ENCYCLOPEDIA
MORGANITE FULL GUIDE
CHARACTERISTICS OF MORGANITE
Etymology: The name "morganite" honors financier J.P. Morgan, who was a major patron of the mineral's discoverer, George Frederick Kunz.
Family: Beryl, a mineral group that includes other gemstones like emerald and aquamarine.
Chemical Composition: Composed of beryllium aluminum silicate (Be₃Al₂Si₆O₁₈), with manganese providing its distinctive pink to peach hues.
Hardness: Scores 7.5 to 8 on the Mohs scale, making it a durable choice for jewelry.
Density: Typically ranges from 2.66 to 2.70 g/cm³, which is standard for beryl.
Optical Properties: Displays a beautiful transparency and can exhibit slight pleochroism, showing different shades depending on the angle of light.
Refractive Index: Ranges from 1.577 to 1.583, contributing to its sparkle and visual depth.
Birefringence: Low, approximately 0.005, similar to other beryl varieties.
Crystal System: Hexagonal, consistent with the beryl family structure.
Morganite is primarily found in several notable locations around the world. Key origins include:
Brazil: One of the largest sources, particularly in the state of Minas Gerais, where vibrant pink and peach specimens are mined.
Madagascar: Known for producing high-quality morganite with excellent clarity and color, often in large crystals.
Mozambique and Namibia: Both countries produce morganite with distinct colors, often in pastel pinks and peaches, adding to the diversity of African-sourced gemstones.
Afghanistan: Notable for producing morganite with unique color variations and high transparency.
Russia: Some deposits, particularly in the Ural Mountains, have yielded beautiful morganite stones.
CARAT
The term "morganite carat" typically refers to the weight of the morganite gemstone, measured in carats (ct). Here are some specifics:
Standard Measurement: One carat is equal to 200 milligrams (0.2 grams).
Common Sizes: Morganite is available in various carat weights, with popular sizes ranging from 1 carat to over 5 carats. Larger stones, particularly those over 3 carats, are often sought after and can be quite valuable.
Visual Impact: Because morganite has a lower density than many other gemstones, it may appear larger than a diamond of the same carat weight. This makes it a popular choice for statement pieces.
Price Influence: Carat weight can significantly impact the price, especially if combined with good color and clarity. Larger, high-quality morganite stones tend to be more valuable.
Jewelry Considerations: When selecting morganite for jewelry, it's essential to balance carat weight with other factors like cut and color to ensure the best overall appearance.
THE COLOR OF MORGANITE
HUE
Morganite primarily displays hues of pink, peach, and light orange, with the most sought-after shades being soft, delicate pinks. The presence of manganese gives morganite its warm colors, which can also include subtle hints of lavender or coral.
SATURATION
The saturation of morganite refers to the intensity of its color. Well-saturated stones exhibit vibrant, rich colors, making them highly desirable. While high saturation is preferred, lighter, less saturated morganite can also be beautiful, depending on personal taste.
TONE
Morganite typically ranges from light to medium tone, allowing its colors to shine without overwhelming the eye. Lighter tones are favored for their elegance, while darker tones can add depth. The ideal morganite balances hue, saturation, and tone for a captivating appearance.
THE CLARITY OF MORGANITE
Morganite is generally known for its good clarity, often exhibiting few inclusions.
Transparency: High-quality morganite stones are usually transparent and allow light to pass through beautifully, enhancing their visual appeal.
Inclusions: While some morganite may contain inclusions, many stones are eye-clean, meaning they have no visible flaws when viewed without magnification. Inclusions, if present, are often subtle and do not significantly detract from the stone’s beauty.
Grading: Clarity is typically graded using standard gemological scales, with higher clarity grades (like VS1 or VS2) being more valuable. Well-cut morganite can showcase its clarity and brilliance effectively.
Value: Generally, the clearer the stone, the more valuable it is, particularly if the color is also vibrant. However, some collectors appreciate unique inclusions that can give a stone character.
CUT & SHAPES
ROUND MORGANITE
OVAL MORGANITE
CUSHION MORGANITE
PEAR MORGANITE
CALENDAR
Morganite is recognized as a modern birthstone for the month of October, alongside opal and tourmaline. Its captivating hues, ranging from soft pink to peach, evoke feelings of love and compassion, making it a meaningful choice for those born in this month. The gemstone symbolizes emotional healing and tranquility, enhancing its appeal in personal jewelry, especially engagement rings and gifts.
TREATMENT
Morganite is typically sold untreated, but some stones may undergo enhancement processes to improve their color and clarity. The most common treatment involves heat treatment, which can intensify the pink and peach hues, making the stone more vibrant. This process is generally stable and considered acceptable in the gemstone market. Unlike some other gemstones, morganite is not usually subjected to more invasive treatments, such as dyeing or radiation. When purchasing morganite, it's important to inquire about any treatments, as this can affect the stone's value and care requirements. Overall, untreated morganite is prized for its natural beauty and quality.