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and the neighborhood of Matura in the southern part of the island. In
North America, chrysoberyl has been found in Maine, Connecticut, and
North Carolina, but few stones sufficiently transparent for cutting
occur. Cymophane, or "cat's-eye," is a name given to a translucent,
opalescent variety of chrysoberyl, across a polished surface of which
may be seen to play a single long, narrow ray of light, changing
position with every movement of the stone. The phenomenon is like that
exhibited by star sapphires, except that but a single ray is seen
instead of several. The cause of the appearance is believed to be
multitudes of minute tube-like cavities in the stone arranged in
parallel position, which reflect the light which falls upon them. In
cutting the stone the best effect is produced by giving it the form of
a long oval, over the middle of which a light ray runs and produces a
resemblance to the eye of a cat. Such stones are the true "cat's-eyes"
of jewelry, the quartz cat's-eye being much inferior. The name
cymophane, also applied to these stones, comes from two Greek words,
meaning wavy appearance. The cat's-eye variety of chrysoberyl occurs
together with the transparent kind above described in the alluvial
deposits of Ceylon and Brazil. The stones are not large, rarely
exceeding 100 carats in weight. The largest and finest known is in the
South Kensington Museum of England, and is about an inch and a half in
length and of the same thickness.
In
Oriental countries the cat's-eye has long been highly esteemed a
preserver of good fortune, the belief being that each stone is mhabited
by a good spirit. It is believed to be a guardian of its owner's wealth
and to protect him from poverty. The stone is often carved by Orientals
into the form of some animal's head, thus increasing its weird and
mysterious aspect. The popularity of the stone among Europeans was
suddenly increased a few years ago when the" Duke of Connaught gave one
in a betrothal ring to his bride, Princess Margaret of Prussia.
Cat's-eye immediately became the fashion among the wealthy classes, and
the supply proved quite unequal to the demand. The stone is still quite
fashionable, and not less than one hundred dollars per carat must often
be paid to secure a good one.
Alexandrite
is a variety of chrysoberyl found in the Ural Mountains, and received
its name from the fact that it was first found on the birthÂday of
Alexander II., Czar of Russia, in the year 1830. Moreover, the colors
which it presents, green and red, are the national colors of Russia.
Alexandrite by ordinary light is dark grass-green, or emerald-green, in
color, but on holding it to the sunlight, or viewing it by artificial
light, it appears columbine-red. The gem has therefore the unique
property of appearing as "an emerald by day and amethyst by night." The
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