Morganite Facts and Buying Guide
by Sheweta Dhanuka
This stunning pink coloured gemstone occurs in complex granite pegmatites in squat, tabular crystal form. It is also found alluvial deposits owing to its high specific gravity and hardness.
Morganite, gemstone came into existence millions of years ago but commercially it was first discovered in Madagascar in the year 1911. In the same year it was named in tribute to eminent industrialist, banker and minerals collector John Pierport Morgan, thus getting its existing name – Morganite. It belongs to the extraordinary multi-colored Beryl-group. Perhaps it is the most admired gem from this family of gemstones due to its tender light colour. Being a variety of Beryl and pink in colour it is also known as ‘ Pink Beryl’.
This is a rarely found semi precious gemstone. It takes time, energy and money to own this beautiful stone. Along with these valuable resources buyer also needs to have necessary particulars about the gemstone. Thus, this article shall provide the essential facts and information that would act as the buying guide for the buyer and assist him/her in buying the original stone. All the general characteristics are discussed like 4 important Cs, precautions, use, source etc.
Colour
It is found in varied shades of pink. The colour appears owing to the presence of manganese impurities in trace amounts in the chemical composition of the crystal. Few stones also occur in purple or slight orange/yellow in colour. This change in colour takes place because of the change in the concentration of impurities of manganese and iron. It is an important aspect to judge the quality of the genuine stone. The stone possessing bright and intense colour should selected over the pale and dull look.
Cut
Cut is the second vital criteria to determine the quality. A brilliant cut enhances the beauty and brightness of the stone that in turn increases its monetary worth. It is cut into many different styles and shapes. New shapes are created by the modern efficient cutter while the old traditional shapes always exists such as pear, round, oval, square, heart, marquise, emerald and so on. A small number of stones exhibit cat’s eye effect when cut and polished into cabochons.
Clarity
Flaws and inclusions are bound to be present in this gemstone. It always carries fine inclusions in its crystal system. Few stones might possess large flaws that are clearly visible by the naked eyes. Such stones are of very poor quality and should be avoided as far as possible. Absolutely eye clean stone is rarely found in the nature.
Carat weight
This glittering stone acquires vitreous luster and the transparency state varies from transparent to translucent. It is found in large sizes as rough. For making exquisite ornaments the stone size must always be selected of higher carat weight. In the large stones the quality is always expected to be much better than in smaller weight stones.
Price
As always, the above mentioned 4 Cs are the price determinant of the stone. Also being rarely found in nature it is relatively expensive. More intense and bright the colour, more shall be the price. The natural bright pink colour is valued most. A good cut enhances the beauty of the stone so is the cost. Finally, with the increase in the clarity and carat weight the price also increases. This semi precious gemstone consisting deep pink colour in a brilliant cut with high clarity in large size stone demands huge price. Treated stones are priced less. When used as ornamental stone, the carvings done on the single stone tend to be very expensive.
Occurrence
This stunning pink colored gemstone occurs in complex granite pegmatites in squat, tabular crystal form. It is also found alluvial deposits owing to its high specific gravity and hardness.
Source – The primary producers of this dazzling gem are Brazil, Madagascar and few states of United States of America viz. California, Maine, Connecticut and North Carolina. Deposits at Mozambique, Namibia, Afghanistan and Russia also yield fair quantity of the gemstones.
Enhancement
It is mostly enhanced to improve the colour of the stone. Low quality natural stone contains higher concentration of impurities that leads to orange or yellowish colours thus such stones are heated at 250-450 degree Celsius to reduce the impurity content and acquire the bright pink colour. Stones consisting of large number of internal flaws are treated with special oil in order to hide these flaws. The result of all the treatments sustains for the lifetime and is pretty durable. However, these treatments or irradiations reduce the monetary value of the stone. Buyers should never hesitate to ask about the treatments performed on the stone before giving the final payment at the time of purchase. Some dodgy dealers would hide the facts concerning the treatments and charge the price of untreated stones, thus buyers need to be very cautious.
Imitations
This is rarely found in nature thus imitations are obvious to pop up in the jewelry trade market. The synthetic stones are produced and sold under different trade names so as to deceive the innocent buyers. Pink Emerald and Pink Aquamarine are such misleading names from which buyers need to be careful while buying the gems or the jewelry made using these gems.
Uses
This crystal makes a marvelous stone to be used in creating enthralling jewelry items. The metal used for making the jewelry could be sterling silver, yellow gold, white gold and platinum. It is heat sensitive gem and repairing of any jewelry piece is a big risk therefore, yellow and white gold used for making this gemstone jewelry should always be more than 18 karat. Less than 10 karat gold if used would arouse unwanted problems that leads to loss of gem, money and gold. Rings, pendants, earrings, bangles and necklaces holding this gemstone can be worn on semi formal and formal occasions. The carat weight of the stones to be used in these ornaments depends on the availability and the design. It can also be paired well with other precious and semi precious gemstone. At the time of purchasing these jewelry items, buyers should always ensure that the gemstone setting is firm and up to the mark else the stones might fall out.
Large Morganite pieces are used as ornamental stone to make fascinating sculptures and carvings. People across the globe treasure animal figures and carved human faces on this stone. These pieces make extraordinary decorative items.
Precautions
It is considered tough and hard stone as it rates 7.5-8 Mohs on the hardness scale. It does not require any specific care but general gemstone precautions are ought to be taken for the longer retention of the stone. It tends to develop internal cracks due to sharp blows or hard knocks. Similarly, it has to be protected from excessive heat, large temperature changes and extreme sunlight else the mild colour of the stone would fade with the passage of time.
The gems and its jewelry should be cleaned only with Luke warm soapy water once in many years. After cleaning it must be wiped off completely with soft dry clothe leaving no trace of moisture and soap else it might lead to some sort of skin allergy. Cleaning agents containing chlorine, enzyme cleaners and home ultrasonic cleaners all should be avoided, as it would certainly ruin the gemstone in some or the other way. Regular cleaning deteriorates the brightness and shine of the jewelry and also of gems thus, should be avoided. Finally, after use always store it with care in separate jewelry bag made of soft clothe like velvets. Gems must be wrapped in cotton and then stored in respective bag or box. These few precautions are simple but very important hence, should not be overlooked.
Morganite jewelry owners have to take extra precautions while getting their jewelry repaired. This stone is sensitive to excessive heat and high temperature thus, it becomes quite risky to carry out soldering for the repairs. Moreover, the heat transmitted from the jeweler torch is equally harmful. Therefore, it is better to remove the stone from the jewelry piece before carrying out the soldering work/repairs or coat the stone with borax or proprietary heat-shielding material to avoid the damage.
Beliefs
It is believed to provide relief and positive attitude at the time of high stress. It aids in developing the soft skills such patience, hard working, communication skills etc. It also fosters love between the partners. From the medical aspect, this stone helps in curing the problems related to respiratory system and augments the supply of oxygen to the cells. Today, the astrologers suggest wearing this stone to cure the problems that takes place due to chaotic modern life. It relieves stress and provides peace at mind, body and soul. It also enhances the clarity of thoughts.
This is a fantastic gemstone. High hardness and lovely delicate colour makes it most desirable choice amongst all the beryl group members. What holds this stone back to gain the popularity is its rare occurrence else it can easily create astonishing waves in jewelry trade market. If the pocket allows and you find gorgeous genuine Morganite gemstones then do take hold of it for sure and wear in any form and pamper yourself tenderly!!
The modern brilliant cut was invented about sixty years ago. The barion cut, which was the precursor of the princess cut was first introduced by Basil Watermeyer of Johannesburg about thirty years ago. The princess cut is a big improvement for square cut and oblong diamonds. It is actually a modification of the round brilliant cut. The technical term for this cut is the square modified brilliant cut.