Morganite Faceting Information

Morganite (Beryl)

Color: Pink to peach
Moh's Hardness: 7.5-8
Refractive Index: 1.57-1.60
Critical Angle: 39.87°
Specific Gravity: 2.65-2.75
Cleavage: None
Fracture: Conchoidal, tough
Dispersion: .014
Heat Sensitivity: Slightly
Dichroism: distinct (pale-pink to lavender-pink)
Birefringence (double refraction): Weak (.006-.009)
Crystal Structure: Hexagonal

Treatments: Generally none, although it is sometimes heated to improve color.

What I prefer to polishing with: Cerium oxide with a Spectra Ultralap.

Jeff's Comments: Cuts and polishes like any other Beryl, usually no problems. I like to use a 1200 Nu Bond lap for pre-polish, it makes the polishing stage faster and easier. Orientating on the "c" is slightly better. Watch for silk and lilly pad type of inclusions perpendicular to the "c" axis. Color is usually pale.

Design Notes: About any design will work well. I prefer a deeper design and often cut Barions because the color of most rough is on the pale side.

Design Links: Signature #4 - This is one of my favorite cuts in Beryl
Blue Ice - Designed for very long crystals