Among the most intriguing members of the gem kingdom are those reflecting bright bands of light that form stars and cat’s eyes. This optical phenomenon, called chatoyancy, is caused by light reflecting off of parallel bundles of tiny hollow tubes or fibrous crystals of another mineral inside the gemstone. When a properly oriented stone is cut into a rounded shape, called a cabochon, the reflected light is focused into bright bands on the surface that are perpendicular to each set of fibers or hollow tubes (similarly, a hand of light can be observed perpendicular to the threads on a spool of thread held under a bright light).

Cat’s eyes are best admired under sunlight or some other direct light source. Multiple light sources each produce a star or cat s eye on the stone, giving it a fuzzy or unfocused look. The chatoyancy might disappear completely on a cloudy day or under fluorescent lights. The best star stones exhibit a well-centered line with equal intensity, and a uniform and attractive body color. Emerald Cat's Eye stones are extremely rare, and only come from Brazil and Colombia. In Colombia the best specimens have usually been found, with the best emerald color. The only mine that produces Cat's Eye in Colombia is Coscuez in the corte “La Marranera”. Substantial amounts of Cat's Eye have not been found for many years, though, so by now most of them have already been taken up by collectors and are not for sale.

Our company has an exclusive collection of Cat's Eye emerald in varying price ranges, with some exceptional and very exclusive Colombian Emerald Cats eye.

Chatoyancy - Phenomenon of certain cat's eye minerals which causes it to exhibit a concentrated narrow band of reflected light across the center of the mineral. Chatoyancy is usually only seen on polished cabochons.

Cat Eye's for sale

This is a special opportunity to acquire top quality, natural Colombian Emerald Cats Eye. These few specimens are the only ones mined in the last 5 years.

If you are collector, don’t let this unique opportunity pass by. The range of prices goes from $2500 USD to $5700 USD per carat. The 2.30 are oval cut, very good color and present an excellent chatoyancy effect. The best quality is the 0.70 carats. The one shown above is beautiful anytime, in any light.