The name “chatoyance” originates from the French word “chatoyer,” which means “to shine like a cat’s eye.” The analogy also matches the way a cat’s pupils will narrow to a thin slit under bright light.
Cat’s Eye with a Slit Pupil: This cat’s eyes have responded to bright light by closing their pupils to a narrow slit. This is where the “cat’s-eye” gemstone name originates.
Tiger’s-Eye Cabochons: Two “honey” tiger’s-eye cabochons with very nice chatoyance. These stones are 8 x 6 millimeter ovals and cost a few dollars each. They were cut from material mined in the Central African Republic. Tiger’s-eye is the only chatoyant stone that is produced in large quantities in calibrated sizes. That makes it the only chatoyant stone commonly seen in mass-production jewelry stores. It is very popular in men’s rings and cufflinks.
