Gemstone profile and identification guide
Cat's Eye Apatite
Cat's-eye apatite is a chatoyant apatite variety cut as cabochon to display a moving light band.
Profile Navigation
Overview
Cat's-eye apatite is a chatoyant apatite variety cut as cabochon to display a moving light band.
Did you know? Apatite can show cat's-eye when parallel inclusions are oriented correctly in cutting.
Use this profile as a collector reference and educational guide for quick on-page comparison, then validate with the interactive identification system.
Identification
Name: Cat's Eye Apatite
Scientific classification: Phosphate (Apatite Variety)
Hardness: 5 Mohs
Transparency: translucent
Lustre: vitreous
Crystal system: Hexagonal
Primary colour: Green
Secondary colour: Yellow Green
Colour family: Greens
Apatite RI/SG with sharp chatoyant band and moderate hardness are key indicators.
Verification Status
Status: verified-core-fields
Reference priority: GIA, Gem-A, Mindat, International Gem Society
Core identity, locality, and physical-property fields reviewed against standard gemological references.
Trade-name entries include conservative composition/treatment disclosures where needed.
Physical Properties
Hardness category: medium
Hardness value: 5 Mohs
Chemical composition: Calcium phosphate [Ca5(PO4)3(F,Cl,OH)]
Crystal system: Hexagonal
Common locations: Sri Lanka, Brazil, Madagascar, Myanmar
Learn more: Gem-A gemstone education resources.
Colour Variations
Translucent apatite cabochons with chatoyant cat's-eye band in green-yellow tones.
Optical effects: Chatoyancy
Detailed Gemology
Mineral species: Apatite (chatoyant variety)
Mineral group: Apatite group
Chemical formula: Calcium phosphate [Ca5(PO4)3(F,Cl,OH)]
Mohs hardness: 5
Crystal system: Hexagonal
Lustre: vitreous
Transparency: translucent
Streak: White
Cleavage: Poor to indistinct
Fracture: Conchoidal to uneven
Specific gravity: 3.1-3.2
Refractive index: 1.63-1.65
Optical phenomena: Chatoyancy
Colour range: Green, yellow-green, blue-green
Common inclusions: Parallel needles/tubes, fractures
Geological environment: Pegmatites and metamorphic rocks
Principal mining regions: Sri Lanka, Brazil, Madagascar, Myanmar
Important commercial sources: Cat's-eye apatite appears in limited quantities from classic apatite-producing localities
Historical significance: Niche collector gemstone with notable optical effect.
Common treatments: Generally untreated; heat or dyeing may occur in some markets.
Synthetic or imitation forms: Fiber-optic glass and chatoyant synthetics can imitate.
Common look-alikes: Cat's-eye quartz, cat's-eye tourmaline
Jewellery uses: Used in collector cabochons and occasional protected jewelry settings.
Care recommendations: Relatively soft and cleavage-prone; avoid impact and abrasive wear.
Cross-check profile data with GIA Gem Encyclopedia and Mindat entry for Cat's Eye Apatite.
Formation
Forms in pegmatitic and metamorphic environments where fibrous/parallel inclusions produce chatoyancy.
Origin
Cat's-eye apatite appears in limited quantities from classic apatite-producing localities
Uses
Best for: Used in collector cabochons and occasional protected jewelry settings.
Ideal uses: Collector cabochons emphasizing cat's-eye effect.
Care
Relatively soft and cleavage-prone; avoid impact and abrasive wear.
Need another candidate? Use advanced gemstone search or return to the identification guide.
Related gemstones by colour
Related gemstones by hardness
Commonly confused gemstones
Cat's Eye Apatite FAQ
How can I identify Cat's Eye Apatite?
Compare hardness (5 Mohs), crystal system (Hexagonal), colour profile, and lustre (vitreous) with your sample. Then cross-check related gemstones listed above.
What colour range does Cat's Eye Apatite appear in?
Translucent apatite cabochons with chatoyant cat's-eye band in green-yellow tones.
Where is Cat's Eye Apatite commonly used?
Collector cabochons emphasizing cat's-eye effect.. For maintenance, follow the care guidance in this profile.
Scientific References
GIA: general gemstone identity (reviewed) - Batch 06 factual verification pass.
Gem-A: gemological terminology and testing references (reviewed) - Batch 06 factual verification pass.
Mindat: mineral species and principal localities (reviewed) - Batch 06 factual verification pass.
International Gem Society: gem trade context and treatment overview (reviewed) - Batch 06 factual verification pass.