Cat's Eye: The Gem of Protection |
Cat's Eye: The Gem of Protection
Cat’s Eye
Ketu
History and Cultural Significance
Advantages of Cat’s Eye (Ketu) Gemstone
- Unique chatoyancy creates a mesmerizing look.
- Symbolizes luck, protection, and spiritual wisdom.
- Highly durable with a Mohs hardness of 8.5.
- Believed to enhance intuition and mental clarity.
- Carries rich historical and cultural significance.
- Rare and valuable, especially high-quality specimens.
Disadvantages of Cat’s Eye (Ketu) Gemstone
- Limited color range (yellow, green, brown, black).
- Requires careful cleaning and maintenance.
- Sensitive to extreme heat.
- Inclusions may affect clarity.
- Higher price due to rarity and quality.
- Authentication challenges for genuine stones.
Consultation
It's crucial to consult with a knowledgeable astrologer to determine if wearing a Cat's Eye gemstone is suitable for you. The astrologer will analyze your birth chart, especially the position of Ketu, to make a recommendation.
Carat Weight
Cat's Eye gemstones are often set in silver or white gold for astrological purposes. The metal choice can also be guided by your astrologer's recommendations.
Metal
Ruby is typically set in gold or copper for astrological purposes.
Finger
Cat's Eye gemstones are typically worn on the middle finger of the right hand for astrological benefits. However, this can also depend on your astrologer's advice or cultural practices.
Day and Time
The auspicious day and time for wearing Cat's Eye gemstones can be determined through astrological calculations. Your astrologer will provide you with the specific details for when to wear the gemstone.
Purification
Before wearing the Cat's Eye gemstone, it's often recommended to purify it by dipping it in raw cow's milk or Ganga Jal (holy water) and chanting the Ketu mantra or other relevant prayers as per your astrologer's guidance.
Synthetic and Treatments
Synthetic
Lab-created Cat's Eye gemstones mimic natural ones, priced lower but lack their rarity and value. They exhibit chatoyancy but may lack authenticity. Heat-treated for color enhancement and clarity, these treatments should be disclosed to buyers as they can impact the gem's value and authenticity.
Treatment
Heat treatment is employed to enhance the color and clarity of Cat's Eye gemstones, with some stones also undergoing treatment to improve their chatoyancy. It's crucial for sellers to disclose any treatments, as they can significantly affect the gemstone's value and authenticity. Buyers should be aware of these treatments when evaluating Cat's Eye gemstones.
Properties of Cat’s Eye
Color
Typically golden to greenish-yellow, but can also be brown, gray, or black.
Hardness
Rated 8.5 on the Mohs scale, making it highly durable.
Cut
Cat's Eye gems are often cabochon-cut, showcasing their chatoyancy. These cuts are smooth and rounded with a flat base, highlighting the gem's optical effect and enhancing its visual allure.
Carat Weight
Cat's Eye gemstones can range from less than one carat to several carats or more, with carat weight being a key factor in determining their value along with color, clarity, and cut.
Cat’s Eye in Jewelry
Care and Maintenance
Astrological and Healing Properties
Evaluation and Pricing
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