CAT'S EYE - Lehsuniya(for Ketu)

Vaidurya or Cat's Eye is the name given to the variety of chrysoberyl which beautifully displays the phenomenon of chatoyancy. The numerous inclusions line up to form very fine, parallel crystal needles. Cat's eyes are always cut in cabachons to emphasize the eye effect.

Vaidurya or Cat's Eye harmonizes Ketu which is traditionally known as the tail of the dragon. In Jyotish, Ketu is the descending node of Chandra (Moon). It's influences are similar to Mangal or Mars and include liberation, abstract thinking, asceticism, non-attachment, healing, moksha--enlightenment, wisdom and that which is hidden.
Ketu's influence in the physiology is represented by the tail of the caudate. It's influence is over learning and emotions.
This protects its wearer from hidden enemies, mysterious dangers and diseases. It is normally milky in colour. The gem is very hot in nature. In the event that it does not suit the wearer, the gem sometimes gives immediate signals like uneasiness, restlessness etc.
Cat's Eye is supposed to counter the evil effects of Ketu and diseases caused by Mars. It may prevent unexpected mishaps of life, curing mania, paralysis etc. It protects the wearer from accidents and secret enemies. For businessmen, it is a miraculous result-giving stone, bestowing wealth by secret means like horse racing, gambling, stock exchange market and speculations. It also protects from drowning, intoxication, and Government punishment. It is said to bring fortunes to those who gamble (horse racing, casinos) and should be worn in gold on 2nd finger or 3rd finger of right hand. The weight should be 3, 5 or 7 grams.

PHYSICAL PROPERTIES

Cat's Eye is a gem which displays a band of light at the top which moves when the gem is tilted. The Mineral is chemically known as Chrysoberyl (BeO.Al2O3). The chemical bonding is rhombic. It is generally found in greenish, brownish, yellowish and colourless shades. It has a specific gravity of 3.71 and hardness of 8.5 on the Moh's scale. It is a fairly hard material which wears well as a ring stone, although it is brittle.

OCCURRENCE

Cat's Eye is found in Sri Lanka, Brazil and India on a very big scale. It is also found in South Africa, Russia, Burma and U.S.A. In India, it has been found in a very big way in Orissa. It is also found in Kerela, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Bihar.

IDENTIFICATION

Being an opaque gem poses certain difficulties in differentiating the natural gem from artificial material. One striking difference which one can tell after some experience of seeing natural Cat's Eye Gems is that the artificial Cat's Eye will be too clear and the Cat's Eye effect will be too marked. But a closer examination under magnification will show signs of a natural gem - like small marks, grains of stone and the small irregularies below the polished surface. The lower part of a Cat's Eye is not polished but only ground, so one can see the roughness of the stone there.