Chatoyancy in Gemstones @ Jewel Info 4 UBy: NASRINA PARVIN KHAN
"Chatoyancy" is a special optical
phenomenon, which is exhibit by some
rare gemstones. This uncommon and
excellent phenomenon helps to create
attraction and adds value to a gem.
This phenomenon is a particular
property of reflecting light because
of fine inclusions of some foreign
minerals in gems.
Due to the reflection of light the
phenomenon "chatoyancy" took form
.The reflection exhibits a single
glowing band of light across the
surface of a gemstone and helps us
to see a silky glow, which called
chatoyancy. The displayed band of
light looks like a slit of an eye. A
finely marked eye line can be
recognized, which runs right through
the gem. In case of some good
specimens, the eye seems to open and
close when the gem is rotated.
The term "chatoyancy" comes from the
French "chat", which means cat and "oeil",
which
means eye. So, the term "chatoyancy"
literally translates as "the eye of
a cat". For this
reason, this phenomenon is also
known as cat's eye effect.
The magical phenomenon "chatoyancy"
most commonly has been seen in
quartz. Sometimes it can be seen in
tourmaline, moonstone, tiger's eye,
corundum and several minerals. This
phenomenon is very very rarely seen
in beryl especially in emerald,
which comes from Brazil and
Colombia. Others "chatoyance" as
well as cat's eye gemstone are found
in SriLanka, Tanzania, Brazil, China
and Russia.
Usually, "chatoyancy" or cat's eye
gems refer to stones, which exhibit
the special optical phenomenon
"chatoyancy". But the term cat's eye
should always use with a mineral
species or a gem name as a modifier,
such as cat's eye tourmaline, cat's
eye moonstone or cat's eye
Chrysoberyl. But the most beautiful,
valuable and miraculous cat's eye
gem is cat's eye Chrysoberyl. So,
the simple term cat's eye used to
refer to the stone Chrysoberyl,
traditionally. It has given this
honor for its magical chatoyance
effect. Cat's eye on the surface of
the Chrysoberyl winks like the eye
of a cat.
Inclusions of foreign particles in
gems are the main reason of
reflection of light and create the
phenomenon "chatoyancy". The
reflective inclusions of fibrous
particles of foreign minerals in
gems should be thin, needle-like
parallel orientation. Sometimes
occurrence of hollow tubes in
parallel orientation is the reason
of silky radiance of gems, which
known as "chatoyancy". There is
another factor also. The inclusions
of cat's eye gems are not well
organized, scattered randomly.
The silky radiance produce when the
cat's eye band perpendicular to the
needle .To Display the 'chatoyancy'
or cat's eye, the gems must be cut
in a tall, domed shape, which called
as cabochon.
'Chatoyance' or cat's eye gems are
transparent to opaque. The special
optical phenomenon 'chatoyancy'
seems to glide magically across the
surface of a gem, when it is moved.
Gems that produce 'chatoyancy' allow
the cosmic color to pass through it
and create a magical effect.
'Chatoyancy' or cat's eye is best
esteemed under sunlight or other
point light source; like a spotlight
or penlight. Multiple light source
or dimly lit do not help to create
the phenomenon ''chatoyancy' with
magical effect. Each of multiple
light source produce a cat's eye on
the surface of the gems and give an
unfocussed look. In a cloudy day or
under florescent lights 'chatoyancy'
or cat's eye may vanish completely.
A strong, well entered and straight
eye produce in fine quality gems. A
strong eye produced by over headed
light. On the other hand a one-side
moving light source help the gem to
get the lighting laterally and
creates "milk and honey" effect.
"Milk and honey" effect refers to
one side light and one side dark
effect. When two light source used
to move from the center to the side
the eye splited into two bands. Each
band follows one of the light
sources and creates an effect of
opening and closing.
'Chatoyancy' or cat's eye gems have
a distinct place in Astrology. It is
believed that it has healing powers.
These gems protect the wearer from
all the types of mysterious dangers
and disease and brings good-luck to
the wearer. It also promotes
concentration and the learning
ability, tolerance and harmony.
Chatoyancy or Cats Eye in your Gemmologist
Chatoyancy Description
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