Definition, Meaning & Synonyms
chatoyance
Noun
/ʃəˈtɔɪəns/
Definition
Chatoyance refers to a property of certain gemstones that creates a reflective band of light across the surface, resembling the slit-eye of a cat.
Examples
- The chatoyance in the tiger’s eye stone makes it particularly striking.
- When polished, the chatoyance of the quartz was mesmerizing.
- She admired the chatoyance of the gemstone under the bright light.
Meaning
The term is often used in gemology to describe the visual effect observed on cabochon-cut stones, where a narrow band of light appears to move as the stone is turned.
Synonyms
- Cat’s eye effect
- Adularescence
- Schiller
