Morganite
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Description
A rose colored transparent Beryl that is used as a gemstone. Morganite is composed of a beryllium aluminum silicate. Ranging in color from a rose-pink to a rose-red, morganite is mined in Madagascar.
Synonyms and Related Terms
morganita, berilo rosa (Esp.); morganite (Fr.)
Physical and Chemical Properties
- Hexagonal system with prismatic crystals usually striated lengthwise
- Cleavage is poor in one direction
- Fracture = uneven to conchoidal
- Luster = vitreous
- Streak = colorless
- Pleochroism = weak
- Fluorescence = none to weak pink (LW and SW)
- Synthetic stones may appear opaque and dull red under long UV light.
| Composition | Be3Al2(SiO3)6 |
|---|---|
| Mohs Hardness | 7.5 - 8.0 |
| Density | 2.68-2.83 g/ml |
| Refractive Index | 1.57 - 1.60 |
| Birefringence | 0.007 - 0.008 |
Comparisons
Properties of Common Gemstones
Resources and Citations
- Gem Identification Lab Manual, Gemological Institute of America, 2016.
- Wikipedia: Morganite Accessed Dec 2022
- Jack Odgen, Jewellery of the Ancient World, Rizzoli International Publications Inc., New York City, 1982
- Van Nostrand's Scientific Encyclopedia, Douglas M. Considine (ed.), Van Nostrand Reinhold, New York, 1976
- G.S.Brady, Materials Handbook, McGraw-Hill Book Co., New York, 1971