Cymophane(Cat’s eye)

Cymophane, more commonly known as Cats Eye, is a captivating variety of Chrysoberyl that displays the mesmerizing phenomenon of chatoyancy, a luminous band of light that glides across the gem’s surface, resembling the slit eye of a cat. This unique effect is created by light reflecting off fine inclusions of tiny parallel needles or hollow tubes within the stone.

Chrysoberyl occurs in a range of transparencies, from crystal-clear and transparent to cloudy, translucent, and even opaque forms. In Sri Lanka, Cats Eye gemstones are widely found across major gem-producing regions, especially around Rakwana, Bulutota, Deniyaya, Morawaka, Elahera, Avissawella, Pelawatte, Horana, Matugama, Panadura, Rathnapura, Aluthgama, Ambalantota, Agalawaththa, Bulathsinghala, Kalapugama, and Mestiya.

The colors of Cymophane vary from golden-yellow to greenish-yellow and brownish-yellow, with the finest stones often displaying a sharp, centered eye against a glowing semi-transparent body. Renowned for both their mystical beauty and their rarity, Cat’s Eye gems are treasured not only as jewelry stones but also as talismans of good fortune and protection.