Cat’s Eye (लहसुनिया)

Cat’s Eye, known as लहसुनिया (Lahsuniya) in Hindi, is a unique and powerful gemstone belonging to the chrysoberyl mineral family. The name “Lahsuniya” comes from the Sanskrit word “Vaidurya” (वैडूर्य), which refers to its distinctive glowing streak resembling a cat’s eye. This gemstone is associated with Ketu (South Node of the Moon), a shadow planet in Vedic astrology that governs spiritual enlightenment, past-life karma, detachment, and sudden transformations. Wearing Cat’s Eye is believed to bring protection, intuition, wisdom, and relief from financial and mental instability. It is highly recommended for individuals undergoing Ketu Mahadasha or Antardasha, as it helps in overcoming obstacles, bad luck, and negative energies.

लहसुनिया एक अद्वितीय और शक्तिशाली रत्न है, जो क्राइसोबेरिल खनिज परिवार से संबंधित है। इसका नाम संस्कृत के शब्दवैडूर्यसे लिया गया है, जो इसकी बिल्ली की आंख जैसी चमकती धारियों को दर्शाता है। यह रत्न केतु ग्रह (Ketu Graha) से जुड़ा हुआ है, जो आध्यात्मिकता, पूर्व जन्म के कर्म, वैराग्य और अचानक परिवर्तन का प्रतीक है। लहसुनिया पहनने से सुरक्षा, अंतर्ज्ञान, ज्ञान और वित्तीय एवं मानसिक अस्थिरता से मुक्ति मिलती है। यह विशेष रूप से उन लोगों के लिए अनुशंसित है, जो केतु की महादशा या अंतरदशा से गुजर रहे हैं, क्योंकि यह बाधाओं, दुर्भाग्य और नकारात्मक ऊर्जा को कम करने में मदद करता है।

Properties of Cat’s Eye (Lahsuniya)
Chemical Composition: Beryllium Aluminium Oxide (BeAl₂O₄)
Luster: Silky to Vitreous (glassy)
Fracture: Conchoidal to Uneven
Hardness: 8.5 on the Mohs scale
Refractive Index: 1.746 – 1.755
Clarity: Opaque to translucent
Color: Yellowish-green, honey, gray, black, brownish-green
Best Origin: Sri Lanka (Ceylon)
Common Shapes: Oval, round, and cabochon cut (to enhance the cat’s eye effect)
Associated Planet: Ketu (South Node of the Moon)
Zodiac Sign: Scorpio (वृश्चिक) & Pisces (मीन)
Value Determinants: Chatoyancy (cat’s eye effect), clarity, carat weight, and origin
Other Uses: Used in rings, pendants, and malas (rosaries) for astrological and spiritual purposes

Protects Against Evil & Negativity: Shields from black magic, negative energies, and hidden enemies
Brings Stability & Success: Reduces uncertainty, sudden losses, and financial instability
Enhances Spiritual Growth: Helps in meditation, past-life regression, and enlightenment
Improves Decision-Making & Focus: Strengthens intuition and mental clarity
Reduces Effects of Ketu Dasha: Helps in overcoming misfortunes and karmic debts
Boosts Health & Healing: Beneficial for skin diseases, allergies, and nervous disorders
Aids in Legal & Business Matters: Supports businessmen, lawyers, and risk-takers in financial ventures

Wear it on a Tuesday evening or during Ketu Hora
The gemstone must be at least 5 to 7 carats for effective results
It should be embedded in silver or panchdhatu (five-metal alloy)
Worn on the middle finger or little finger of the right hand
Before wearing, dip it in raw cow’s milk and rinse it with Ganga Jal (holy water)
Recite the Ketu mantra:
“ॐ कें केतवे नमः” (Om Kem Ketave Namah) 108 times before wearing

Individuals with a strong influence of Ketu in their horoscope
Those experiencing Ketu Mahadasha or Antardasha
People involved in spiritual practices, meditation, and occult sciences
Businessmen, traders, and risk-takers facing financial instability
Individuals suffering from sudden career changes, legal troubles, or hidden enemies
Recommended for those born under Scorpio (वृश्चिक) and Pisces (मीन) zodiac signs

1. What is Cat’s Eye?

Cat’s Eye, also known as “Lehsunia,” is a unique gemstone that exhibits a captivating optical effect called chatoyancy, where a band of light moves across the surface of the stone, resembling the slit of a cat’s eye. It is strongly associated with the planet Ketu in astrology, believed to bring protection, remove obstacles, and enhance spiritual awareness.

2. How Do I Choose the Right Cat’s Eye?

When selecting a Cat’s Eye, focus on its color, clarity, and the distinctness of the chatoyancy effect. The best Cat’s Eye stones display a prominent, sharp band of light, often in yellow or greenish hues. A clear, smooth surface without visible cracks or inclusions is also ideal.

3. How Can I Tell If Cat’s Eye is Genuine?

To determine if a Cat’s Eye is genuine, check for its distinctive chatoyancy effect. Real Cat’s Eye stones will show a visible band of light that moves across the surface when the stone is rotated. Ensure the stone is certified by a trusted gemological laboratory for authenticity.

4. Can Cat’s Eye Be Used in All Types of Jewelry?

Yes, Cat’s Eye can be used in various jewelry types, including rings, necklaces, earrings, and bracelets. However, due to its relative hardness (6.5-7 on the Mohs scale), it is essential to handle it with care to prevent scratches or damage.

5. What Makes Cat’s Eye Special?

Cat’s Eye is special because of its unique optical effect, chatoyancy, which makes it appear as though a cat’s eye is embedded in the stone. It is also astrologically significant, as it is associated with Ketu, the shadow planet, and is believed to bring spiritual insight, protection, and clear the wearer’s path of obstacles.

Sri Lanka (Ceylon): The finest quality, golden-brown with high chatoyancy
India: Found in Odisha and Tamil Nadu, used mainly for astrology
Brazil: Produces greenish-yellow and honey-colored cat’s eye stones
Madagascar: Deep brownish-green stones with a strong cat’s eye effect
Burma (Myanmar): Yellowish-brown stones, often used in spiritual jewelry