Are Cat’s Eye gemstones expensive?

Yes, fine-quality Chrysoberyl Cat’s Eye gemstones are really pricey, highly respected in the gem trade, and are seen as one of Sri Lanka’s most prestigious mineral exports. Please do not mix them up with cheap quartz cat’s-eye stones you sometimes see in novelty shops.

The price of a Chrysoberyl Cat’s Eye comes down to a curious effect known as chatoyancy, which is driven by microscopic parallel rutile needles. The best gems show a very translucent, “milk and honey” body tone, plus a razor-sharp silvery-white line that glides across the dome when the light source moves. Near-flawless pieces are often moving for many thousands of dollars per carat.