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Cat's Eye Gemstone Information

The Cat’s Eye gemstone is also known as the Lehsunia stone. In Hindi, it is known as the Vaiduryam stone. It is an exceptionally powerful and beautiful assortment of the Chrysoberyl mineral family. The stone got its name as Cat's Eye as it resembles the eye of a cat. It is a semi-valuable gemstone which is found in different shades of nectar, green, dark and yellowish-green, it is otherwise called Lehsunia, Vaiduria, and Chrysoberyl. The meaning of Cats Eye stone is pretty simple and refers to the optical effect of the vertical ray of light that passes through this gemstone is known as ‘Chatoyance’ as it makes it look like the eye of a cat. Its raw form refers to the uncut and non-treated gemstone.
Geologist Abraham Gottlob Werner, a very well-known and famous geologist discovered the Chrysoberyl Cat’s Eye gemstone. The Cat’s Eye is always referred to as the Chrysoberyl Cat's Eye. Let us understand its meaning and why the Vaiduryam stone in English is so called? The Chrysoberyl is considered as the original and true Cat’s Eye whereas its other variants are distinguished as Cat's Eye Quartz or Apatite. This stone is associated with Planet Ketu and is known to pacify the malefic of planet Ketu. In ancient times, the Cat’s Eye was assessed in religious objects and was believed to bring good luck to the wearer. In the 19th century towards the end, the Duke of Connaught presented the Cat’s Eye as the token of engagement, it was then when this stone gained popularity and was known to masses.

Who Should Wear Cat's Eye Gemstone

The Cat’s Eye is available in various colours. Not any coloured stone can be worn by any individual. According to the gemology findings, people who are teachers, priests, and scientists must wear honey Yellowstone. People who work in administrative departments or who work as soldiers or as a ruler must wear the Honey brown whereas, a businessman, farmer, or banker can wear a honey green Cat’s Eye stone. The hardworking people like the artisans, labourers, servants and similar must wear a dark green stone.

CAT'S EYE GEMSTONE BENEFITS

There are innumerable benefits of wearing a Cat's Eye stone. A few of them are listed below:

  • Cats Eye stone is the most preferred stone amongst those who are associated with speculative activities and investments. Stones that are known to bring good luck are favoured by the risk- takers and adventure junkies.
  • This gemstone is known to ease out any professional work that has been stuck for long, helping in professional success. Bringing back lost wealth or stuck money is also one of the benefit of wearing a Cat's Eye stone.
  • Keeping a Cat's Eye stone close to yourself can help you gain metaphysical protection. This stone also keeps the evil eye at bay.
  • Cat's Eye is a gemstone of the planet Ketu which is a planet known for bringing tough situations in life and providing lessons the hard way. Hence, Cat's Eye helps in disengaging oneself from the worldly attachments and luxuries and cushions the blow that hard times come with.
  • Cat's Eye is also helpful for those who wish to begin a spiritual journey and exercise detachment from the worldly affairs as this stone facilitates spiritual and religious inclination and enlightenment.
  • As per popular beliefs, Cat's Eye gemstone is known to heal physical ailments, recover from unhealthy habits, depression and even treat diseases like paralysis and cancer.
  • Cat's Eye gemstone is also used to establish mental peace, aid issues related to memory and getting rid of anxiety and stress.

To Tell If A Cat's Eye Is Real?

Wearing an authentic stone is as important as it is to wear a stone altogether. Identifying a real gemstone takes a big deal of knowledge about such stones and the vision of a hawk to be able to distinguish the gem amongst the pebbles. It is highly advisable to be sure of the authenticity, purity and validity of a gemstone before using one.

There are two most common layman's ways to test the genuineness of a Cat's Eye gemstone. If an authentic Cat's Eye gemstone is kept in a dark room, it shines almost as bright as the eyes of a cat. Also, if a Cat's Eye gemstone is rubbed against a piece of cloth, its luster and shine increases and the stone seems to be brighter and shinier than before.

Certain physical properties of the Cat's Eye stone can help one buy an authentic gemstone and stay at bay from the spurious ones.

Colour - The chatoyancy effect in the Cat's Eye gemstone is the indicator of its quality and genuineness. Chatoyancy effect is the thin strip of of light that runs across the gemstone from one end to another in a lengthwise fashion. This effect is known to be caused in the stone due to a hollow tube like inclusion or a needle inside it. On flashing a beam of light on the stone, it gives an impression similar to that of the closing and opening of the eye. The stone is available in a variety of colours ranging from yellow, greenish yellow, greyish green, brown to brownish yellow.
Cut- The Cat's Eye gemstone or lehsunia stone needs to be cut in a careful and precise manner so as to clearly flaunt its chatoyancy effect. Hence, a very experienced and skilled lapidarist must handle this gemstone as it is of utmost importance that the stone clearly signifies the closing and opening of an eye when rotated under a beam of light. Also, the needles in the stone must be perpendicular to the stone to prove its authenticity. The most appropriate cut that is used to bring out the specifics of this gemstone is the cabochon cut which is a dome- like cut in round or oval shape. Post the cut, the stone is adequately polished to reveal its chatoyancy effect.
Carat- Typically, the Cat's Eye is used in a size ranging from 0.10cts to 3.00cts. Though, gemstones of a bigger size can also be attained. Cat's Eye gemstones as massive as 150 carats also exist but are rare and expensive.
Clarity- The Cat's Eye gemstone generally bears a milky appearance and the clear ones are the rarest of the rare.

As a measure of caution, one should always buy gemstones from an authorised and trustworthy source. Most of the gemstones generally bear a certificate of authenticity too so as to certify their genuineness. In case of any doubt one can always consult a testing lab for judging if the stone is genuine or not.

HOW TO CARE FOR YOUR CAT'S EYE GEMSTONES

Clean with a soft polishing cloth, plain water rinse mild solution of soap & water or commercial jewelry cleaner as they can damage the cat's eye. Do not soak. Also avoid sudden temperature changes.