Morganite
A beautiful rough morganite courtesy
of Nancy Hickman, GG, San Antonio, Texas
Consumer Information
What color is it?:Generally a pink to peach color as shown above. Colors can vary, however. Some of the lesser qualities of morganite sold in the market today are extremely light in color and very inexpensive. Occasionally you will find one of the magnificent pink/orange color as shown above.
What is the story behind this gemstone?: Names for the famous financier and gem collector, J.P. Morgan, this is a sister stone to emerald, aquamarine, heliodor, and red emerald. Morganite is not heard from much because it is rather rare. But it does make a beautiful gemstone.
Can I wear it everyday?: Yes. Although this is a sister stone to an emerald (both beryls) morganite does not have the brittleness that is sometimes associated with emerald.
Is it expensive?: Lighter colors will be rather inexpensive. About the same as a nice amethyst. But in the more intense colors you will pay in the topaz or tourmaline price range.
Is it a birthstone?: No
What do I need to know before going shopping?: You need to stay with a professional independent jeweler who knows his or her colored gemstones. There are several stones that might look like a morganite to the untrained jeweler so keep with someone with some proper gemological training, or who has a lot of experience with morganite.
General Information
Source: Brazil is the source of the finest aquamarines
Chemical: Al2Be3(Si6O18) (same as emerald)
Formation: Pegmatite Dikes
Crystal System: Hexagonal
Unusual Properties: None
Gemological Information
RI: 1.577 - 1.583
Birefringence: .006
Optic Character: U-
Specific Gravity: 2.72
Hardness: 7.5
Transparency: TP
Special Identifying Properties and Tests: None
Synthetics: None at this time
Imitations: Many possible