Quartz, Cat's Eye Meaning and Properties
Cat's Eye Quartz History
Discovered in 1789 by renowned geologist Abraham Gottlob Werner, chrysoberyl is considered the original cat's eye gem, and is the only gem that can be traded as simply "cat's eye." All other varieties must be noted as cat's eye quartz or cat's eye apatite.
The Roman author, naturalist, natural philosopher and military commander of the early Roman Empire, Pliny, wrote nearly 2,000 years ago that quartz crystals formed from ice in dark clefts and caverns in the mountains. Cat's eye quartz has been used as a gemstone and religious object for thousands of years and has always been thought to bring good fortune to the wearer. Cat's eye quartz became popular at the end of the 19th century when it was given as an engagement token by the Duke of Connaught.
What are the Metaphysical Properties of Cat's Eye Quartz?
Along with its striking appearance, cat's eye quartz is also prized for its strong metaphysical powers and properties. Wearing cat's eye quartz is believed to help ward off evil and acts as a talisman to protect against unforeseen danger. Cat’s eye quartz meaning is linked to acquisition of wealth and prosperity.
Cat's eye quartz is also believed to help with disorders of the eye, recovery from post-traumatic conditions, healing cancer, increasing night vision, regulating blood sugar and promoting mobility. Cat's eye quartz meaning is associated with good judgment and deep understanding. It is also believed to enhance intuition and to increase one's psychic abilities and powers of concentration.
What is Cat's Eye Quartz Made From?
Cat's eye quartz is a macrocrystalline variety of the mineral quartz, the most abundant single mineral on earth. The chatoyant or cat's eye effect visible in some quartz is usually due to the presence of asbestiform (fibrous) mineral inclusions or tube-like cavities in parallel orientation within the quartz.
The most famous and valuable cat's eye gemstone is chrysoberyl cat's eye. When the term “cat's eye” is used alone in the gem trade, it always refers to chrysoberyl cat's eye. All other types of cat's eye gems require an additional varietal designation, such as cat's eye quartz or cat's eye apatite. Cat's eye quartz is found in Sri Lanka, Brazil and India.
Cat's eye gemstones are distinguished by their special optical phenomena, known as chatoyancy, derived from the French saying for the eye of the cat ("oeil de chat"). This effect resembles the slit eye of a cat and is caused by the reflection of light by parallel fibers, needles or channels in the gemstone. Typically this gemstone should be cut into a sphere or oval shape, such as a cabochon, with the base parallel to the fibers for this effect to be fully displayed.
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How Do You Clean Cat's Eye Quartz?
Cat's eye quartz is durable enough (7 on the Mohs scale) to be cleaned using ultrasonic cleaners or steamers. Avoid the use of bleach and other harsh household cleaners and be sure to rinse your stones well to ensure all soapy residues are removed. Cat's eye quartz can scratch softer materials, so store them separately from other gems, especially soft stones such as pearl, turquoise or malachite.
Cat’s Eye Quartz FAQ
Q: How can I tell the difference between cat’s eye quartz and synthetic cat’s eye glass?
A: While both of these beautiful materials have a stunning cat’s eye effect, there are some key differences between cat’s eye quartz and cat’s eye glass. In cat’s eye quartz, the streak of light will be sharp, where as in glass, it will be diffused or uneven. The “eye” in cat’s eye quartz will follow you as you turn the stone, whereas cat’s eye glass is far less likely to exhibit this phenomenon. Inclusions in quartz may look like fibers or fractures, whereas in glass, you may find swirls and bubbles. Not only this, with a Mohs hardness of 7, quartz is harder than glass.
Q: How does light affect the appearance of cat’s eye quartz beads?
A: The play of light in cat’s eye gemstones produces the effect of a vertical streak of light, calling to mind the glassy orb of a feline eye.
Q: Where is cat’s eye quartz commonly mined or sourced?
A: Cat’s eye quartz is most commonly found in Sri Lanka, India and Brazil.
Q: Is cat's eye quartz a good gemstone to use for celestial or mystical themed jewelry designs?
A: With its elusive cat’s eye shimmer, this gemstone is perfect for celestial and mystically themed jewelry designs!
Designing with Cat's Eye Quartz
If you're looking to design ornamental jewelry that's mystical and unique, then cat's eye quartz is a perfect choice. Due to its hardness and durability, cat's eye quartz is especially popular for use in men's jewelry.
Mix cat's eye quartz faceted beads with other natural gemstones such as onyx, moonstone or blackstone for a beautiful result. Cat's eye quartz beads can also be combined with earth-tone crystals for a stunning display of natural and sparkly optical phenomena.
**Please note that all metaphysical or healing properties listed are collected from various sources. This information is offered as a service and not meant to treat medical conditions. Fire Mountain Gems and Beads® does not guarantee the validity of any of these statements.
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