Morganite’s subtle color is caused by traces of manganese. Because morganite has distinct pleochroism—pale pink and a deeper bluish pink—it’s necessary to orient the rough carefully for fashioning. Strong color in morganite is rare, and gems usually have to be large to achieve the finest color.
Salmon Color
Untreated morganite often has a strong orange color component, creating a salmon color.
Size
Morganite crystals can be large, with specimens from Brazil weighing over 10 kilograms.
Finance
Morganite was named after J.P. Morgan, one of the greatest financiers in history.
Facts
- Mineral: Beryl
- Chemical composition: Be3Al2Si6O18
- Color: Pink to orange-pink
- Refractive index: 1.583 to 1.590
- Birefringence: 0.007 to 0.008
- Specific gravity: 2.80 to 2.91
- Mohs hardness: 7.5 to 8