Gemstone profile and identification guide

Cat's Eye Chrysoberyl

Cat's-eye chrysoberyl is chrysoberyl displaying a strong chatoyant eye caused by aligned inclusions.

8.5 Mohs Honey, Yellow Green Oxide (Chrysoberyl Variety: Cat's Eye)

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Overview

Cat's-eye chrysoberyl is chrysoberyl displaying a strong chatoyant eye caused by aligned inclusions.

Did you know? In gem trade, unqualified cat's-eye usually implies chrysoberyl cat's-eye.

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 Chrysoberyl

Scientific classification: Oxide (Chrysoberyl Variety: Cat's Eye)

Hardness: 8.5 Mohs

Transparency: translucent

Lustre: vitreous to silky

Crystal system: Orthorhombic

Primary colour: Honey

Secondary colour: Yellow Green

Colour family: Oranges & Yellows

Sharp moving eye plus high chrysoberyl hardness and RI are diagnostic.

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.

Values are reported as practical gemological ranges where appropriate.

Physical Properties

Hardness category: very hard

Hardness value: 8.5 Mohs

Chemical composition: Beryllium aluminum oxide (BeAl2O4)

Crystal system: Orthorhombic

Common locations: Sri Lanka, Brazil, India, Tanzania, Madagascar

Learn more: Gem-A gemstone education resources.

Colour Variations

Honey to yellow-green chrysoberyl showing a sharp chatoyant eye in cabochon cut.

Optical effects: Chatoyancy

Detailed Gemology

Mineral species: Chrysoberyl (cat's-eye variety)

Mineral group: Chrysoberyl group

Chemical formula: Beryllium aluminum oxide (BeAl2O4)

Mohs hardness: 8.5

Crystal system: Orthorhombic

Lustre: vitreous to silky

Transparency: translucent

Streak: White

Cleavage: Distinct in one direction

Fracture: Conchoidal to uneven

Specific gravity: 3.70-3.78

Refractive index: 1.746-1.755

Optical phenomena: Chatoyancy

Colour range: Honey, yellow-green, brownish-green

Common inclusions: Parallel needles/tubes creating eye effect

Geological environment: Pegmatites and metamorphic terrains

Principal mining regions: Sri Lanka, Brazil, India, Tanzania, Madagascar

Important commercial sources: Fine cat's-eye chrysoberyl is sourced mainly from Sri Lanka and Brazil with additional East African production

Historical significance: A classic premium cat's-eye gemstone in global trade.

Common treatments: Generally untreated.

Synthetic or imitation forms: Fiber-optic glass and synthetic cat's-eye materials are common imitations.

Common look-alikes: Cat's-eye quartz, cat's-eye apatite, fiber-optic glass

Jewellery uses: Used in cabochon rings, pendants, and collector cat's-eye gems.

Care recommendations: Very durable for jewellery, but avoid severe impact and keep cabochon surfaces polished.

Cross-check profile data with GIA Gem Encyclopedia and Mindat entry for Cat's Eye Chrysoberyl.

Formation

Forms in beryllium-rich pegmatitic/metamorphic environments where oriented inclusions produce chatoyancy.

Origin

Fine cat's-eye chrysoberyl is sourced mainly from Sri Lanka and Brazil with additional East African production

Uses

Best for: Used in cabochon rings, pendants, and collector cat's-eye gems.

Ideal uses: Cabochon jewellery designed to show a centered, sharp eye.

Care

Very durable for jewellery, but avoid severe impact and keep cabochon surfaces polished.

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