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Morganite

Morganite is the pink to orange-pink variety of beryl, a mineral that includes emerald and aquamarine.

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Natural color

Blends of pink and orange are typical natural morganite colors.

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Size

At 146.58 cts., this oval-cut morganite is a sizeable specimen.

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Pleochroism

This stone displays stronger colors at the ends of its oval shape.

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Hexagonal shape

This crystal displays the typical hexagonal growth patterns of beryl.

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Associated minerals

This morganite crystal is nestled in lepidocrocite.

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Steps

This crystal formed to resemble a series of hexagonal steps.

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Tools

Overview

About Morganite

About Morganite

Morganite’s subtle color is caused by traces of manganese. Because morganite has distinct pleochroism—pale pink and a deeper bluish pink—it’s necessary to orient the rough carefully for fashioning. Strong color in morganite is rare, and gems usually have to be large to achieve the finest color.

Morganite Description

Morganite History and Lore


Salmon Color

Untreated morganite often has a strong orange color component, creating a salmon color.


Size

Morganite crystals can be large, with specimens from Brazil weighing over 10 kilograms.


Finance

Morganite was named after J.P. Morgan, one of the greatest financiers in history.


Facts

  • Mineral: Beryl
  • Chemical composition: Be3Al2Si6O18
  • Color: Pink to orange-pink
  • Refractive index: 1.583 to 1.590
  • Birefringence: 0.007 to 0.008
  • Specific gravity:   2.80 to 2.91
  • Mohs hardness: 7.5 to 8

Treatments

There are a number of processes used to alter the color, apparent clarity, or improve the durability of gems.

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Synthetics

Some gemstones have synthetic counterparts that have essentially the same chemical, physical, and optical properties, but are grown by man in a laboratory.

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Imitations

Any gem can be imitated—sometimes by manmade materials or by natural materials chosen by man to impersonate a particular gem.

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gem love

Why We Love This Gemstone

1
Multiphase inclusions

Morganite can contain liquid inclusions that contain gas bubbles and possibly also solid phases.

2
Flatter prisms

Morganite forms beautiful hexagonal prism crystals that tend to be flatter than aquamarine crystals.

3
Pastel

Morganite often comes in lighter pastel shades of pink.

Quality Factors

Morganite can be pink, purplish pink, or orangy pink; often light in tone.

Color

quality factors

Although commonly light in tone, top-quality material is a strong pink.

Clarity

quality factors

Faceted morganite, in light and stronger colors, usually has no eye-visible inclusions.

Cut

quality factors

Light-colored crystals might be cut a little deep to intensify the color.

Carat Weight

quality factors

Morganite comes in a variety of sizes, including large faceted gems and designer cuts.

Morganite Quality Factors: The Comprehensive Guide

Research

Explore sources, gemological research, and the role of gems in history.

Radioactive Morganite

Hiroshi Kitawaki, Yoichi Horikawa, Katsumi Shozugawa, and Norio Nogawa Read Article

Gem Pegmatites of Minas Gerais, Brazil: Exploration, Occurrence, and Aquamarine Deposits

Keith Proctor , Jun 1, 1984 Read Article