Morganite

This is a sister stone to emerald, aquamarine and heliodor….in other words, the beryl family. Morganite is usually seen in very light colors as you see above, but can occur in rare occasions in rather dramatic colors. Named after the famous US gem collector, J.P. Morgan, morganite is the pink to violet variety of beryl. Source: Most important deposits in Brazil, Sri Lank, and US (California).

Chemical: Be3Al2(Si6O18) beryllium aluminum silicate

Formation: In pegmatite formations

Unusual Properties: None

Colors: Usually light pink to violet as seen above.

Wearability: Good.  

RI: 1.570 – 1.585

Birefringence: .007 +/-

Optic Character: Uniaxial Negative U –

Specific Gravity: 2.85 average. Higher than most of the beryls

Crystal System: Hexagonal  

Hardness: 7.5

Transparency: Transparent

Special Identifying Properties and Tests: None

Synthetics: None known at this time

Imitations: Plastic and glass imitations possible.