The Morganite
A stunning, warm peach gemstone revered for its brilliant luster and romantic appeal.
Overview
Morganite, like the emerald and the aquamarine, is a gorgeous variety of the mineral beryl. While pure beryl is colorless, the presence of manganese infuses morganite with its characteristic warm peach hue. Traces of cesium and lithium also contribute to the color of this translucent gem.
Its discovery traces back to the end of the 19th century when it was sold under names like pink emerald and rose beryl. In 1910, renowned gemologist George Kunz proposed the name ‘morganite’ in honor of the American banker and gemstone collector, John Pierpont Morgan. Today, it is mined across the globe, with Afghanistan, Madagascar, and Brazil delivering brilliant specimens.
Symbolism
In crystal healing, morganite is often used to calm the mind, create a sense of tranquility, and release unhealthy emotional patterns. It is a favored stone for meditation among those wishing to achieve a balanced state of mind.
Above all, morganite is believed to attract and nurture love. Combined with its delicate blush color, this romantic symbolism has made it an incredibly popular and meaningful choice for modern engagement and wedding rings.
Physical Properties & Quality
Hardness & Strength
Morganites have a good hardness rating of 7.5 to 8 on the Mohs scale, which makes them an excellent, durable choice for all types of jewelry. This high degree of hardness combined with its splendid beauty has made it extremely sought-after by jewelry enthusiasts worldwide.
Treatment
A morganite radiating a peach hue with tints of orange and yellow is likely unheated. However, heat treatments (at a relatively low 400°C) are an industry-accepted standard used to enhance the color to a radiant pink, resulting in a perfectly stable color that does not decrease the gem's value.
Color & Clarity
Pleochroic in nature, morganite gives off different colors (pale pink to bluish-pink) under different light. High-quality morganites are typically very clean and showcase excellent transparency. They are usually "eye-clean" stones, displaying a brilliant vitreous luster when cut and polished.
Cut & Carat Weight
To enhance color and brilliance, it is usually faceted into cushion, pear, round, or distinct designer cuts like the trillion or briolette. Morganite crystals are frequently discovered in very large sizes, meaning the price of this gem is not as heavily dictated by its carat weight as other stones.
Morganite Grading System
Top 1%
The gemstones in this category comprise the top 1% of extremely rare morganites. Peachy pink in color, they exhibit the “eye-clean” property and offer exceptional brilliance.
Top 10%
Almost 10% of all natural morganites available belong to this category. These gemstones are also completely “eye-clean” and showcase a beautiful warm peach hue.
Top 33%
In terms of quality, this category includes the top 33% of available morganites. They are light peach in color and typically feature only slight inclusions.
Top 75%
Very light peach in color, this entry-level grade includes the top 75% of available morganites that have slight to moderate visible inclusions.
Morganite Care Instructions
Morganites offer excellent durability, meaning minimal care is required to maintain their beauty. To ensure this gorgeous gemstone sparkles for years to come, keep these tips in mind:
- Remove Before Activity: Always take off your morganite jewelry before exercising, cleaning, or engaging in any vigorous physical activity.
- Avoid High Heat: Avoid exposing morganites to high heat or prolonged direct sunlight, as that can cause the color of the gem to fade over time.
- Gentle Cleaning: For cleaning, use mild soapy water and a soft brush. Rinse well with clean water to remove any soap residue.
- Avoid Chemicals: Keep your morganite dazzlers away from harsh household chemicals, cosmetics, and perfumes.
- Store Separately: Morganites can scratch softer stones and be scratched by harder ones (like diamonds). Store them separately in a fabric pouch.
- Professional Maintenance: Consider having your fine morganite jewelry inspected and professionally cleaned at least once a year.