Cat’s eye gems are fascinating gemstones defined by their distinctive chatoyancy—a sharp, moving band of light that resembles a cat’s slit pupil. This effect arises from parallel inclusions that reflect light in a concentrated line, and in rare cases it can appear in almost any gemstone species under the right internal conditions.
While the most celebrated variety is cat’s eye chrysoberyl, known for its crisp, centered eye and golden-green hues, other minerals such as quartz, tourmaline, and apatite can also display this phenomenon. Even more exceptional are cat’s eye alexandrites and the extremely rare cat’s eye sapphires, both prized by collectors for their rarity and dramatic optical character. Associated with protection and intuition, these watchful stones—found “mostly” in Sri Lanka, India, Brazil, and Madagascar—remain among the most mysterious and alluring gems in the world.