Cat’s eye topaz

Topaz is a commonly found gemstone, but cat’s eye topaz is a rare and captivating variety. The two primary sources of cat’s eye topaz are Burma (Myanmar) and Madagascar. This unique gemstone exhibits a fascinating optical phenomenon that makes it highly desirable for collectors and jewelry enthusiasts alike.

Buy natural cat’s eye topaz in our shop

Topaz Overview

Pure topaz is colorless and transparent, but it often contains impurities that give it a variety of beautiful colors. Typically, topaz can be found in shades such as wine red, yellow, pale gray, reddish-orange, or blue-brown. It can also occur in white, pale green, blue, gold, pink (rare), or reddish-yellow, and it ranges from transparent to translucent.

Orange topaz, known as “Precious Topaz,” is the traditional birthstone for the month of November. It symbolizes friendship and is also the official state gemstone of Utah in the United States. Imperial topaz, a rare and valuable variety, is typically yellow, pink, or pink-orange.

The Brazilian Imperial Topaz often features a bright yellow to deep golden brown color, and in some cases, a rare violet hue. Many naturally pale or brown topaz stones are heat-treated to produce vibrant yellow, pink, gold, or violet colors. It is important to note that some Imperial Topaz specimens may fade when exposed to sunlight for extended periods.

Blue topaz is the official gemstone of Texas. Naturally occurring blue topaz is quite rare, which is why most blue topaz available in the market today is produced by treating colorless, pale yellow, or gray topaz with heat and irradiation to achieve the desired shade of blue.

Topaz is generally associated with silicic igneous rocks, such as granite and rhyolite. It typically forms in granitic pegmatites or vapor cavities in rhyolite lava flows. Notable locations include Topaz Mountain in western Utah and Chivinar in South America.

Topaz can be found alongside minerals such as fluorite and cassiterite in various regions worldwide, including the Ural and Ilmen mountains of Russia, Afghanistan, Sri Lanka, the Czech Republic, Germany, Norway, Pakistan, Italy, Sweden, Japan, Brazil, Mexico, Flinders Island in Australia, Nigeria, and the United States.

Cat’s Eye Topaz from Burma

The Cat’s Eye Effect

Cat’s eye topaz exhibits a rare optical phenomenon known as chatoyancy, or the “cat’s eye effect.” This effect is characterized by a bright, narrow band of light that moves across the surface of the gemstone, resembling the eye of a cat. The term “chatoyancy” comes from the French phrase “oeil de chat,” which means “cat’s eye.”

Chatoyancy in gemstones occurs due to the presence of fine, parallel fibrous inclusions or needle-like structures within the stone. In the case of cat’s eye topaz, these inclusions reflect light in such a way that it creates a luminous band, always positioned perpendicular to the direction of the fibers.

This phenomenon can be observed in other gemstones as well, such as cat’s eye tourmaline and cat’s eye chrysoberyl. For the best display of the cat’s eye effect, gemstones are typically cut into cabochons, which are rounded stones with a flat base. This cut allows the parallel inclusions to interact optimally with light, creating the distinctive cat’s eye appearance.

The needles responsible for chatoyancy are aligned along one of the three orthorhombic crystal axes of the chrysoberyl structure, resulting in a striking visual effect. The shimmering band of light moves gracefully across the surface of the stone when it is rotated, giving it an almost magical appearance.

The highest quality cat’s eye stones exhibit a single, sharp band of light, while lower quality specimens may show a more diffuse or banded effect, similar to the chatoyancy seen in varieties of quartz.

Faceted stones generally do not display the cat’s eye effect as effectively as cabochons do. The smooth, rounded surface of a cabochon cut enhances the play of light and allows the cat’s eye effect to be seen clearly. Chatoyant gemstones are highly prized for their uniqueness and beauty, making cat’s eye topaz a sought-after choice for collectors and jewelry designers.

Natural Cat’s Eye Topaz for Sale in Our Gem Shop

We offer custom-made cat’s eye topaz jewelry, including engagement rings, necklaces, stud earrings, bracelets, and pendants. Our expert jewelers can create a unique piece tailored to your preferences. Please contact us for a quote or to discuss your design ideas.

Cat’s eye topaz is truly a remarkable gemstone that stands out due to its rarity and mesmerizing optical effect. Whether you are an avid collector or simply someone who appreciates the natural beauty of gemstones, cat’s eye topaz is sure to captivate your attention and become a treasured part of your collection.