Morganite

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Morganite
Chemical composition Be3Al2(SiO3)6 Beryllium aluminium silicate
Crystal system Hexagonal
Habit Prismatic
Cleavage Poor, basal
Fracture Conchoidal to uneven
Hardness 7.5
Optic nature Unixaial -
Refractive index 1.58 - 1.60
Birefringence 0.008 - 0.009
Dispersion Low, 0.014
Specific gravity 2.80 - 2.90
Lustre Vitreous
Pleochroism Weak to moderate (shades of body color)
Minas Gerais, Brazil


Morganite is the pink, peach or lilac variety of the mineral beryl. It is a beryllium aluminum silicate colored with a trace amount of manganese. The stone was named after the American banker and gem lover, J. P. Morgan, shortly after it was first discovered in 1902 in the Malagasy Republic (Madagascar). Fine examples are currently found in Minas Gerais, Brazil and Madagascar.

Minas Gerais


Red (bixbite) and pink (morganite) beryls are manufactured using the hydrothermal process by Biron International in Australia. The coloring agent in these synthetics is titanium opposed to manganese in their natural counterparts.