Cat’s eye gems of many different mineral species are well known, but when the term “cat’s eye” is used alone it always refers to the rare gemstone chrysoberyl. However, not all chrysoberyls show this chatoyant effect. Transparent to translucent chrysoberyl without a cat’s eye can make a wonderful faceted stone. Chatoyant chrysoberyls are cut into cabochons to best display their spectacular eyes. Some chrysoberyls that show a color change are known as alexandrites. All varieties of this gem are prized jewelry stones.