MORGANITE
Morganite is the pink to light pinkish orange variety of beryl, a beryllium aluminum cyclosilicate mineral (Be3Al2(SiO3)6). Morganite was named in 1910 in honor of the sponsor and gem collector J.P. (John Pierpont) Morgan. Earlier that year, the fine pink beryl variety was first discovered in Madagascar and California. It is also known as pink beryl, rose beryl, pink emerald and caesian beryl.
LEGEND AND LORE
Morganite is considered to be an aphrodisiac. It helps to attract love and rekindles it in a relationship. It is thought to balance one’s emotions, and to increase empathy, compassion and patience. It is considered useful for asthma, emphysema and lung blockages.
MORGANITE COLORS
Morganite is a pink (25 to 1) to light pinkish orange (3) beryl variety, and can be found in diverse and unusual shades, such as violet, salmon and peach. The coloring element in morganite is not fully understood. Some attribute the pink color to manganese impurities in the crystal structure, while others believe that caesium impurities are the cause. The amount of impurities in the gem causes the intensity of the color and the deeper the pink color the more valuable it is. Morganite is usually heat treated at low temperatures of approximately 400°C to improve color and remove the orangey tones. Contrarily, development of orange color is achieved through irradiation.
MORGANITE SOURCES
Morganite of fine quality is found in the US in San Diego County, in Southern California. Another known source in the US is Maine. Brazil is an important source of top quality morganite as well, in addition to Madagascar, where very fine salmon- or rose-like colors are found. Another important source known for its deposits is Afghanistan.
Other sources include: Mozambique, Namibia, Zimbabwe, Pakistan, China, Sweden and Russia
PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
Variety: Morganite
Species/Series: Beryl
Chemical Composition: Beryllium aluminum cyclosilicate (Be3Al2Si6O18)
Crystal System: Hexagonal
Color: Pink to light pinkish Orange
Hardness: 7.5 to 8.0
Refractive Index: 1.577 to 1.583 (±0.017)
Specific Gravity: 2.72 (+0.18/-0.05)s, select Beryl in the Gem Type field and click on the Read More icon.
Properties: RI 1.577-1.583 HARDNESS 7.5-8 SPECIFIC GRAVITY 2.72 SPECIES-BERYL OPTIC CHARACTER-DR PHENOMENA-CHATOYANCY(RARE)
Reactions
Major Sources: California, Malagasy Republic
Grading Information: GEM, AAA, AA, A+, A, B
Enhancement Code: NONE
Specific Gravity: 2.72
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