Rock Identifier
Tumbled cat’s-eye stone, likely cat’s-eye glass or imitation (Undetermined; natural chrysoberyl cat’s-eye is BeAl₂O₄, but the photo does not establish that identity) — gemstone
gemstone

Tumbled cat’s-eye stone, likely cat’s-eye glass or imitation

Undetermined; natural chrysoberyl cat’s-eye is BeAl₂O₄, but the photo does not establish that identity

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Smooth, rounded, pale green to yellow, glossy, with a bright band resembling chatoyancy. Hardness and crystal structure cannot be determined from the image; natural chrysoberyl is Mohs 8.5, while imitations vary widely.

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Physical properties

Smooth, rounded, pale green to yellow, glossy, with a bright band resembling chatoyancy. Hardness and crystal structure cannot be determined from the image; natural chrysoberyl is Mohs 8.5, while imitations vary widely.

Formation & geological history

The band may result from aligned inclusions in a natural gem, or may be produced by fibers in manufactured glass. Geological age and formation cannot be assigned without confirming the material.

Uses & applications

Used as a decorative tumbled stone or bead; genuine chrysoberyl cat’s-eye is cut for jewelry and collecting.

Geological facts

A true cat’s-eye effect is a narrow moving band of light that shifts as the stone or light source moves; one still image cannot confirm it.

Field identification & locations

The rounded shape suggests tumbling, and the smooth, uniform appearance makes identification uncertain. Check whether the band moves under a point light; gemological testing is needed to distinguish chrysoberyl from other minerals or glass. The reported Northern California location does not identify the specimen.