Morganite

Morganite is the pink-to-peach gem variety of beryl, coloured by traces of manganese. It was named in 1911 after the financier and gem collector J. P. Morgan. Its soft, romantic pink has made it a popular modern jewellery stone, often shown in large, clean crystals.

Properties

Like all beryl it is hexagonal, hard (7.5–8) and forms prismatic to tabular crystals. Morganite is usually remarkably clean, and some material is gently heated to remove yellowish tints and emphasise the pink.

Occurrence

It forms in granitic pegmatites alongside other gem beryls. Brazil, Madagascar, Afghanistan, Pakistan and California (the Pala district) are notable sources. Related beryls include aquamarine, heliodor and colourless goshenite.