description Kornerupine Cat's Eye Overview
Kornerupine cat's eye is a chatoyant variety of kornerupine, a rare magnesium-rich boro-silicate mineral. Its narrow band of reflected light is produced by parallel inclusions or internal structures that align within the cut stone. Kornerupine itself is usually green, brown, or yellowish, while cat's-eye material is valued by collectors for the clarity and movement of its optical effect. Important gem material has been reported from Greenland, Sri Lanka, and Madagascar.
help Kornerupine Cat's Eye FAQ
What creates the cat's-eye effect in kornerupine?
Parallel inclusions or internal structures reflect light into a narrow moving band. Cutting the stone as a cabochon helps align that band so it resembles a cat's eye.
What is kornerupine made of?
Kornerupine is a rare magnesium-rich borosilicate mineral. It commonly occurs in green, brown, or yellowish colors, while chatoyant examples show the optical cat's-eye effect.
Is kornerupine cat's eye rare?
Yes. Both kornerupine and strong chatoyant material are uncommon in the gem market. Clean stones with a sharp, centered eye are especially sought after by collectors.
How should kornerupine cat's eye be cut?
It is usually cut as a rounded cabochon rather than a faceted gem. The curved surface concentrates the reflected line and makes the eye visible across the stone.
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