1. A wavy or undulating optical effect seen in certain gemstones, such as chrysoberyl, caused by the reflection of light from parallel fibrous or layered structures within the stone.
Usage: mineralogy; gemology; also called cat's eye effect when the stone is cut en cabochon

Examples

• The cymophanes in the chrysoberyl gemstone created a striking band of light across its surface.
• Jewelers prize cymophanes as a desirable optical phenomenon in high-quality stones.
• The wavy pattern of cymophanes is best observed when the stone is viewed under direct light.
• Cymophanes occurs when light reflects off parallel inclusions or fiber structures within the crystal.