Morganite: A Beryl to Brighten Your Day
Morganite is one of those gemstones that has a very pleasant, soothing color. Often called pink beryl or pink emerald, morganite is a gemstone that became known to us in the early 1900’s, when it was found in Pala, California. From then, and continuing through to the present, morganite has remained a favorite for many gemstone enthusiasts.
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In 1911, George F. Kunz changed the name from pink beryl to morganite. He did this in honor of John P. Morgan, prominent banker and gem collector.
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 Morganite is from the beryl family of stones. Its color varieties range from pink, rose, light violet, and peach/orange. The pink color is the most popular, especially with women. They tend to feel that the stone’s brilliance radiates charm. The morganite stone gets its colors from the elements manganese and cesium. Gemstones from the beryl family include aquamarine, bixbite, emerald, goshenite, heliodor, and morganite. Aquamarine is blue, blue/green, bixbite is red, emerald is green, goshenite is colorless, and heliodor is yellow.
The value of morganite is influenced by the current demand for it. It is not as rare as an emerald or bixbite gemstone. The larger the morganite stone is, the more valuable it will be. Color shows up better in the bigger stones and color is the most important factor when determining a morganite’s quality. The second most important thing to watch for is the cut. The stone needs to be cut correctly to allow the color to be brought out.
Morganite has been found in several places, such as Italy and Mozambique. It is currently being mined in Afghanistan, Brazil, California, and Madagascar. A very durable stone, it rates about an eight on the Moh’s scale, compared to a diamond’s rating of ten, which is the strongest. This hardness makes morganite an excellent stone to use in jewelry, such as a Morganite Ring. The best method for cleaning it is with warm, soapy water and a toothbrush. Avoid using harsh detergents.
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Morganite has several metaphysical attributes. It is said that the wearer feels less stressed and obtains a sense of calmness or relaxation. A person adorned with morganite tends to have better communication skills and more patience. |
Wardrobe colors such as grey, black, and navy blue are enhanced with the addition of morganite jewelry, which tends to add an element of softness/tenderness to the outfit.
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