Discover the Pink Gemstone of the Himalayas: Morganite from Pakistan
Morganite from Pakistan: The Pink Gemstone of the Himalayas
Morganite, also known as pink beryl, is a rare and beautiful gemstone that has gained popularity among jewelry enthusiasts in recent years. This gemstone derives its name from the American banker and collector J.P. Morgan who was an avid collector of precious stones.
Morganite comes in various shades of pink, ranging from pale blush to bright fuchsia, making it very popular for use in jewelry. It’s also a durable stone with a Mohs hardness rating of 7.5-8 which makes it suitable for daily wear.
One country that has recently emerged as a major source of high-quality morganite is Pakistan. The northern parts of this South Asian nation are home to some of the highest peaks in the world including K2, Nanga Parbat and Gasherbrum ranges where morganite deposits have been discovered.
The History and Discovery of Morganite in Pakistan
The history behind these discoveries dates back to 2000 when Pakistani geologists detected pegmatites (igneous rocks) containing morganite crystals at Shigar valley located near Skardu city in Northern Areas (now Gilgit-Baltistan). These findings were followed by further explorations throughout other areas such as Nagar Valley, Hunza Valley, Chumar Bakhoor area near Gilgit city and many more.
Mostly artisanal miners work on these mines using traditional mining techniques to extract high quality rough stones mostly during summer months. These rough stones are then sold locally or exported abroad where they are cut into different shapes according to market requirements before being used for creating exquisite jewelry pieces.
Characteristics of Morganites from Pakistan
Pakistan produces some exceptional quality morganites due to their clarity and unique color saturation which sets them apart from other sources around the world. One reason why Pakistani morganites stand out is that they contain little or no impurities and inclusions. This makes them more valuable as they are transparent and have a better light reflection.
Morganites from Pakistan range from pale pink to salmon pink or peachy orange color with a hint of gold which gives it its distinct look. The stones found here can sometimes be quite large, weighing up to several hundred carats.
Another reason why Pakistani morganites are so popular is that they often come in different shapes such as round, oval, pear, cushion and marquise cuts giving jewelers greater flexibility when designing jewelry pieces.
Uses of Morganite
Morganite has become increasingly popular among jewelry enthusiasts due to its unique beauty and rarity. It’s commonly used for creating engagement rings, earrings, necklaces or pendants with the most popular design being the solitaire setting where the stone is set alone on a band without any accompanying diamonds or other gems.
One of the reasons why morganite is so popular in engagement rings is that it symbolizes love and compassion while also being affordable compared to other precious gemstones like emeralds or sapphires.
Another use for this beautiful gemstone is for healing purposes since it’s believed to bring inner peace while also helping individuals cope with stress and anxiety issues. It’s said that wearing morganite close to your body can help you connect with your heart chakra which helps balance emotions.
How To Care For Your Morganite Jewelry
Like all gemstones, morganite requires proper care if you want it to last long without losing its luster. Here are some tips on how you can take good care of your morganite jewelry:
1) Avoid exposing your morganite jewelry to harsh chemicals such as hairspray or perfumes as these will damage the surface layer of the stone.
2) Clean your morganite jewelry regularly using mild soap water solution mixed at room temperature then dry them off gently using a soft cloth.
3) Store your morganite jewelry separately from other pieces of jewelry to avoid scratches or damage.
4) Take off your morganite jewelry before doing any household chores like gardening, cleaning or washing dishes as these could cause scratches on the surface.
Conclusion
Pakistan has become a significant source of high-quality morganites in recent years due to its unique color saturation and clarity. The stones found here are highly valued by jewelers around the world due to their rarity and beauty. It’s important for individuals who own morganite jewelry to take proper care of it so that it lasts long and retains its luster. Morganite is more than just a beautiful gemstone; it also has healing properties that can help bring inner peace and balance emotions.