Cats Eye (Lehsunia) Buying Guide: 7 Expert Tips for the Perfect Gemstone
Cat’s Eye, known in India as the mystical Lehsunia, is a phenomenal gemstone prized for its striking chatoyancy—a sharp band of light that moves across its surface, resembling the slit eye of a cat. As the primary gemstone for the shadow planet Ketu in Vedic astrology, Lehsunia is worn to protect against hidden enemies, mitigate risks, and attract sudden wealth. Buying a genuine, high-quality Cat’s Eye requires a deep understanding of its unique optical properties. This expert guide provides in-depth knowledge on how to evaluate its quality, understand its varieties, and buy an authentic Cat’s Eye stone with complete confidence.
The defining feature of a Cat’s Eye is its sharp, moving band of light.
Cat’s Eye (Lehsunia) at a Glance
| Gemstone Family | Chrysoberyl (most valuable), Quartz |
| Indian Name | Lehsunia, Vaidurya |
| Ruling Planet | Ketu |
| Metaphysical Properties | Protection, Intuition, Sudden Wealth |
| Hardness | 8.5 (Chrysoberyl), 7 (Quartz) on the Mohs Scale |
The Astrological Significance of Lehsunia and How to Wear It
In Vedic astrology, Cat’s Eye is a powerful gemstone used to appease the shadow planet Ketu. Ketu represents sudden events, spiritual detachment, and past karmic influences. Wearing a Lehsuniya stone is believed to protect the wearer from unforeseen dangers and support spiritual liberation.
Astrological Rules for Wearing a Cat’s Eye (Lehsunia)
| Who Should Wear It? | Recommended for individuals undergoing the Ketu Mahadasha or for those in high-risk professions. It is believed to bring luck in speculative businesses. |
| Which Finger? | The middle or ring finger of the right (working) hand. |
| Best Metal? | Silver or Panchdhatu (a five-metal alloy) are the most recommended metals. |
| When to Wear? | On a Tuesday or Saturday evening, during the Shukla Paksha (waxing moon phase). |
| Energizing Ritual (Prana Pratishtha) | Before wearing, the ring should be cleansed in Gangajal or raw cow’s milk and energized by chanting the Ketu mantra “Om Kem Ketave Namah” (ॐ कें केतवे नमः) 108 times. |
How to Buy an Original Lehsunia Stone: A Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Prioritize the Chatoyancy (The “Cat’s Eye” Effect)
The single most important factor is the quality of the chatoyant band. It is created by light reflecting off fine, parallel needle-like inclusions within the stone. A top-quality Cat’s Eye will have:
- A Sharp and Bright Band: The line of light should be sharp, well-defined, and bright, not broad or blurry.
- The “Milk and Honey” Effect: This is a hallmark of the finest Cat’s Eye gems. When a light source is shined on the side of the stone, the side closest to the light should appear milky or translucent white, while the other side remains a darker, honey-like color.
Step 2: Understand the Different Types of Cat’s Eye
The term “Cat’s Eye” can refer to the effect in several minerals, but one is far more valuable than the others.
Expert Insight: The most valuable and astrologically significant Cat’s Eye is Chrysoberyl Cat’s Eye. It is a hard (8.5 on the Mohs scale) and durable gemstone with the sharpest chatoyancy. Other varieties, like Quartz Cat’s Eye, are much more common, softer (7 on the Mohs scale), and significantly less valuable.
Step 3: Evaluate the Color
The most desirable color for a Chrysoberyl Cat’s Eye is a greenish-yellow, often described as “Lehsuniya” (like the herb garlic) or a rich honey-yellow. The color should be attractive and provide a good contrast to the milky-white chatoyant band.
Step 4: Examine the Cut and Shape
To display the chatoyancy, a Lehsunia must be cut into a cabochon. The cut must be perfectly executed by a skilled lapidary, ensuring the base is parallel to the inclusions to create a sharp, centered eye. The dome should be well-proportioned and smooth.
Step 5: Understand Pricing Factors
The cats eye stone price is determined by the quality of its phenomenal effect.
- Strength of Chatoyancy: The sharpness of the eye and the presence of the “milk and honey” effect are the biggest price factors.
- Color: A rich, appealing honey or greenish-yellow color is more valuable.
- Clarity: The stone should be translucent and as free of other distracting inclusions as possible.
- Origin: The finest Cat’s Eye stones historically come from Sri Lanka and India.
Step 6: Verify Authenticity
It is crucial to distinguish a natural Chrysoberyl Cat’s Eye from imitations like glass or quartz. A lab certificate is the only way to be certain.
Crucial Information: Glass imitations can show a cat’s eye effect, but it will often look too perfect and lack the subtle, natural character of a real stone. They will also not exhibit the “milk and honey” effect.
Step 7: Purchase from a Reputable Seller
Always buy from a trusted gemstone dealer who can provide a certificate from a reputable gemological laboratory, verifying the stone as a “Natural Chrysoberyl Cat’s Eye.”
Why Trust Ratna Gems for Your Cat’s Eye?
At Ratna Gems, we are committed to providing authentic, high-quality astrological gemstones with complete transparency. We are your trusted source because we offer:
- Certified Authentic Cat’s Eye: Every Lehsunia stone is certified by a recognized lab and comes with a Lifetime Authenticity Guarantee.
- Transparent and Honest Pricing: We offer competitive prices for genuine Lehsunia with full disclosure on quality and origin.
- Unmatched Customer Support: Our experts are here to guide you, and our 7-day return policy ensures your complete satisfaction.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the “milk and honey” effect?
This is a prized characteristic of high-quality Chrysoberyl Cat’s Eye. When a light is shined on the side of the stone, one side of the chatoyant band will appear milky white, and the other will retain its darker, honey-like color. This effect confirms a very sharp and well-defined cat’s eye.
Is Quartz Cat’s Eye good for astrology?
While Quartz Cat’s Eye is a beautiful stone, for the powerful astrological benefits of Ketu, only Chrysoberyl Cat’s Eye (Lehsunia) is recommended by Vedic astrologers. Chrysoberyl is a primary gemstone, while quartz is considered a substitute with weaker effects.
Is Cat’s Eye suitable for daily wear?
Yes, a Chrysoberyl Cat’s Eye is an excellent choice for daily wear. With a hardness of 8.5 on the Mohs scale, it is very hard and durable, making it suitable for rings.
How should I care for my Lehsunia jewelry?
Clean your Cat’s Eye with warm, soapy water and a soft brush. Ultrasonic and steam cleaners are generally safe for Chrysoberyl. Store it separately to prevent it from scratching softer gemstones.
This guide offers a clear and detailed overview of Cats Eye gemstones, covering essential factors like quality indicators, care tips, and the chatoyancy effect. Including more tips on distinguishing genuine stones from imitations would make it even more helpful for buyers.