MORGANITE

MORGANITE	Pink variety of Beryl
Major Sources	Afghanistan, Brazil, Madagascar, Namibia, Russia & USA
Colors Found	Pink to salmon
Family	Beryl: Be3Al2Si6O18
Hardness	7.5–8
Refractive Index	1.56–1.60; Uniaxial (–)
Specific Gravity	2.68–2.74
Crystal System	Hexagonal
Enhancements	May be enhanced

Morganite, or pink beryl as it was initially described, was discovered in Madagascar in 1911. It was Tiffany’s celebrated gemologist, George Frederick Kunz who renamed this unique gemstone in homage to the New York banker and his benefactor, John Pierpont Morgan.

Legends and lore

While morganite has had little time to generate myths and legends, aside from their obvious physical beauty, all pink gemstones are believed by some to possess potent metaphysical properties connected with love and compassion.

Just the facts

Morganite, a member of the beryl family and sister gem to aquamarine and emerald, is colored by trace amounts of manganese that find their way into the beryl crystal structure. Typically found as flat, tabular crystals that resemble rose quartz, morganites are easily differentiated by their luster and brilliance.

When Mother Nature created morganite she made the ideal gemstone to complement all complexions. Coming in pinks from subtle lavenders to hot fuchsias and even pastel pink apricot blends, morganite exudes charm and tenderness. Putting a unique twist on fashionable pink, morganite provides the perfect antidote to the stress of modern life.

Its durability, luster, clarity, brilliance and myriad of beautiful pink hues, makes morganite immensely suitable as a jewelry gemstone, appropriate for everyday wear. The only factor impeding morganite’s popularity is its scarcity.