Chrysoberyl Cat's Eye

About this Chrysoberyl Cat's Eye

A single chrysoberyl cat's eye of 4.00 carats, with an origin of Sri Lanka and a treatment of natural and untreated, both as described by the supplier. Cat's eye is the name given to chrysoberyl that shows chatoyancy: a line of light that seems to glide across the surface as the stone or the light source moves. The effect comes from fine, parallel needle-like inclusions inside the crystal, and it is why cat's eyes are cut as smooth domed cabochons rather than faceted. Its Hindi and Jyotish names are Lehsunia and Vaidurya.

In Jyotish, cat's eye is the gem of Ketu, the south node of the Moon. Like Rahu, Ketu is a shadow planet that astrologers read through its sign, house and conjunctions, and classical texts associate it with detachment, spirituality, moksha and the unexpected. By tradition Lehsunia is set in silver or panchdhatu and worn on the middle or little finger, depending on lineage, and is first put on on a day the advising astrologer chooses; Tuesday and Saturday are both common.

You receive the loose stone; no setting is included. A setting that leaves the dome open to light lets the line move freely, so mention that to your jeweller. Chrysoberyl is a hard mineral, harder than garnet or quartz, and suits a ring, though a domed stone can still chip if it is knocked on an edge.

Like Gomed, cat's eye is treated cautiously in Jyotish practice, and many astrologers suggest a trial period or other remedies first. Consult an astrologer about your chart before wearing it.

Astrological significance

Ketu is the south lunar node, a shadow planet that owns no sign in most systems and is judged by its placement, conjunctions and the lord of the sign it occupies. Cat's eye is classically considered during a Ketu mahadasha or antardasha, or where Ketu is prominent in the chart, but it is approached cautiously, and many astrologers suggest a trial period first. No ascendants are recorded for this listing; consult an astrologer before wearing.

Care & first wear

Clean in lukewarm soapy water with a soft brush and dry with a lint-free cloth; this lifts the oily film that can dull the line of light. Chrysoberyl is durable, but a domed stone can chip if knocked on a hard edge, so remove it for sport or heavy work and store it apart from diamonds.