How do I identify Cat's-Eye Glass?

Cat's-Eye Glass can be identified by its hardness of 5 - 6 on the Mohs scale, Various colors color, Vitreous luster, Trigonal crystal system. Look for these key characteristics when examining specimens.

What color is Cat's-Eye Glass?

Cat's-Eye Glass typically appears in Various colors. Color can vary depending on impurities and formation conditions.

How hard is Cat's-Eye Glass?

Cat's-Eye Glass has a hardness of 5 - 6 on the Mohs scale. This gives it moderate hardness.

Cat's-Eye Glass

A variety of Glass

Easy to obtain

What is Cat's-Eye Glass?

The term cat's-Eye Glass is used to describe a cabochon gemstone that features an interesting optic phenomenon called "the chatoyant effect" or the "cat's eye effect". This effect is manifested in a narrow, sharp streak of light that goes across the center of the stone, resembling a cat's eye. Among numerous gemstones that reveal this effect, the most famous and with the finest quality is Cymophane, a variety of the mineral known as Chrysoberyl.

Optical Properties

Refractive Index: 1.48-1.70
Optical Character: Isotropic

Discover Values

Rarity

3.0out of 5.0

60%

Popularity

3.9out of 5.0

78%

Beauty

4.1out of 5.0

82%

Cultural Value

2.9out of 5.0

58%

Collection Value

3.6out of 5.0

72%

Cat's-Eye Glass Market Value Calculator

Estimate the market value of Cat's-Eye Glass using size, quality, and finish. This preview calculator is for quick context and is not a formal appraisal.

Cat's-Eye Glass Localities Map

See where Cat's-Eye Glass is found with a localities map, collecting zones, and geology context. Generate a sample map preview below.

Map preview

North ZoneCentral RidgeSouth Basin

Health & Safety Information

⚠️Physical Toxicity: Quartz, silica, crystalline silica and flint are non-toxic materials, but very fine dust containing quartz, known as respirable crystalline silicon (RCS), can cause serious and fatal lung disease. Lapidaries should exercise caution when cutting silica.