Morganite is stone that happens to have more than its fair share of monikers. When I bother to read through all of its aliases, I am reminded of what it's like to read through a Tolstoy or Dostoevsky novel where protagonists can have up to a handful of names. Morganite, otherwise known as "pink beryl", "rose beryl", "pink emerald", and "cesian (or caesian) beryl", is a rare light pink to rose-colored gem-quality variety of beryl that was first discovered on an island on the coast of Madagascar in 1910. The famous American gemologist, George Frederick Kunz, chief gemologist at Tiffany & Co., named the stone after the legendary financier and gem collector J.P. Morgan who was Tiffany's largest customer at the time.
Morganite belongs to the same genus of stones as emeralds, aquamarine, golden beryl, and bixbite. All species of beryl have the chemical composition of beryllium aluminum silicate (Be3Al2(SiO3)6) but vary in hardness between 7.5-8 on the Moh's scale. In more recent years, morganite is regarded as among the most currently popular stones of choice for engagement rings among gem buyers who love its soft pink hues. The source of pink coloration in the stone is not well understood or agreed upon as yet. Some scientists attribute its pink color to traces of manganese (Mn), while others attribute it to the element caesium (Cs). Morganites can be found in shades of pink, lavender, salmon, or peach. Nowadays, it is quite common to find morganite that is heat treated in order to improve its delicate color and remove any yellow tones. Around the world, morganite deposits are found in Afghanistan, Brazil, China, Madagascar, Mozambique, Namibia, Zimbabwe and the USA (California and Maine).
Among sentimental folk, morganite is believed to be the stone that symbolizes divine love. It is also believed to bring healing, compassion, assurance, promise, and an increase in faith in God. It is one of the alternative birthstones for the month of October.