All About Morganite: Types, Colors, Description, Origins & Details
The peachy color hues of Morganite are such that this semi-precious gemstone is sure to hold a separate section in every woman’s jewelry box. Pink is after all a favorite of all and when talking of the subtle light pink with orangish or coral color hues of Morganite, the serene charm is absolutely unparalleled. We’re sure you’re just as mesmerized by this pretty pink gemstone as us. The feminine as well as romantic appeal for this gemstone is here to stay! If you’ve also set your eyes on this pink beauty, we’re since this gemstone has baffled you with its beauty, you’d be looking to explore it further. When and where did its story begin? What beliefs come attached with it? And most importantly, how to judge its quality? What makes it so special? Look no more and no further, we have got it all covered under our Morganite education guide to address all the basic knowledge revolving around Morganite right from the history and beliefs to the famous 4 C’s and properties to make a prudent decision while setting out to buy Morganite jewelry.
Properties of Morganite
Hardness
Having a hardness of about 7-7.5 on Moh’s scale, Morganite is a pretty durable gemstone which can be worn on a regular basis with proper care.
Composition
Wondering what gives morganite its pretty peachy hues? Stay glued! Well, morganite, belongs to the beryl family of minerals, and the cause behind the alluring pink color of this gemstone is the presence of the trace elements of magnesium. And when that combines with the iron impurities present during the formation of this gemstone, it gets its perfect peach color, sure to soothe any eye with its serenity.
Luster
The reason behind its eye catching appearance! This October birthstone is known to possess a vitreous or glass like luster along with a refractive index of 1.583-1.59. Another USP of this semi-precious pink beauty is its dichroic nature wherein it reflects different shades of colors, all just as appealing, when exposed to direct light.
Origin & History
Let’s give you a glance at where it all began with our morganite education guide. The interesting history of morganite officially began when it was first discovered in Madagascar around 19th century and initially got confused with the pink variety of emerald since it was also noted to belong to the beryl family of minerals. But having studied this pretty gemstone deeply, George Fredrick Kunz, in great admiration of his dear friend, the great philanthropist as well as a gemstone fanatic, John Pierpont Morgan, renamed it to Morganite. A special name for an equally special gemstone! Fast forward to 1989, when the orange-pink variety of Morganite was discovered in Bennet Quarry of Buckfield, Maine, leaving everyone in awe. And such awe that it was hailed as the ‘rose of maine.’ It grasped the attention of everyone ever since. So much that it began to be hailed as one of the most romantic gemstones of all times thanks to its loving pink hues and was within no time, embedded in beautiful engagement rings alluring every eye. It has for time long even been used as a protective and soothing stone.
Where is Morganite found?
Let’s get you well versed with where this semi-precious gemstone is mined today! Though Madagascar is till date the producer of finest quality Morganite, it is abundantly found today in Brazil, specifically in the Minas Gerais state, Namibia, Myanmmar, China, Russia, Afghanistan, USA and Mozambique. Talking about its specific formation, it forms under pegamitite rocks, a kind of igneous rock, formed from the melting of magma. During the crystallization process, the formation of morganite takes its place, and that too, interestingly, in the crack of these water formed pegamitite rocks. When carbon dioxide, chlorine and flourine in the rock mineralize to form these crystals, the process gives birth to these pretty pink Morganite stones.
Morganite versus Rose Quartz
Morganite
This beautiful semi-precious gemstone typically has pink with orangish color hues and that’s exactly what gives its most sought after peachy pink color, all thanks to the presence of magnesium, cesium and lithium in its composition. Another differentiating factor is this gemstone’s clarity, which is hands down one of the most eye-clean among the lot, along with a vitreous luster. Apart from that, morganite is slightly more durable as well, possessing a hardness rating of 7.5-8 on Moh’s scale.
Rose Quartz
Belonging to the quartz family of minerals, a rose quartz is typically more of just pink, ranging from a pale to deep rosy pink color with no other hues, all thanks to the presence of iron, manganese and chromium in its composition. It tends to possess some eye visible inclusions and is known to be slightly translucent. Apart from that, it has a hardness rating of 7 out of 10 on Moh’ s scale, making it slightly lesser in durability than its peach pink counterpart, Morganite.
Morganite Quality and Price Filters
Wondering how to buy morganite jewelry? Since it is such a desirable gemstone, doesn’t having an idea of its quality become all the more important? With the 4 Cs: cut, color, clarity and carat being the primary determinants of the quality of this gemstone, it sure does. Let’s not waste any more of your time and have a glance with our morganite buying guide:
Color
Morganites can have a range of color hues including pink, rose, peach and salmon. Out of these common varieties, the pink and rose tints are gaining more popularity in the market while the peach and salmon variants, though less popular but a delight to collectors who prefer untreated natural hues than the fancy hues market has to offer. Its color specifically ranges from a light pink to deep peachy pink color, with common undertone being orange.
Clarity
Like the sister gemstones of the beryl family, in order to make the morganite free of eye-visible inclusions and enhance the brilliance, the gemstones are faceted while less-transparent gemstones are used as cabochons. But here’s the plus point! Morganite tends to have lesser eye visible inclusions which further enhances its serene peachy color and makes it such a desirable pick.
Carat
Like natural Morganites weight of their counterpart is also measured in terms of Carat Weight usually shortened to Carat or Cts and is directly reliant on the size of the gemstone which in turn determines its price. And to your benefit, morganites in large crystals are not that difficult to find.
Cut
Morganite exhibit distinct pleochroism that is pale pink and a deeper bluish pink therefore, it is very important to grant a proper cut to the rough gemstone. Although, stronger hues are quite rare in case of Morganite yet fine colors can be achieved by cutting into fairly larger sizes. Morganite can be cut in all the standard shapes and sizes.
Morganite Grading Value
How to judge the quality of your gemstone more efficiently? Or precisely, easily? Look no further than a morganite grading chart that categorizes the quality of your beautiful gemstone into different grades. Yes, no indifferent than the old school grading system. Let’s get you well versed:
AAAA (Heirloom)
Alluring to another level, valuable like no other! Exactly why only a few make it to this category. The morganite belonging to this category are known to possess perfectly peachy pink color, sure to soothe any eye along with eye clean clarity and luster, i.e., devoid of any inclusions.
AAA (Best)
Another sought after category of Morganite! They are also known for their peachy hue, not so uniformly saturated though, along with eye clean clarity and vitreous luster.
AA (Better)
These are more light pink in color than its counterparts and are known to possess a few eye-visible inclusions as well.
A (Good)
Having a pale pink color along with slight eye-visible inclusions, Morganite belonging to this category is quite less in value as well.
Benefits of Morganite
Of course, since it is rich in the color of romance, it does come with its share of astrological beliefs and benefits as well. And isn’t that what makes a gemstone all the more valuable? Well, for starters, it has ties with the heart chakra. Since we have set the stage, let’s begin exploring the beliefs and benefits of this October birthstone with our morganite guide:
Physical Healing
It is known to be extremely beneficial for heart beat, palpitations and carrying of oxygen in the body. Apart from that, it also helps in healing respiratory problems, thyroid issues along with cellular problems.
Emotional Healing
This part isn’t worth missing. Precisely, the most interesting part carrying a whole new set of healing properties. Well, this pretty pink stone brings healing, peace and compassion to the life of the wearer. It enlightens his life by helping him get rid of all kinds of stress, anxiety, emotional trauma, thus blessing him with nothing but unconditional love, serenity and soothing energy.
Spiritual Benefits
Since it is known to carry divine powers, this October birthstone connects directly to your heart, bringing stability to your life. It brings a sense of promise, transquility and pure love to your life. It not only keeps you away from negative energies but also helps you embrace love in your life.
Frequently Asked Questions
How is a Morganite formed?
Morganite, the violet-pink variety of beryl mineral is formed deep inside the crust of the Earth under high heat and pressure for millions of years. The presence of manganese is credited to the beautiful pink hues of the gemstone.
What is the difference between lab grown and natural Morganites?
Like most of the gemstones, there is an option to choose between natural and lab-created Morganites. One must not confuse “lab grown” with the “fake”. The replica of the natural gemstone when grown in a lab maintaining the necessary environmental conditions.
Morganites whether natural or lab grown are made from the same base elements and hence are indistinguishable by hardness and physical properties.
Do natural and lab grown Morganites have visible differences?
It will be convenient to say that even experts can have hard time telling the difference by just looking with a naked eye. Only inclusions present in the natural Morganite will give away since ones are free of such inclusions.
As far as physical and chemical As far as physical and chemical properties are concerned, they both tend to show the same properties and only a gemologist is qualified enough to state the difference. are concerned, they both tend to show the same properties and only a gemologist is qualified enough to state the difference.
How to take care of Morganite jewelry?
Morganite Jewelry is quite easy to clean due to their hardness and durability. However, a few things must be kept in mind like avoiding contact of the gemstone with make-up, harsh chemicals, abrasives.
While cleaning the jewelry take use of lukewarm water and mild cleaning detergent. Soft toothbrush can be used to clean the underside of the Morganite.
Also, the jewelry must be individually kept to avoid contact with other jewelry to avoid unnecessary scratches.
What is a Morganite certification?
Morganites are certified under the norms and regulations of the IGS and hence must be checked before buying the gemstone.
Can Morganite lose its color?
Absolutely not! A real Morganite stone would never lose its color but to maintain the new-like luster, make sure you get it professionally cleaned from time to time.
Does Morganite fluoresce?
An interesting debate! Well, Morganite is believed to reflect a weak fluorescence of lilac when exposed to UV light with but under X rays, there is a more deep and dark glow. One of the most interesting fluorescence of all times!
What is the birthstone of Morganite?
Morganite is believed to be a popular birthstone of the month of October, making it extra lucky for all the october babies out there.
Conclusion
We’re all an admirer of peach pink hues of Morganite and we sure don’t witness such a gemstone everyday. That’s exactly what makes it so special for all of us. Whether the surreal pink hues of this semi-precious gemstone appealed to you or it being recently hailed as the stone of love brought you here, we hope we had you glued right till the end. That was the entire point of our morganite education guide covering everything from the history and beliefs to the 4 Cs and properties. Getting an idea of it all would justify its desirability to you. Having said that, here we sign off wishing you all the luck in selecting your favorite morganite jewelry.