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

Один из самых распространенных и доступных semiprecious stones - cat's eye. Even children often wear jewelry from it, they like beads with deep play and adults. What is this stone really? In our article you will learn who the cat's eye bead will bring good luck, and how to determine the authenticity of the product.

Mineral or effect?

Among our compatriots spreadThe view that the cat's eye is the name of a type of mineral. Often, such statements can be heard not only among the inhabitants, but also from sellers of jewelry and products made from natural stones. The standard dialogue in the store: “What does this insert come from? “This is a cat's eye,” but this definition of a sonorous name is not entirely correct. Since we are talking about the features of various minerals, and not one of some kind.

In Europe, the definition of “effectcat's eye. Often, the description of the product directly indicates the name of the mineral used with it. So what is the cat eye bead? We are talking about minerals that have a translucent strip, moving when the stone turns. Most often, quartz, chrysoberyl, ruby, sapphire, tourmaline and some other types of semi-precious gems have such a feature. All stones with such a feature appropriately called "cat's eye." Accordingly, the color of the mineral can be almost anything - from light translucent shades of blue and green to rich brown or smoky.

Mineral use

Cat's eye is used in jewelryindustry. Because of the unique properties of the stone, it is rarely cut, often limited to grinding and processing to smooth forms. Cat eye bead looks very interesting in the light. Stones with this effect are inserted into jewelry and jewelry made from a variety of metals. Often, simple necklaces and bracelets are collected from beads, stringing elements on a warp. The cat's eye is also used in the souvenir industry for the manufacture of a variety of decorative objects.

Properties of stone

Who is best suited minerals with sucheffect? From time immemorial, these stones have been used to make amulets. It is believed that even one cat eye bead can protect its wearer from the evil eye and heart problems. This stone will be especially useful to children and teenagers. It will protect the young body from disease and help to gain personal success. It is also believed that the cat's eye bracelet will help gain financial stability and prevent material problems. And in some versions, this stone protects against accidents. Amulets and products made of minerals are recommended to be worn regularly or always to keep with you. Care for the cat's eye is very simple. When 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 a feline effecteyes are inexpensive, this mineral, as well as more expensive eye-stones, are often forged and imitated. Most often on sale there are beads of cheap borosilicate glass. They may have stripes and look like a cat's eye. Fake is defined very simply: artificial beads do not have natural inclusions and are distinguished by a uniform color. And the light strip in such products does not move when the stone is rotated. Remember that natural stone always has more weight than its substitutes made of glass and plastic.

Is it appropriate to call a borosilicate bijouterieglass fake? Not always, only if such products are sold as 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 mineral, you can talk about the usual imitation.