Minerals.net Menu

The Gemstone Morganite

Morganite is the pink to purplish-pink variety of Beryl. Beryl is best known for its gem varieties Emerald and Aquamarine, but other gem forms such as Morganite are also used. Morganite was first identified in 1910, and was named the following year by George F. Kunz in honor of financier and banker J.P. (John Pierpont) Morgan. Morgan was an avid collector of gemstones.

Color

Pink, Purple

Hardness

7.5 - 8

Chemical Formula

Be₃Al₂Si₆O₁₈

Mineral Class

Beryl

Additional Properties

Crystal System
Hexagonal

Refractive Index
1.57 - 1.58

Double Refraction
.006

Transparency
Transparent to translucent

SG
2.6 - 2.8

Luster
Vitreous

Cleavage 3,1 - basal

All About

Besides for the extremerly rare Red Beryl, Morganite is the least common gem form of Beryl. Its color tone is usually light pink, deeper pink stones and those with an orange tinge are more valuable. Large clear crystals of Morganite have been found, which have enabled fairly large flawless crystals to be cut from them.

Uses

Morganite is a minor pink gemstone, being faceted into gemstone cuts as well as polished into cabochons.

Other Names

Treatments & Enhancements

Morganite is sometimes heat treated to improve its color and remove yellowish tones. Heat treatment for Morganite can be achieved at relatively low temperatures.

Morganite Sources

The main sources of Morganite are Brazil, Madagascar, Afghanistan, Pakistan, and the U.S. (California, Maine).

Similar Gemstones

Kunzite is softer, and Rose Quartz is usually less transparent as well as being slightly softer. Pink Topaz is usually a deeper pink color, but otherwise can be difficult to distinguish. Pink Tourmaline and pink Spinel are usually darker in color.