Gemstone profile and identification guide
Cat's Eye Topaz
Cat's Eye Topaz is a Blue, Yellow silicate prized for its distinctive beauty, historic appeal, and use in fine jewellery and collector pieces.
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Overview
Cat's Eye Topaz is a Blue, Yellow silicate prized for its distinctive beauty, historic appeal, and use in fine jewellery and collector pieces.
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 Topaz
Scientific classification: Silicate
Hardness: 8 Mohs
Transparency: transparent
Lustre: vitreous
Crystal system: Orthorhombic
Primary colour: Blue
Secondary colour: Yellow
Colour family: Blues & Cyans
Physical Properties
Hardness category: hard
Hardness value: 8 Mohs
Chemical composition: Aluminum fluorosilicate (Al2SiO4(F,OH)2)
Crystal system: Orthorhombic
Common locations: Brazil, Pakistan, Russia, Nigeria
Learn more: Gem-A gemstone education resources.
Colour Variations
Cat's Eye Topaz is classified within the blues & cyans palette. Primary colour: blue. Secondary colour: yellow. Optical effects: Chatoyancy.
Optical effects: Chatoyancy
Formation
Grows in high-temperature igneous rocks and hydrothermal veins.
Origin
Brazil, Pakistan, Russia, Nigeria
Uses
Best for: Jewellery, displays, and design accents.
Ideal uses: Versatile collections and polished showcases.
Care
Clean with warm soapy water and avoid sudden temperature changes.
Need another candidate? Use advanced gemstone search or return to the identification guide.
Related gemstones by colour
Related gemstones by hardness
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Commonly confused gemstones
Cat's Eye Topaz FAQ
How can I identify Cat's Eye Topaz?
Compare hardness (8 Mohs), crystal system (Orthorhombic), colour profile, and lustre (vitreous) with your sample. Then cross-check related gemstones listed above.
What colour range does Cat's Eye Topaz appear in?
Cat's Eye Topaz is classified within the blues & cyans palette. Primary colour: blue. Secondary colour: yellow. Optical effects: Chatoyancy.
Where is Cat's Eye Topaz commonly used?
Versatile collections and polished showcases.. For maintenance, follow the care guidance in this profile.
Scientific References
Reference data from GIA and Mindat mineral records.