The cat's eye and its characteristics
In mineralogy, the term cat's eye refers to a phenomenon in which a bright, narrow strip of light can be seen on the surface of a gemstone. An alternative name for this effect, chatoyance, is derived from the French word for cat (chat). This is because a gemstone with a cat's eye effect immediately reminds the observer of the eye of a big cat sparkling in the darkness.
The Cat's Eye - Origin of the Optical Peculiarity
The cat's eye effect is caused by inclusions arranged parallel to one another in gemstones . These can be tiny hollow channels, fibers or tiny crystal needles. The rays of light that pass through the largely transparent gemstone are reflected by these inclusions, creating the characteristic, brightly flashing strip of light.
A cat's eye looks best in a cabochon cut , a shape that is characterized by its smooth, round surface.
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