Uncovering the Gemstone Called Morganite

Morganite has existed for millions of years. However, for most of that time it was viewed merely as nothing more than a pink form of beryl. It wasn’t until 1911, that the gem was considered for its own name.

Tiffany’s chief gemologist, George Kunz, for whom the gem kunzite is named, recommended that the unusual beryl receive its own moniker. He went on to recommend that it be named after the well-known gem collector and world famous financier, J.P. Morgan; hence the name morganite.

The stone comes from the same illustrious family that produces emerald and aquamarine. Pure beryl has no color. However, certain impurities found within the stone cause it to radiate certain colors. In morganite’s case, the element manganese exists within the gem, giving it pink tone that ranges from the palest of pinks to more of a light violet. It can sometimes even be found in darker shades that are almost reminiscent of the pink sapphires. Some even exhibit the palest coral or orange shading.

Morganite is mined today in the countries of Afghanistan, Brazil, Madagascar, and the United States. In the U.S., it is mined predominantly in the states of California, Connecticut, Maine, and North Carolina.

The size of the stone also plays into the depth of color that morganite displays. Most collectors prefer their morganite in large carat sizes in order to get the benefit of full color saturation.

Cut can also have an effect on the color and value of a morganite stone. Because it is hard, ranking an eight on the Mohs scale of hardness, the gem can be cut into various shapes. This includes the fancy experimental shapes that are popular today.

While color is important with this gem, so is transparency. Unfortunately, the two don’t always go hand in hand. Some of the stones with the deepest color possess that because they contain more impurities. However, those impurities can often effect the clarity of the stone. For that reason, many jewelers prefer the paler colored morganite stones, which tend to be more transparent in nature.

Morganite is relatively rare so those who get their hands on it tend to value it as one of their most precious jeweled treasures. It is equally popular among gem and jewelry collectors alike. However, it is even more difficult to find jewelry made of morganite. Those who can, will find it necessary to pay a premium price.

Because the gem is hard it is also suitable for most types of jewelry, including necklaces, pendants, earrings, bracelets, and rings. It requires little special care since it doesn’t scratch or break easily. However, many jewelers still recommend pouching it in cloth or velvet before storing it with other jewelry.

Cleaning morganite is simple as well. You can use gentle gemstone jewelry cleaner or a mild soap with water and a soft brush. While it can be immersed in ultra-sonic cleaners, most jewelers do not recommend using that process.

Morganite is often called the angel gem because many believe that it draws love into the life of its wearer. Psychics also believe that the gem is helpful in communicating with spirit guides and guardian angels.

The gem is further believed to generate compassion, sympathy, empathy, and patience in those who wear or carry it. Some claim that the stone helps them to focus their life on the positive and chases away unnecessary stress. It relaxes its owner, leaving him or her with a peaceful feeling of joy.

The gem also has healing powers. It is used to help those suffering from diseases of the respiratory system like emphysema and tuberculosis. However, it is also helpful with simple asthma, sore throats, and atypical breathing problems. A few believe that it also helps those who are suffering from heart disease.

New age healers claim that the stone can clear as well as energize the heart chakra. Because the gem encourages a reverence for life, it is believed to be helpful in opening the body to natural healing powers.

Morganite is associated with the astrological sign of Libra and the numerological number three.