Morganite

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Morganite has a specific gravity of 2.82 and a refractive index of 1.572–1.600, with a Mohs hardness of 7.5–8.0. It is uniaxial −.

Physical & Optical Properties

RI Range1.572–1.600

SG Range2.71–2.85

SG Typical2.82

Hardness (Mohs)7.5–8

Crystal SystemHexagonal

Optic CharacterDR Uniaxial (−)

Birefringence0.008

Dispersion0.014

Fluorescence LWWeak Orange Pink

Fluorescence SWInert

Chelsea FilterInert

PleochroismModerate

ColorsRed Pink, Yellow Orange

SpeciesBeryl

Key Differentiators

Higher RI and SG than other beryls
Moderate pleochroism
Often eye-clean

Natural vs. Synthetic

Synthetic morganite is commercially available (Hydrothermal (uncommon commercially)). Distinguishing natural from synthetic typically requires microscopic examination of internal features.

General Note: No commercial synthetic morganite. Confirm beryl species with RI (1.574–1.580), SG ~2.71–2.90, weak pleochroism (pink/orangey-pink). Heat treatment common to improve color — undetectable. Synthetic: May be confused with pink tourmaline (stronger dichroism, higher birefringence) or kunzite (stronger trichroism, perfect cleavage).

GemID Pro includes a two-phase natural vs. synthetic testing protocol for Morganite.

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Common Simulants

Kunzite: Kunzite: biaxial positive DR; RI 1.660–1.676; SG 3.18; violet-pink vs morganite's peach-pink; different pleochroism.
Pink topaz: Topaz: biaxial positive; perfect basal cleavage; higher SG (3.53); RI 1.619–1.627.
Pink tourmaline: Tourmaline: uniaxial negative; RI 1.624–1.644; SG 3.06; more saturated pink typically.
Glass: Isotropic; gas bubbles or swirl marks; no dichroism; conchoidal fracture.

Commonly Confused With

Commonly confused with: Kunzite, Pink Topaz, Pink Tourmaline, Glass.

Treatments

Heat Treatment (to remove orange/yellow tint)
Electron-Beam or Gamma Irradiation (intensifies pink-red; largely undetectable by standard instruments)

Price Context

Natural — low ($/ct)$50

Natural — high ($/ct)$300

NotePer carat; deep peachy-pink preferred over pale pink; large clean stones available

Price context is approximate. GemID is not an appraisal tool. Results are indicators, not certified valuations.

Measurement Guides

Identifying a morganite? GemID walks through these tests in order — RI, SG, fluorescence, and more.

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Studying for the GIA, FGA, or FEEG practical? Morganite is one of the 130 species in GemID’s drill and exam pool — practice identifying it from its measured properties under timed exam conditions.

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