Named after the American financier, banker and gemstone collector J. P. Morgan, morganite is a variety of beryl that owes its pinkish coloration to the presence of manganese within its internal crystal structure. However, as beryl’s yellow-producing chromophore (i.e. ferric iron) is usually also present, most material initially tends to be somewhat peach-colored (pinkish-orange) and is routinely subjected to heat-based treatments in order to produce more saleable salmon-like (orangish-pink) hues. Aside from their distinctive color, morganite crystals are also noted for their large sizes and typically very high levels of clarity.
While Brazil and Madagascar are the world’s primary sources for gem-quality morganite, commercially-significant deposits are also located within Mozambique and Afghanistan. In addition, Mozambique produces an intensely-colored sub-variety known as “Cor-de-Rosa”, which is the Portuguese word for “pink”.
Morganite Characteristics
- Hardness: 7.5 to 8
- Color: Pink to orange-pink
- Transparency:
- Chemical composition: Be3Al2Si6O18
- Crystal system:
- Crystal habit:
- Refractive index: 1.583 to 1.590
- Tenacity:
Morganite History
Morganite is the light pink to violet-pink variety of beryl. Since beryl is most famous for being the mineral group that green emerald belongs to, pink morganite is sometimes referred to as ‘pink emerald’. Along with emerald, morganite is also related to blue aquamarine, golden beryl (heliodor), colourless goshenite and the rare red bixbite. Among the beryls, morganite is one of the rarest forms, second only to red bixbite.
ink morganite was first identified in Madagascar, in 1910 and known as ‘pink beryl’. Shortly thereafter, George D. Kunz, a famous American gemologist and buyer for Tiffany & Company renamed it in honor of John Pierpont (J.P.) Morgan, an American banker and avid gemstone collector. Since its discovery, morganite has been prized by gem collectors owing to its rarity.
Sources of Morganite
Morganite can be found in many locations around the world. The two most significant deposits are found in Brazil and Madagascar. Other notable sources for fine gem-quality morganite include Afghanistan, China, Madagascar, Mozambique, Namibia, Russia, Zimbabwe and the USA (California and Maine).
Morganite Treatment
The gem is almost always heat-treated to improve the pink color. The treatment is not detectable. Heat drives off the yellow or orange tinge, leaving a purer and more attractive pink. The resulting color is stable and won’t fade.
Morganite Cutting
Because morganite has distinct pleochroism—pale pink and a deeper bluish pink—it’s necessary to orient the rough carefully for fashioning. Strong hues in morganite are rare, and gems usually have to be fairly large to achieve the finest color. Morganite is cut in all standard shapes and sizes as well as in unique designer cuts.
Meaning of Morganite
Morganite is a very interesting gemstone that is associated with the feeling of inner peace, strength, and joy. If you decide to wear it for prolonged periods of time, this crystal will help you with self-confidence, personal power, and help you connect to Divine Love boosting awareness. Positive energy released by this stone is great for new businesses and it is considered as great talisman stone for all persons working with money.
Morganite crystal is believed to encourage fairness, fair treatment of other people. It is an especially great stone for those people having emotional or even mental problems. It is a soothing crystal for people having a physical illness. Wearing Morganite gemstone will help you be fair to others, improve communication, and personal expression. It will also help relieve stress and help you understand other people.
Benefits of Morganite
Morganite is gemstone with positive healing properties associated with the heart. Wearing this stone is great for persons having heart-related problems. It is also beneficial for the lungs, nervous system, and all illnesses that are related to high stress. Moreover, it is beneficial for treating asthma, tuberculosis, cell-related problems, tongue, thyroid gland, and for curing impotence and vertigo.
The soothing energy of Morganite gemstone is associated with many interesting emotional healing properties. Apart from opening the Heart chakra and helping people to overcome negative feelings of anger and fear, it is great for stabilizing emotional field. If something goes unexpected, instead of being angry and devastated by this, Morganite will help you overcome bad situations.
This stone will transform your negativity and by activating loving thoughts, you will find a solution to your problem. Morganite will calm your mind, emotions, give you wisdom, and help you achieve your goals. Wearing this stone will encourage you to move forward and find a new purpose. It will open your heart to new possibilities, help you attract loving people, new relationship, help you find peace if you are facing grief.
Care Instruction
Morganite requires minimal special care, due to its hardness and durability. Warm soapy water with gentle scrubbing and a soft cloth to clean is the safest way to clean a Morganite. Be sure to rinse all the soapy residue. Avoid contact of this gemstone with any harsh chemicals. Store morganite separately from other gemstones as it can easily scratch other precious gemstones.