Morganite
Image: Robert M. Lavinsky (CC BY-SA 3.0)
Mineral NameMorganite
Chemical FormulaBe₃Al₂Si₆O₁₈
Mohs Hardness7.5
Crystal Systemhexagonal
Lustervitreous
Streak Colorwhite
Cleavageimperfect basal {0001}
Fractureconchoidal
Specific Gravity2.8
Colorspink, peach, orange-pink
Transparencytransparent
Type LocalityGaliléia, Doce valley, Minas Gerais, Southeast Region, Brazil
Mineral GroupSilicates
Usesjewelry, gemstone, collector's item
Associated Mineralsquartz, cleavelandite, albite, tourmaline
Rarityuncommon
Description
This specimen features a prominent, well-formed, pale pink to peach-colored hexagonal morganite crystal nestled within a matrix of white, bladed cleavelandite, with a large, clear hexagonal quartz crystal rising behind it.
Geological Context
Morganite is a variety of beryl that typically forms in granitic pegmatites, often in association with other rare minerals like tourmaline, feldspar, and quartz, resulting from the late-stage crystallization of magma.
