Tag Archives: beryl

The Pinky Morganite

Morganite

Morganite

In the first decade of the twentieth century, several new gemstone varieties were discovered in Pala, California. They include kunzite, the pink variety of spodumene; and morganite, the pink variety of beryl. Kunzite was named after the famous American gemologist, George Frederick Kunz, who spent most of his career as the chief gemologist at Tiffany & Co. Morganite was named in honor of the legendary financier and gem collector, J.P. Morgan. In fact it was Kunz who suggested naming the newly discovered beryl after Morgan, who was Tiffany’s largest customer.

Beryls are beryllium aluminium silicates rich in minerals. Pure beryl is colourless. However, on account of its structure, it is in a position to intercalate foreign elements such as iron, manganese, chrome or vanadium. If manganese is intercalated in beryl, the rather plain, colourless gemstone turns into an enchanting pink treasure: morganite. Today, this gemstone mainly comes from deposits in Brazil, Madagascar, Afghanistan and California. Its good hardness of 7.5 to 8 on the Mohs scale is the reason for its excellent wearing qualities.

There are morganites in many fine pink hues. Some are decidedly pink, whilst others tend more to lilac or light violet, or there may be a hint of orange. The color of morganite always emanates charm, esprit and a touch of tenderness. This gemstone has a wonderful gift: even in stressful times, it shows up the brighter aspects of life.

Alongside emerald and aquamarine, morganite is certainly the best known gemstone from the colorful group of the beryls. Women the world over love morganite for its fine pink tones which radiate charm, esprit and tenderness.

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Goshenite, A Diamond Replacement

Goshenite

Goshenite

Goshenite is a member of the Beryl family – the “mother of gemstones”. The beryl species is one of the most important in the gemstone world. Other gemstones of the Beryl family include Emerald, Heliodor, red beryl and Aquamarine.

Goshenite is a clear and colorless stone that was first discovered in Goshen, Hampshire County, Massachusetts, USA. This stone is therefore named after the place it was found first. Goshenite is found in relatively many beryl deposits around the world, so it is perhaps the most common and least expensive form of beryl.

Goshenite was once used for manufacturing eyeglasses and lenses owing to its excellent transparency. These days, it is most commonly used as a gemstone and is also considered a source of beryllium. Before the introduction of diamond simulants such as cubic zirconium, goshenite was often used a diamond replacement.

This stone has a hardness rating of 7.5 to 8 with a hexagonal crystal structure and is a perfect choice for many different types of jewelry including pins, pendants, necklaces, earrings, rings and bracelets. The brilliance and fire could be improved by placing silver foil behind the cut stone.

Since goshenite is relatively plentiful, usually only very clean and transparent specimens are cut as gemstones. Goshenite competes in the market with other colorless gems such as white sapphire, white zircon and white topaz.

Goshenite is known to promote practical wisdom and assists those who have difficulty with the decision making process. It is also reputed as a stone of truthfulness that encourages truth in all actions and particularly in giving one’s word. Goshenite brings self-control, creativity and originality.

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