose activities are related to finances. Gemstones in beads or prints most effectively influence.
But the dark green chrysoberyl has very strong protective properties. For the greatest manifestation of the qualities of the gem, it must be worn so that it is clearly visible. Therefore, bracelets or pendants are very good in this sense. Such amulets are suitable for people of all professions, especially those whose work is associated with increased risk.
Healing properties
It is worth noting that in folk medicine and lithotherapy, stone is treated with great respect. It is believed that it is endowed with healing properties. The more the gem resembles the cat’s real eye and the more pronounced its flare, the greater the healing effect.
Stone is used to combat such ailments:
- To relieve joint pain with bruises and other diseases.
- To normalize the nervous system.
- To improve the activity of the nervous system.
- With lung diseases.
In addition, chrysoberyl is used to treat diseases of the liver, kidneys, digestive tract, pancreas, and eyes.
What zodiac signs does a stone suit?
A unique mineral has been worshiped by people since the time of the pharaohs. So, for example, in the tomb in the burial of Bastet (cat goddess), archaeologists found numerous gems. And priests in that distant era wore diadems with such stones. Even the statues of the goddess Bastet were decorated with a cat's eye.
Self-confident people can wear jewelry with gems, since a self-confident gem can only confuse.
As for the signs of the zodiac, the cat's eye is most suitable for Virgo. Green stone also has a positive effect on Scorpions, Cancers and Gemini. Good luck amulet will certainly bring Aries. Representatives of all these zodiac signs can count on luck and luck when wearing a stone.
But Lions, Libra, Pisces and Aquarius should not wear jewelry with a cat's eye not too often. Otherwise, the stone can have a negative impact on success in the workplace or in love affairs.
Gems are good for people in creative professions, as they inspire new achievements. Libra is another sign for which a mineral is simply necessary. It will help emphasize the romanticism and tenderness of the representatives of the sign.
Experts recommend wearing stone to firefighters, rescuers, military and police. The mineral will give the owner courage and determination. Lithotherapists recommend diplomats and lecturers to buy a talisman with a stone to give flexibility to communication. The stone will help representatives of the creative strata of the population to reach their potential.
Which stone to choose?
As we mentioned, the cat's eye can have different shades. Gray gems look very harmonious on fair-haired girls. The necklace will add mystery to blondes and emphasize their personality.
Light green stones look good on the fair skin of women with red hair. The cat's eye not only carries magical properties, but can also emphasize the natural beauty of a person. The combination of fiery red hair with a green stone will very advantageously shade the appearance. Dark green gems are good for brunettes and brown-haired women.
Jewelry
There are many cat eye jewelry on sale. The choice of various models is wide enough. Stones decorate pendants, bracelets, beads, earrings, rings. Jewelry with green stones is not only a beautiful accessory, but also a reliable talisman, as well as an elegant accent of your wardrobe.
Unfortunately, half of the jewelry in the stores is decorated with artificial chrysoberyls. Counterfeit stones are now widely produced in industry. The manufacture of artificial mineral does not require special costs. Fibrous preforms of a certain color are poured with molten glass mass. Soon it freezes, and the fibers themselves burn up, forming tubular stones. Visually distinguishing chrysoberyl from a fake is simply impossible. Therefore, it is necessary to purchase jewelry with a cat's eye in proven places. And certainly not in street stalls. Products with such stones cannot be cheap.
Having purchased jewelry with a cat's eye, it is necessary to provide them with proper care. Stones require delicate handling. Do not hit products on metal objects and drop them. After wearing, the jewelry must be stored in a closed box or box with soft walls inside. Ideally, each piece of jewelry should be in its bag. Such a simple precaution will protect the jewelry from scratches and damage.
To clean products with a cat's eye, you can use a soft brush and soap solution. The mineral can be polished with a piece of silk and suede. Simple care will return the stone shine and purity. It is not recommended to use cosmetics, detergents and powders on gems, since all these substances can ruin a stone.
When purchasing jewelry in jewelry stores, be sure to check the product certificate to protect yourself from fake.
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 possess. And yet, if you are attracted to the vivid drawings of artificial chrysoberyls, they can be purchased. First developed a method for growing artificial stones in the United States. For their production used dyes and fiberglass. Outwardly, stones made using this technique cannot be distinguished from real ones. Only the smallest of them can be transparent. Larger specimens are always cloudy.
The material used in the manufacture of synthetic stones is called ketsite. In artificial stones can be up to 8 thousand fibers. The cost of such products is not high - from 5 to 20 dollars (300-1200 rubles). But sometimes it’s such “gems” that 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 a natural mineral is explained by its very low prevalence.
Briefly about everything
A lot of legends are connected with the cat's eye. Throughout the history of mankind, magic stones inspired fear with their charms, forcing them to bow before their owner. Of course, in modern society, such worship is simply impossible. Few people believe magicians and sorcerers. And the stone itself is no longer associated with otherworldly forces. Nevertheless, experts confidently talk about the magical properties of a beautiful mineral.
The term “cat's eye” was originally used to define iridescent species of chrysoberyl. Later it began to be used for other minerals. The effect of a cat's eye is also characteristic of tourmaline and quartz. Therefore, stones should be called as follows: "tourmaline cat's eye" or "quartz cat's eye."