Copyrighted Cherie Fehrman, 2022. All rights reserved.
Morganite is sometimes referred to as the love stone. Morganite’s rosy blush color suggests romance. The gem resembles natural pink diamonds but costs considerably less than a diamond of any hue. The history of this pink beryl dates back millions of years as a cousin to the aquamarine and emerald, but it was not given the name morganite until 1911 when New York gemologist G.F. Kunz of Tiffany’s suggested that the pink beryl be renamed in honor of John Pierpont Morgan, a renowned banker and mineral collector–and his biggest customer. Ever since, the stone has been held in high regard by Tiffany’s although it still remains a relatively rare gem. Like all beryls, morganite has a hardness of 7.5 to 8 on the Mohs hardness scale, so it can stand up well to daily wear. Morganite is far more rare than a diamond and has a gorgeous blush pink color that has been linked to the blush of true love. Like true love, morganite is rare, beautiful and deserves to be nurtured.
Morganite comes in a variety of pinks, from soft pink to light violet to the rare pale peachy salmon color. A high-quality cut improves the gemstone’s pale hue, as does a larger size stone. Although the emerald is the most coveted beryl, the pink color of morganite has made it very popular in recent times. Some people prefer morganite to be set in pink or rose gold, but it is equally beautiful set in white or yellow gold. Each color of gold setting gives the morganite a decidedly different character. Because of morganite’s subtle color it might be thought only to be suitable for a woman, but morganite can make a very beautiful ring for men too, and antique gentlemen’s rings can be found from the Edwardian and Art Deco eras.
When determining the quality of a morganite, color is the most important criterion. Note that this gemstone should be selected in as large a size as possible, for it is only above a certain size that the beauty of its color really comes into its own. Once seen in person, the unique warm yet icy hue will never be forgotten. Morganite is occasionally be found in very large sizes: the largest faceted morganite is a 598.70-carat cushion-shape from Madagascar in the collection of the British Museum. The belief that the more transparent a gem, the more valuable only applies to a certain extent, for there are plenty of gem lovers who prefer a morganite with fine inclusions like pure silk similar to the coveted “garden” of inclusions in green emeralds.
Morganite was first discovered in Madagascar in 1908. It was also found with other gemstone minerals, such as Tourmaline and Kunzite, in California in the early twentieth century. This started a bonanza for these quite popular gemstones which drew the attention of noted gemologist, George Frederick Kunz. Knowing that this beautiful pink beryl was quite a rarity, he bought all he could. Although morganite was first discovered in Madagascar, there are also deposits in Brazil, Mozambique, Namibia, Afghanistan, Zimbabwe, Pakistan, USA and Russia. Morganite remains a relatively rare connoisseur’s gem for those who are willing to seek it out for its unique combination of soft shades and very good hardness.
For those who ascribe metaphysical properties to crystals and gems, Morganite is rumored to bring romance into the wearer’s life. Ancient Romans believed beryls of all colors were aphrodisiacs. They especially prized emeralds for this purported power, but they also considered Morganite a romance enhancer. Crystal healing practitioners assign Morganite to the throat chakra and ascribe the power of improving communication skills to it. Wearing these pastel pink gems might not spark any supernatural attraction, but morganite’s attention-getting sparkle and color make the gem a very desirasble conversation piece. Morganite is thought by some to alleviate lung and other respiratory disorders, as well as sending much-needed oxygen to the body’s cells. It is also cleansing for the heart. Morganite is typically used in gemstone therapy for stress-related problems, radiating as it does a pleasant feeling of relaxation, calm and joie de vivre.
Whether worn as a promise ring, engagement ring, right hand ring, gentleman’s ring, pendant, earrings or bracelet, the wearer of morganite will be sporting a stunningly beautiful and rare gemstone. And, for those with weddings in mind, morganite has become popular as an engagement ring choice.
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