All About Morganite
If you are unfamiliar with morganite you’re not alone. Until the last decade or so, morganite had remained under the radar and not frequently found in everyday jewelry stores. But this stone has experienced an increase in popularity and fine jewelry with morganite can be now found at mainstream jewelers. Often called pink beryl or pink emerald, this is one jewel you’ll want to find out more about.
What is Morganite?
Morganite is a member of the beryl mineral family alongside aquamarine and emerald. It is a colorless mineral but the presence of other minerals gives it a unique pink hue. Magnesium gives it its pink and iron creates a yellowish orange that combines to create morganite’s signature peachy pink salmon color.
The most common specimens are light in tone but finer gems have a darker pink color and come from larger stones. They are also more expensive.
Morganite is naturally free of inclusions for the most part and its transparency makes it ideal for beautiful faceting. It is a dichroic gem, which means it will display different colors according to the angle at which it is viewed. Rare instances of cat’s eye morganite have been found. Morganite rates a durable 7 on the Mohs Hardness Scale making it appropriate for ring and bracelet designs.
History
Morganite was first properly identified in California as well as on an island off Madagascar in the 1910’s. Likely other pink beryl discoveries had been misclassified as other gemstones until Tiffany & Co gemologist renamed the pink beryl for JP Morgan in 1911. Morgan had contributed much to the collection at the American Museum of Natural History as well as having been a long standing Tiffany’s customer.
Where is Morganite Found?
Morgan develops in granite pegmatites. Morganite is found as an accessory mineral; in other words, it is mined where other minerals are found in greater abundance. While not found in large quantities, morganite has been discovered in various locations across the globe. It has been mined in China, Mozambique, Namibia, and Russia. Small amounts have been discovered in the US but most of the large deposits are in Brazil. Madagascar remains the source of the finest morganite specimens found.
What Does Morganite Symbolize?
Its delicate pink hue makes morganite the gemstone of romance and love. It is thought to represent innocence, compassion, and hope.
Record-Breaker
One of the largest morganite to be unearthed was discovered in Buckfield, Maine in 1989. Called “ The Rose of Maine” this gem weighed over 50 pounds and was of the more organge-ish variety of the stone.
The Smithsonian has several morganite stones in its collection including two beauties that weigh 236 carats and 250 carats.
With its increasing popularity morganite is a gemstone you may want to add to your collection but beware. This beauty is one of the more expensive gemstones per carat.
