The Helena independent. [volume] (Helena, Mont.) 1875-1943, 1891-07-20
THE CATS EYE.
4 Curious Gem Which Stands Very High
in the Estimation of the Hindoo.

A Curious Gem Which Stands Very High
in the Estimation of the Hindoo.
This curious gem is second only to the
diamond in the estimation of the Hindoos,
as they devoutly believe that each stone Is
inhabited by some good spirit or familiar
demon, n that the possession Of a fine
specimen confers upon its owner exemption
from the Chill of poverty" It is, more
over, credited with being the guardian of it's
owners wealth, whio1 is constantly on the
increase so long as he retains possession of
the stone; but should he be induced to sell
or barter it away a malignant fate will pur-
sue him ever after. Nor can we feel sur
prlsed that a people SO imaginative
and superstitious as the Hindoos should
regard this peculiar stone, with its
shifting light and mysterious cleaning.
with a mixture of wonder and awe.
The Mocrs, and the inhabitants of Mala-
bar, from the remotest times, have held
this stone In the highest yeneration, and in
common with more eastern nations have
worn it as an amulet sure to secure riches
TO the fortunate possessor. The finest are
found in Ceylon. the SinRhalese, out of
their veneration for the monkey, often cary-
ing these stones to resemble a monkeys
race. taking advantage of the varying lights
and colors of the stone TO secure
a 2rotesque likeness to the original.
This stone Is also found in the Herr noun
talns, III Bavaria. and in parts of the United
States, and is supposed by some to be i
species of silicifed wood. The cats eye ia
sometimes COMPOUNDED by amateurs with
certain beautiful iridlzea agates which come
from Arabia and Persia. and strongly resem-
Bile 1t; but the coiors of the agates are gen
orally brighter, and will bear no comparison.
on close inspection, with the real thinq,o
either IN reQa d to beauty or value. The
catss-eye IS OF various colois. ranging from
light yellow Though all shades of brown,
ana from an apple-greea to the deepest
olive. Occasionally they are found nearly
black. The value OF this stone is deter
mined according to the Drlliiancy of the
line, which should run evenly across
the middle of the stone, narrow, but
sharply defined, the price ranging
from $50 to $500. There ar. however,
large and exceptionally fine specimens that
nave fetched as much as 5000. These val
uanie cat's-eyeB are known amougst lapi-
darles as C ysobe vi, to distinguish tlom
from all inferior quartz variety that can be
purchased readily for Il few dollars. This
stone IS always cut in q convex form,
and of a long oval, which enhances
not only its beauty, by confirming the
opalescent streak OF life to the center,
but adds materially to i9 re-
semblance to the living eye of the cat
from which 1t derives it's nume. This gem
is rarely found IN larger pieces than Il
hazelnnt. although il the Marlborough col
lection there - a superb specimen, one und
one-half inches high, carved into tne foam
OF a lions bend. the artist having skillfully
awaited himself Of the varied shades of
light and color, alternating with every
movement inrarted Ly the holder,
and giving to 1t an appearance OF ilte
and really which has 4 most weird eject
upon the spectator. Another magnificent
specimen Is in the South kenslngton mn
scum, and was once tho property of the
king OF Randy (Ccylou). This is sal TO
be the largest known. The cat's-eye is a
great favorlte among tho ''cnrled dHrlinqs'.
of the English upper ten. and is generally
worn surrounded by small brilliants. either
as a ring, stud or scarf-oa.