Morganite crystal structure
hexagonal Cyclosilicates

Morganite

Be3Al2(SiO3)6:Mn

Quick Facts

Hardness
7.5
Specific Gravity
2.67
Refractive Index
1.577
Optical Character
Uniaxial -

Crystal Structure

#! Species: Morganite (Beryl) #! System: Hexagonal (6/mmm) #! Habit: Short prismatic to tabular, pink hexagonal[6/mmm]:{10-10}@1.0 + {0001}@0.5 + {11-20}@0.2 | elongate(c:0.9)
hexagonal
6/mmm
{10-10} {0001} {11-20}

Physical Properties

Crystal Systemhexagonal
Hardness (Mohs)7.5
Specific Gravity2.67
CleavageImperfect basal
FractureConchoidal to uneven
LustreVitreous

Optical Properties

Refractive Index1.577
Birefringence0.005-0.009
Optical CharacterUniaxial -
Dispersion0.014
Pleochroismweak: Pale pink / Deeper pink (Subtle; requires well-saturated stone to observe)
FluorescenceWeak pink in some specimens

Colours

PinkPeachSalmonRoseLight pinkOrange-pink

Localities

BrazilMadagascarAfghanistanMozambiqueCalifornia (USA)Namibia

Common Inclusions

Liquid feathersGrowth tubesTwo-phase inclusionsMineral crystals

Known Treatments

Heat treatment (removes yellow, enhances pink)

Crystal Forms

hexagonal_prismpinacoiddihexagonal_prism

Interactive Preview

Open this crystal in the CDL Playground to rotate, export, and explore in 3D.

Open in Playground
#! Species: Morganite (Beryl) #! System: Hexagonal (6/mmm) #! Habit: Short prismatic to tabular, pink hexagonal[6/mmm]:{10-10}@1.0 + {0001}@0.5 + {11-20}@0.2 | elongate(c:0.9)