mineral
Blue Cat's Eye Quartz (Heated/Dyed)
Silicon Dioxide (SiO2) with fibrous inclusions
Hardness: 7 Mohs; Color: Deep blue; Luster: Vitreous to silky; Crystal structure: Hexagonal (trigonal); Cleavage: None; Features strong chatoyancy (cat's eye effect) caused by fibrous inclusions.
- Hardness
- 7 Mohs
- Color
- Deep blue
- Luster
- Vitreous to silky
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Physical properties
Hardness: 7 Mohs; Color: Deep blue; Luster: Vitreous to silky; Crystal structure: Hexagonal (trigonal); Cleavage: None; Features strong chatoyancy (cat's eye effect) caused by fibrous inclusions.
Formation & geological history
Formed in hydrothermal veins or pegmatites. The blue color in this specific specimen is typically the result of industrial heat treatment or dyeing of natural chatoyant quartz or fiber-optic glass material.
Uses & applications
Primarily used in jewelry (beads, cabochons), carvings, and as a pocket stone for collectors and metaphysical use.
Geological facts
The 'cat's eye' effect is scientifically known as chatoyancy, derived from the French 'oeil de chat'. While chrysoberyl is the most famous cat's eye, quartz is a more affordable and common variety.
Field identification & locations
Identified by the distinct band of light that moves across the surface when turned. It is commonly found in Brazil, India, and Sri Lanka. For collectors, look for a sharp, centered 'eye' line.
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