Cat's Eye Aquamarine Gemstone Information

About Cat's Eye Aquamarine - History and Introduction

Cat's eye aquamarine stands out as a green-blue variety of beryl that displays a rare optical effect called cat's eye chatoyancy. This effect creates a reflection of light resembling the narrow slit of a cat's eye, caused by parallel inclusions like rutile needles, fibers, or channels reflecting light.

You might be surprised to learn just how uncommon this phenomenon is - it only appears in a select few gems, including chrysoberyl, apatite, moonstone, and tourmaline. To really appreciate cat's eye gemstones, view them under direct light and rotate the stone; you'll see that slit-eye reflection smoothly move across the surface. Some aquamarine pieces even show an asterism, or star effect, traded as 'star aquamarine,' which are incredibly scarce and highly prized. Remember, all aquamarine types serve as birthstones for March.

This gem belongs to the beryl family of gemstones and minerals, known chemically as beryllium aluminum silicates. The family is best recognized for emerald, the chromium-rich green member. Cat's eye aquamarine gets its hue from iron impurities in otherwise colorless beryl crystals. Beryls in general boast impressive hardness and toughness. Cat's eye aquamarine always receives a cabochon cut to highlight its chatoyancy. While color intensity often drives value in colored gems, for cat's eyes, the sharpness of the 'eye' takes priority. Gems with a crisp, centered, and defined eye fetch top dollar.

Identifying Cat's Eye Aquamarine

What sets cat's eye aquamarine apart from standard aquamarine gems? It's mainly that chatoyancy, the unique light play. All aquamarines share a sea-blue shade, but the cat's eye version shines with notable hardness and a glassy luster that's tough to mimic. Long, rod-shaped inclusions are typical in beryl gems, including this one, and they help with identification. Iron content and a six-sided crystal form also mark it distinctly from look-alikes. Since chatoyant gems are so rare, mix-ups with other green-blue stones are rare - they're usually softer and miss those key traits of cat's eye aquamarine.

Cat's Eye Aquamarine Origin and Gemstone Sources

Cat's eye aquamarine ranks among the rarest gems out there. It forms in the same deposits as other aquamarines. Brazil leads in producing gem-quality stones, with additional sources in Australia, Myanmar (Burma), China, India, Kenya, Madagascar, Mozambique, Namibia, Nigeria, Pakistan, Zambia, Zimbabwe, and the USA. Lately, Karur in India has gained notice for supplying excellent aquamarine.

Buying Cat's Eye Aquamarine and Determining Value

Cat's Eye Aquamarine Color

Cat's eye aquamarine comes in soft green-blue tones, from pale blue to deep blue, and blue-green to green-blue. Blue tends to be preferred over green, but unlike many gems, a less ideal color doesn't drop its worth much. The key value factor here is the 'eye's' clarity. Stones with a sharp, centered, and distinct eye command premium prices.

Cat's Eye Aquamarine Clarity and Luster

Aquamarine ranges from clear to somewhat cloudy, with lesser grades looking fully opaque. Cat's eye aquamarine often has inclusions, and perfectly clean ones are super rare. Inclusions usually look like long hollow tubes, a classic beryl sign. It features a appealing vitreous luster, much like glass.

Cat's Eye Aquamarine Cut and Shape

This gem always gets a cabochon cut, commonly oval to save weight. Rounds and pears are uncommon, particularly in big sizes, and standard calibrated dimensions cost more per carat, as with most gems.

Cat's Eye Aquamarine Treatment

Heating can enhance color in cat's eye aquamarine, often to tone down green or yellow hints. It's done at mild temperatures (about 725-850°F or 400-450°C). Higher heat might alter color badly. While common, many stones go untreated - typically just the darker, more included ones get heated.

Cat's Eye Aquamarine Gemological Properties

Cat's Eye Aquamarine Varieties and Similar Gemstones

Cat's eye aquamarine is essentially the chatoyant green-blue form of aquamarine, a beryl type. As a beryl, it connects to various related gems. Beryl appears in multiple colors, each with a distinct name. Other beryls include green-blue aquamarine gems, pink morganite, red bixbite, colorless goshenite, and golden heliodor. Some beryls are plentiful, others ultra-rare. Cat's eye aquamarine counts as one of the scarcer beryls, with prime examples holding great value. A few unrelated gems share similar colors and might confuse, like larimar, amazonite, tourmaline, spinel, and sapphire. Yet, among them, only tourmaline, spinel, and sapphire show chatoyancy or asterism.

Most Popular Similar or Related Gemstone Varieties and Trade Names

Emerald, precious beryl or golden beryl, aquamarine, and morganite rank as the top related gems.

Lesser-Known Similar or Related Gemstone Varieties and Trade Names

Star aquamarine, bixbite (red beryl), heliodor (golden beryl), green beryl, and goshenite (colorless beryl) are less familiar relatives.

Cat's Eye Aquamarine Mythology, Metaphysical, and Healing Powers

Legend has it that aquamarine came from mermaids' treasure chests. Stories claim these gems were mermaid favorites, safeguarding sailors from sea perils, even easing seasickness. From ancient days, cat's eye aquamarine and other aquamarines earned the title of 'sailor's lucky stone.'

The name cat's eye aquamarine traces to the Latin for 'seawater.' This blue gem has long been a go-to for sailors. It holds spots in diverse cultures, like ancient Greek and Roman, where it was seen as a sailor's protector for safe, successful voyages over rough waters.

Linked to Neptune as a planetary stone, it's also March's official birthstone. Gem healing powers have been noted for ages by healers, shamans, and medicine folk. Fact or placebo? If it aids believers, that's what counts. Wear it against skin, close to any issue area, for best effect. Physically, it's said to ease arthritis, eye swelling, sore throats, and varicose veins.

Cat's Eye Aquamarine Gemstone and Jewelry Design Ideas

Cat's eye aquamarine makes a striking decorative stone with gentle colors that suit nearly any skin or eye tone. That's why aquamarine stays a worldwide favorite for women. Though rare, cat's eye aquamarine keeps reasonable prices. You probably won't spot it in neighborhood jewelers, so online sources offer the best variety in shapes and hues.

With top-notch durability and hardness, it fits all jewelry types, even cabochon rings. Unlike emerald - aquamarine's green kin - which often needs resin or oil for fractures and color boost, cat's eye aquamarine usually skips treatments. It's perfect untreated for settings. Some designs feature raw crystals, and the six-sided structure appeals to pendant lovers.

Note: Purchase colored gems by size, not carat weight. Stones differ in size-to-weight ratios - some larger, some smaller than diamonds by weight.

Cat's Eye Aquamarine Gemstone and Jewelry Care and Cleaning

Aquamarine counts as a sturdy gem, but it still needs proper care and cleaning. Skip wearing it around harsh chemicals, and take off jewelry before sports, workouts, or chores. Store it away from other gems to avoid scratches.

For cleaning, warm soapy water and a soft cloth work fine. Steer clear of bleach or strong cleaners. Use mild soap only if necessary, and rinse thoroughly to remove residue. For long storage, wrap in soft cloth and place in a lined jewelry box when not worn.

Frequently Asked Questions