Morganite is the delicate pink variety of the gemstone beryl.
Coloration
Pure beryl is colorless, often called white, and although quite rare, tends not to be valuable
because it does not have much brilliance. Colours, as in many gemstones, are caused by small
amounts of impurity, usually metallic oxides. This is a another case where impurity is
desirable. Pink is one of the most desirable colors of beryl, and morganite is quite rare and
expensive.
Durability
Morganite is quite hard, having a hardness of 7 1/2 to 8 on Moh's scale, compared with 10 for
diamond, 9 for corundum, and 8 for topaz. Hardness is generally a desirable feature in
gemstones.
Pricing
The price range of beryls is very large, ranging from under a few dollars per carat.
Care
Beryl jewellery can be carefully cleaned using warm soapy water, or detergent, rinse
thoroughly afterwards as detergents can cause dermatitis and allergic reactions. Enzyme
cleaners should be avoided for the same reasons. Brushing with an old tooth brush to remove
dirt and grease will also help. Cleaning agents containing chlorine may have a detrimental
effect on low carat gold alloys, so are best avoided.
Reasonable care should be taken when cleaning emeralds, as washing with strong detergents
could cause any oil to be diluted or removed, requiring the stone to be re-oiled. Beryls do
not like excessive heat, and although they can tolerate temperatures above 100c (the boiling
point of water), it is advisable to use warm water rather than hot water, to reduce the
dangers of thermal shock.
Technical Characteristics
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Chemical Composition:
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Be3Al2(SiO3)6 - Beryllium Aluminium Silicate
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Hardness:
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7.5 to 8
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Specific Gravity:
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2.65 to 2.85
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Refractive Index (R.I.):
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1.560 - 1.565 to 1.590 to 1.599
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Bi-refringence:
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0.005 to 0.009
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Optic Sign:
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Negative
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Optical Character:
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Uniaxial
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Crystal Structure:
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Hexagonal
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