What kind of mineral made a bead cat's eye?

One of the most common and affordable semi-precious stones is the cat's eye. Jewelry from it is often worn by even children, like beads with deep overflows and adults. What kind of stone is this? In this article, you will find out who will be lucky with the cat's eye bead, and how to determine the authenticity of the product.

A mineral or an effect?

Among our compatriots, it is widely believed that the cat's eye is the name of the mineral species. Often, such statements can be heard not only among the townsfolk, but also from sellers of jewelry and products made of natural stones. A standard dialog in the store: "What's this insertion from?" "It's a cat's eye," but this definition of a sonorous name is not entirely correct. Since we are talking about the characteristics of a variety of minerals, rather than one of some kind.

In Europe, the definition of "cat's eye effect" is common. Often, the description of the products indicates the name of the mineral used together with it. So what is a cat's- eye bead ? We are talking about minerals that have a translucent strip, moving when turning the stone. Most often this feature is found in quartz, chrysoberyl, ruby, sapphire, tourmaline and some other types of semiprecious gems. All stones with such a feature is appropriate to call "cat's eye". Accordingly, the color of the mineral can be almost anything - from light translucent shades of blue and green to saturated brown or smoky.

Use of mineral

The cat's eye is used in the jewelry industry. Due to the unique properties of the stone, it is rarely subjected to faceting, more often by grinding and processing to smooth shapes. Bead cat's eye looks very interesting in the light. Stones with this effect are inserted in jewelry and jewelry, made from a variety of metals. Often from beads collect simple necklaces and bracelets, stringing the elements onto the warp thread. Use the cat's eye and in the souvenir industry for the manufacture of a variety of decorative objects.

Properties of stone

Who is best suited for minerals with this effect? Since time immemorial these stones have been used to make amulets. It is believed that even one bead cat's eye is able to protect its owner from the evil eye and heart problems. This stone will be especially useful for children and adolescents. He will protect the young organism from disease and help to find personal luck. It is also believed that a cat's eye bracelet will help to find financial stability and prevent material problems. And according to some versions, this stone protects against accidents. Amulets and products made of minerals are recommended to be worn regularly or always to keep to themselves. Caring for a cat's eye is very simple. If contaminated and to give the product its original shine, it should be washed in warm soapy water using a cloth or a soft brush.

How to recognize a fake?

Despite the fact that quartz with the effect of a cat's eye is inexpensive, this mineral, as well as more expensive eye stones, is often faked and imitated. Most often on sale there are beads from borosilicate cheap glass. They can have strips and look like a cat's eye. Counterfeiting is very simple: artificial beads do not have natural impregnations and are uniform in color. And the light strip in such products does not move when turning the stone. Remember also that a natural stone always has more weight than its substitutes of glass and plastic.

Is it appropriate to call bijouterie from borosilicate glass a fake? Not always, only if such products are sold as a natural stone cat's eye. If the cost of jewelry is low and the seller does not try to convince you that they are made of a mineral, you can talk about the usual imitation.