Morganite

Morganite is the pale pink to peach and salmon beryl, from the same family as emerald and aquamarine. It is named after the banker J. P. Morgan.

Properties #

• Composition: beryllium aluminum silicate with manganese.
• Hardness: 7.5 to 8 on the Mohs scale.
• Color: pale pink, peach, salmon and violet pink.
• Origins: Brazil, Madagascar, Mozambique and the USA.
• Treatments: often heated to improve the pink.

Uses in jewelry #

• Engagement rings with a romantic air.
• Pendants and earrings.
• Rose and white gold as a companion.

Pros and cons #

Advantages #

• Hard and durable.
• Soft, flattering color.
• Cheaper than a pink diamond.

Limitations #

• Stones of intense color are rare.
• Fades with excessive heat.
• Ask for a certificate on expensive stones.

Care and cleaning #

• Clean with lukewarm water and mild soap.
• Avoid heat and chemicals.
• Store apart from hard stones.

See also #

• Gemstones in jewelry
• Aquamarine
• Emerald