Where is Cat's Eye Quartz found?

Cat's Eye Quartz occurs in specific geological environments. Knowing where to look, and in what kind of rock, is the difference between going home empty-handed and finding a great specimen.

Where to find Cat's Eye Quartz

Collecting tips

1. Look for Chatoyancy. The defining characteristic is the moving band of light. Rotate the specimen under a single light source to observe this effect. This is best seen on polished, domed surfaces (cabochons).
2. Examine Inclusions. Under magnification, fine, parallel, needle-like inclusions or channels should be visible, responsible for the chatoyancy. These are typically rutile or amphibole fibers.
3. Hardness Test. Quartz has a Mohs hardness of 7. It should scratch glass and not be easily scratched by a steel knife. This helps distinguish it from softer minerals.
4. Specific Gravity. Quartz has a specific gravity of 2.65. This can be used to differentiate it from other chatoyant minerals with different densities.
5. Distinguish from Cat's Eye Chrysoberyl. Cat's Eye Chrysoberyl (Mohs hardness 8.5) is significantly harder and typically has a sharper, more defined 'eye' and a higher specific gravity (3.71-3.75). Cat's Eye Quartz is also generally less expensive.

Quick Check

Color:

Variable (gray, green, yellow, brown, white)

Luster:

Vitreous to greasy, silky on chatoyant band

Streak:

White

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