Morganite with Smoky Quartz

Mawi pegmatite, Nilaw-Kolum pegmatite field,

Nuristan, Afghanistan

9.7cm tall x 11.5cm wide

Ex-collection Stephen Smale

All the members of the Beryl family seem to have a preferred crystal shape.

Aquamarine and heliodor tend to grow in a tall and narrow form of crystal with pyramidal or flat terminations.

Red Beryl (Bixbite) always grows in small crystals with flat terminations.

Emeralds mostly grow tall and narrow with flat terminations, but can occasionally have a pyramidal termination. The termination style is often dependent upon the locality.

Goshenite and morganite typically form in tabular crystals.

This morganite has broken the mold. The termination on the left side facing the smoky quartz is the classic style seen in most morganites. The termination to the right is quite unusual. It has the appearance more likely seen in aquamarine, sometimes referred to as a “bullet” termination.

One can immediately appreciate the striking juxtaposition between the dark quartz and the transparent morganite. This contrast is beautifully harnessed, drawing the viewer's eye to the crystal as the central focal point. The crisp, well-defined facets of both crystals add a sense of precision and elegance. This interplay of surfaces is one of the piece's strongest visual elements, combining elements of chaos and order, subtly inviting the observer to explore each element of the mineral's surface. The color palette—from dark browns to orangey/pinks and creams result in a harmonious and captivating aesthetic that emphasizes the mineral's natural beauty. This assemblage is unique.