BERYL (var. MORGANITE)

HISTORY, NAME, LOCALITIES: Morganite, pronounced MORE-gan-ite, was discovered in 1910 at localities in both California and Madagascar and recognized as a variety of beryl.  Morganite is named in honor of the American financier and gem collector J. Pierpont Morgan.  Important sources are located in Brazil, Pakistan, Madagascar, and the United States (Maine, California).

MINERALOGY, PROPERTIES, OCCURRENCE: The morganite variety of beryl [beryllium aluminum silicate, Be₃Al₂Si₆O₁₈] crystallizes in the hexagonal system as well-developed, six-sided, transparent-to-translucent prisms.  It has a soft-pink-to-violet color that is caused by traces of manganese, a vitreous luster, a Mohs hardness of 7.5-8.0, and a specific gravity of 2.6-2.9.  It occurs primarily in granite pegmatites in association with such minerals as albite, quartz, and muscovite.

METAPHYSICAL PROPERTIES, LORE, USES: Although rare, morganite enjoys considerable popularity as a gemstone.  Transparent crystals are faceted into square, rectangular, and round gems of one to ten carats for use in jewelry.  Morganite collectors’ gems often exceed 40 or 50 carats in weight.  According to metaphysical practitioners, morganite promotes abundance of the heart and prosperity of love, helps to connect with spiritual energies, aids in the release of unhealthy emotions, and brings a sense of joy and inner strength.  Morganite has no technological uses.

COLLECTORS’ INFORMATION: Collectors value morganite as the rarest color variety of beryl, and also for its pleasing soft-pink to violet colors, well-developed crystals, and occurrence in attractive composite specimens with other pegmatite minerals.