Tiger’s Eye and Cat’s Eye stones are not the same things. Both have many things in common, but they are each distinct from each other. Once their similarities and differences are shown, they can never be confused for each other again.
Their main similarity is an effect known as chatoyancy, which is the thin line that gives it the appearance of a cat’s eye, its namesake. This is due to parallel, mineral tubes that from within the stones. When they are polished, they reflect light in long, vertical lines. However, these stones do not have the mineral makeup you would expect. Tiger’s Eye is a quartz found near iron deposits in South Africa. It is this iron within the quartz that gives Tiger’s Eye it’s unique coloring of yellows, coppers, and browns.
Many mistake Cat’s Eye as quartz. However, it is actually Chrysoberyl, a gem formed from aluminum oxide. This gem comes in golden and green, though it has been known to come in red or blue. It is cut as an oval or sphere.
Both have been worn throughout history as medicinal amulets, Tiger’s Eye being used as a healing tool and given to children as a protective talisman. Likewise, Cat’s Eye has been said to bring wisdom and luck to those who wear it. Both mark important anniversaries, with Tiger’s Eye being appropriate for the ninth year, while Cat’s Eye is often given on the eighteenth.
Both are some of the most affordable gemstones and have a very high value of hardness, making them ideal for everyday use, being used in such jewelry as bracelets and rings. As it is quite resilient, Cat’s Eye jewelry can be found in antique sales.
Now that the differences between these two stones have been laid out, it is time to decide which Eye is right for you. If you have an anniversary or need an elegant, everyday statement piece, these may be the stones for you.
