Gemstone :
Kornerupine Cat's Eye

Birthstone Month :
Kornerupine is not associated with any particular birthstone month.

Zodiac :
Kornerupine is not associated with any part zodiac sign.

Chemical Symbol :
Mg4(AlFe)6(SiAlB)5O21(OH)

Chemical Make-up :
Kornerupine is a Magnesium Aluminum Iron Boro-Silicate Hydroxide.

History & Lore :
Kornerupine was first discovered in 1887 in occurrence in Fiskernaes, Greenland. Kornerupine was named in honor of a the discoverer, famous Danish geologist and explorer Andreas Nikolaus Kornerup.

Kornerupine can be used to stabilize and calm emotions as well as regenerating energy in the body. It is believed to enhance teaching ability, eloquence, communication, and clarity. In addition to this, Kornerupine is believed to help the wearer to gain a better understanding of themselves and the world around them.

Availability :
Kornerupine is a rare gemstone and an equally rare mineral specimen. Kornerupine is generally considered to be a collector's stone. The emerald green varieties are highly sought-after, and are the most valuable Kornerupine color.

Evaluation :
Kornerupine is rated at 6.5 to 7 on Moh's Scale of Hardness and is durable enough for daily wear. Kornerupine is not commonly used for jewelry purposes and generally is not cut for the common consumer but for gem connoisseurs and collectors. Kornerupine stones have a vitreous luster with crystals ranging from transparent to translucent. Kornerupine is best known for its wonderful emerald green color.

Kornerupine's characteristics closely resemble those of the Emerald, but the decisive characteristic that distinguishes Kornerupine from Emerald is Kornerupine's pleochroic colors. This means that difference colors can be exhibited when viewing the stone from different angles. Kornerupine will display a yellowish- green color from one angle, but as the crystal or stone is rotated with respect to the viewer, the color will change to display a brownish-red. Though green tends to be the popular choice of color, Kornerupine can also be found in an attractive variety of yellows, pinks, and browns.

Kornerupine Cat's Eye displays an amazing phenomena known as chatoyancy, also known in the gem trade as “the cat's eye effect”. The reason for this fascinating phenomenon is very fine inclusions within the stone. When a light source is directed on these inclusions a bright strip of light appears, running perpendicular to the inclusions. This strip will then glide across the surface of the stone when turned over.

The most important factor to consider when buying Apatite Cat's Eye gemstones is the strength and sharpness of the eye. The eye of the stone must have a fine line running through it that is both distinct and easily recognized. In addition to this, the color and the intensity of the stones pleochroism is also an important factor to consider when evaluating the value of Kornerupine Cat's Eyes.

Common Cuts :
Kornerupine Cat's Eye are most commonly and almost exclusively cut into cabochons. This is because a tall, round cut is required to maximize the striking Cat's Eye effect most brilliantly.

Routine Enhancements :
There are no known enhancements for Kornerupine.

Care & Cleaning :
Kornerupine is best cleaned using warm soapy water and a soft brush. Exposure to excessive heat and household chemicals should be avoided. Always store your Kornerupine jewelry in a fabric-lined box away from other jewelry items in order to avoid scratching.