Natural Morganite: Complete Guide for Trade, Jewelry, and Collections
This comprehensive guide provides everything you need to know about natural rubies, for trade partners, jewelers, and collectors alike.
Overview
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
Chemical Composition: Be₃Al₂(SiO₃)₆
Hardness: 7.5 - 8 on the Mohs scale
Crystal System: Hexagonal
Refractive Index: 1.577 - 1.583
Specific Gravity: 2.68 - 2.74
Pleochroism: Weak, typically shows slight variations in color
Fluorescence: Generally inert, but some stones may show weak fluorescence
Cleavage/Fracture: Perfect cleavage in one direction, conchoidal fracture
Color and Quality Classifications
Available Color Ranges
Primary hues: Pink, peach
Secondary modifications: Light pink, salmon
Tone and saturation ranges: Light to dark tones with vivid saturation
Premium colors: Deep pink and vibrant peach shades
Commercial grades: Light pink to medium pink shades
Clarity Characteristics
Typical inclusion types: Bubbles, liquid inclusions, and silk
Clarity grading standards: Eye-clean to included
Source-specific features: Unique inclusions that may indicate origin
Eye-clean criteria: No visible inclusions to the naked eye
Source Locations and Material
Historic sources
Brazil, Madagascar, Afghanistan, and the USA
Current production
Significant production is currently from Madagascar and Brazil.
Source-specific characteristics
Each location imparts distinct characteristics in color and clarity.
Production trends
Increasing demand for Morganite has led to rising prices, especially for high-quality specimens.