Morganite

WHAT IS A MORGANITE?

Morganite is a delicate pastel pink to purplish pink (“rose”), yellowish pink (“peach”) or orangy pink (“salmon”) variety of beryl, a mineral species that also includes emerald, aquamarine and beryls in other colors. Its color is caused by traces of manganese. Strong hues in morganite are rare, and gems usually have to be fairly large to achieve the finest color. Morganite is 7.5 to 8 on the Mohs scale of hardness. This makes a morganite engagement ring suitable for everyday wear, although it is not as durable as harder gems like diamond or ruby and sapphire.

MORGANITE PROPERTIES

With its soft pinkish hue, this gemstone often gives out innocence and romantic vibes. Morganite is connected to the heart chakra and is known as a healing stone for those looking for compassion, love and specially those looking to bring their love with a significant other to a higher but deeper level.

WHERE DO MORGANITES COME FROM?

Most of the morganite on the market today comes from Minas Gerais, Brazil. Minas Gerais is a gemological treasure chest: emerald, aquamarine, tourmaline, alexandrite, amethyst and topaz are some of the other gems found there. Afghanistan, Pakistan, Mozambique, Namibia and the United States are also sources of morganite, but for the most part, production is minor and inconsistent. While it is no longer a major producer today, the original Madagascar deposit still sets the standard for the best material.

 

ONE OF A KIND

As no two stones are the same, when it comes to Morganite the untreated ones, especially the ones coming from Brazil are more salmon-like orange color and are actually more valued by collectors then the peachy pink ones and the rose-tinted ones. Did you know that Morganite is almost always heat treated to improve its pink color? Heat drives off the yellow or orange tinge, leaving a purer and more attractive pink. The treatment is not detectable, and the resulting color is stable and won’t fade unless exposed to temperatures over 400°C. The color preference is left completely to the buyer, at Capucinne we love working with treated Morganites as these make the perfect pastel-colored rings that match any skin tone, but we also work with unheated ones that create a great impact as a solitaire ring.

ALL THE MANY SHAPES

The shape of a morganite gem should have minimal effect on its beauty. Like a diamond, a morganite engagement ring can be attractive as a round brilliant, emerald cut, marquise or oval. Light-color material might be cut slightly deep to help intensify the color. Morganite is a popular stone for unique fantasy cuts and carvings. At Capucinne we have used it in combination with diamonds to bring out the lovely peachy hue of this beautiful stone.

HOW TO TAKE CARE OF YOUR MORGANITE JEWELRY

Avoid using harsh cleaning treatments such as ultrasonic cleaners and steamers or chemicals for Morganite. The best method of cleaning a Morganite is to use warm soapy water and a soft brush or cloth. Make sure your Morganite jewelry is completely dry before wearing or storing. It is preferable to store Morganite in a velveteen bag.