description Cat's Eye Apatite Overview
Cat's eye apatite is a variety of apatite that shows chatoyancy, a narrow reflective band that moves across the surface of a polished cabochon. The effect is produced by aligned inclusions within the phosphate mineral and is most visible when the stone is cut en cabochon rather than faceted. Material described as cat's eye apatite is associated especially with sources in Sri Lanka and is collected for jewelry and mineral study.
help Cat's Eye Apatite FAQ
What is cat's eye apatite?
Cat's eye apatite is a variety of apatite that shows chatoyancy, a narrow reflective band that moves across a polished stone. The effect is most visible in a cabochon cut.
What causes the cat's-eye effect in apatite?
Aligned inclusions inside the phosphate mineral reflect light into a narrow band. As the stone or light moves, the band appears to glide across the surface.
How should cat's eye apatite be cut?
It is usually cut en cabochon, with a smooth rounded surface rather than faceted faces. This shape allows the chatoyant band to appear clearly.
Is cat's eye apatite the same as ordinary apatite?
It is still apatite, but it has aligned inclusions that create visible chatoyancy. The moving reflective band is the feature that gives this variety its cat's-eye name.
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