karibib:geology:morganite

MORGANITE

• VARIETY OF: Beryl , Be₃ Al₂ Si₆ O₁₈ .
• USES: Gemstone.
• COLOR: various shades of pink.
• INDEX OF REFRACTION: 1.57 - 1.60
• BIREFRINGENCE: 0.004 - 0.008
• HARDNESS: 7.5 - 8
• CLEAVAGE: one direction, poor.
• CRYSTAL SYSTEM: hexagonal
• Pleochroic: weak

Morganite is the pink variety of the mineral beryl. Other gemstone color varieties that belong to beryl include

• emerald
• aquamarine, and
• heliodor

Morganite is coloured by trace amounts of manganese that find their way into the crystal structure. It is named after J.P. Morgan, a famous American industrialist.