Also known as Shiva Shell or sometimes Pacific Cat’s Eye, Shiva Eye is a stunning natural gem whose pattern is completely made by Mother Nature.
Discovered on the seabed in the shallow tropical waters of Thailand and Indonesia, the gem is actually the protective door found at the opening of the Turban Snail’s shell, which towards the end of the snail’s natural life, detaches and sinks to the seabed. Although each spiral is similar in pattern, as with all organic gemstones, each one will vary slightly.
Across the gem-rich countries of India, Tibet and Sri Lanka, many Hindus worship the god Shiva. Many pictures of Shiva show a third eye in the middle of the god’s forehead and it is from this that the gem’s name is derived.
As with many shells the Shiva Eye is made of calcium carbonate. Although its body colour is always whitish, its beautiful swirl can vary in colour, depending on the snail’s diet!
