Description
Natural morganite, a member of the beryl family, is celebrated for its beautiful peach to pink shades, often enhanced by its remarkable transparency and brilliance. With a hardness of 7.5 to 8 on the Mohs scale, morganite is durable and suitable for various types of jewelry, including engagement rings, necklaces, and earrings. Its romantic colors and increasing popularity have positioned morganite as a sought-after choice for both jewelry enthusiasts and collectors. Understanding its characteristics, sources, and market dynamics is crucial for anyone involved in its trade or collection.
Physical Properties and Specifications
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Chemical Composition: Be₃Al₂(SiO₃)₆
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Hardness: 7.5 – 8 on the Mohs scale
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Crystal System: Hexagonal
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Refractive Index: 1.577 – 1.583
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Specific Gravity: 2.68 – 2.74
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Pleochroism: Weak, typically shows slight variations in color
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Fluorescence: Generally inert, but some stones may show weak fluorescence
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Cleavage/Fracture: Perfect cleavage in one direction, conchoidal fracture
Color and Quality Classifications
Available Color Ranges
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Primary hues: Pink, peach
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Secondary modifications: Light pink, salmon
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Tone and saturation ranges: Light to dark tones with vivid saturation
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Premium colors: Deep pink and vibrant peach shades
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Commercial grades: Light pink to medium pink shades
Clarity Characteristics
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Typical inclusion types: Bubbles, liquid inclusions, and silk
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Clarity grading standards: Eye-clean to included
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Source-specific features: Unique inclusions that may indicate origin
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Eye-clean criteria: No visible inclusions to the naked eye
Source Locations and Material
Historic sources
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Brazil, Madagascar, Afghanistan, and the USA
Current production
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Significant production is currently from Madagascar and Brazil.
Source-specific characteristics
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Each location imparts distinct characteristics in color and clarity.
Production trends
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Increasing demand for morganite has led to rising prices, especially for high-quality specimens.
