Cat’s eye aquamarine

Cat’s Eye Aquamarine Overview

Cat’s eye aquamarine is a captivating blue or cyan variety of the mineral beryl. This unique gemstone displays an intriguing chatoyancy, or cat’s eye effect, which sets it apart from other forms of aquamarine.

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Sources and Varieties of Aquamarine

Aquamarine can be found in many of the same locations as ordinary beryl, with notable deposits in Sri Lanka’s gem-gravel placer mines. In Brazil, you can also find chrysolite aquamarine, which has a distinct green-yellow hue. Another fascinating variety of aquamarine is Maxixe, a deep blue gemstone commonly found in Madagascar.

Color Characteristics of Maxixe Aquamarine

Maxixe aquamarine’s vibrant blue color is known to fade to white under prolonged exposure to sunlight or heat. However, the color can be restored through irradiation treatment. The pale blue color of aquamarine is attributed to the presence of Fe2+ ions, while Fe3+ ions contribute to a golden-yellow color. When both Fe2+ and Fe3+ are present, they can produce darker shades, like those found in Maxixe aquamarine. The fading of Maxixe’s color due to light or heat is likely a result of charge transfer between Fe3+ and Fe2+ ions. It is also possible to produce the characteristic dark-blue Maxixe color in green, pink, or yellow beryl through exposure to high-energy radiation, such as gamma rays, neutrons, or even X-rays.

Cat’s eye aquamarine from India

Watch the video below to see a beautiful example of cat’s eye aquamarine from India:

Cat’s Eye Aquamarine Effect

Understanding Chatoyancy

In gemology, the cat’s eye effect, or chatoyancy, is an optical reflectance phenomenon that appears in certain gemstones. The term “chatoyancy” comes from the French phrase “oeil de chat,” which means “cat’s eye.” This effect can arise due to the fibrous structure of a gemstone, as seen in cat’s eye tourmaline, or from the presence of fibrous inclusions or cavities within the stone, as seen in cat’s eye chrysoberyl.

Formation of the Cat’s Eye Effect in Aquamarine

In cat’s eye aquamarine, the phenomenon is caused by tiny needle-like precipitates within the gemstone. These needles align perpendicularly to create the distinctive cat’s eye effect. Upon examination, no evidence of tubes or fibers was found in the samples, suggesting that the needles are the primary cause of chatoyancy. The lattice structure of these needle precipitates aligns with one of the three orthorhombic crystal axes of the chrysoberyl, contributing to the effect.

Appearance and Cutting Style

The appearance of chatoyancy resembles the brilliance of a spool of silk, with a luminous streak of light that runs perpendicular to the direction of the fibers. To enhance the visibility of this effect, cat’s eye aquamarine is typically cut into a cabochon shape. A cabochon is a round, polished shape with a flat base, which helps to highlight the gemstone’s chatoyant effect. The fibers or fibrous structures are kept parallel to the base of the finished stone to achieve the best results.

Quality of Chatoyancy

The finest specimens of cat’s eye aquamarine feature a single, sharp band of light that appears to move across the stone when it is rotated. Lesser-quality stones may show a banded or multiple-line effect, similar to what is seen in the cat’s eye variety of quartz. Faceted stones generally do not display the chatoyancy as effectively as cabochons.

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Custom Aquamarine Jewelry

We offer a variety of custom-made jewelry featuring natural aquamarine, including engagement rings, necklaces, stud earrings, bracelets, and pendants. Whether you are looking for a unique green aquamarine piece or a classic blue aquamarine design, we can create a bespoke jewelry item tailored to your preferences. Please contact us for a personalized quote.

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