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The variety of
chrysoberyl
containing needles or negative crystals oriented in the same
direction showing some exceptional and sharp chatoyancy is
called cat's-eye. This optical phenomenon produces the appearance
of the likeness of a cat's contracted pupil in the stone.
When a good quality cat's-eye is held toward a concentrated light
source, the half of the stone closest to the light will show the
body color and the other half will appear quite milky. When the
stone is rotated, the colors switch.
In the Orient, cat's-eye is highly revered as a preserver of good
fortune, the belief being that it guards the owner's wealth and it
protects him from poverty.
This mineral is said to represent happiness and serenity and to amplify one's luck.
In Sri Lanka, cat's-eye is considered a
potent charm against evil spirits.
Cat's-Eye builds determination, strength of mind,
steadfastness, will power, moral courage, tenacity, vigor, resolve, self
control, intelligence and knowledge. It also fosters constancy, stability and
the ability to weather all storms. It
can act to stimulate intuition and to enhance awareness and can also
be used in the treatment of eye disorders or to increase vision
responses during night-driving. In addition, cat's-eye has
been used to relieve headaches and pain associated with the nervous
system as well as asthma and bowel cramp. |
