One of the most common and affordable semiprecious stones is the cat's eye. Jewelry from it is often worn even by children, like beads with deep tints and adults. What kind of stone is this? In our article, you will find out who the cat-eye bead will bring luck to, and how to determine the authenticity of the product.
Mineral or effect?
Among our compatriots, it is widely believed that the cat's eye is the name of the type of mineral. Often, such statements can be heard not only among the townsfolk, but also from sellers of jewelry and natural stone products. The standard dialogue in the store: “What is this insert from? “It's a cat's eye,” however this definition of a sonorous name is not entirely correct. Since we are talking about the features of a variety of minerals, and not just one kind.
In Europe, the definition of "cat's eye effect" is common. Often, in the product description, the name of the used mineral is indicated directly with it. So what is a cat's eye bead ? We are talking about minerals that have a translucent strip that moves when the stone turns. Most often, this feature is quartz, chrysoberyl, ruby, sapphire, tourmaline and some other types of semiprecious gems. All stones with this feature should be called "cat's eye." Accordingly, the color of the mineral can be almost anything - from light translucent shades of blue and green to saturated brown or smoky.
Mineral use
Cat's eye is used in the jewelry industry. Due to the unique properties of the stone, it is rarely faceted, often limited to grinding and processing to smooth forms. The cat's eye bead looks very interesting in the light. Stones with this effect are inserted into jewelry and jewelry made from a wide variety of metals. Often, simple necklaces and bracelets are collected from beads, stringing elements on a warp thread. They use the cat's eye in the souvenir industry to make a variety of decorative items.
Stone properties
Who is best suited for minerals with this effect? Since time immemorial, these stones have been used to make amulets. It is believed that even one cat eye bead is able to protect its owner from the evil eye and heart problems. This stone will be especially useful for children and adolescents. It will protect the young body from diseases and help to find personal luck. It is also believed that a cat-eye bracelet will help you gain financial stability and prevent financial problems. And according to some versions, this stone protects against accidents. Amulets and mineral products are recommended to be worn regularly or always carried with you. Caring for a cat's eye is very simple. In case of contamination and to give the product an initial shine, it should be washed in warm soapy water using a rag or soft brush.
How to recognize a fake?
Despite the fact that quartz with the effect of a cat's eye is inexpensive, this mineral, as well as more expensive eye stones, are often faked and imitated. Most often on sale there are beads made of borosilicate cheap glass. They can have stripes and look like a cat's eye. Counterfeiting is defined very simply: artificial beads have no natural inclusions and are distinguished by a uniform color. And the light strip in such products does not move when the stone is turned. Remember that natural stone always has more weight than its substitutes from glass and plastic.
Is it appropriate to call jewelry made of borosilicate glass a fake? Not always, only if such products are sold as natural cat-eye stone. If the cost of jewelry is low and the seller is not trying to convince you that they are made of mineral, you can talk about the usual imitation.