What Is Morganite? A Comprehensive Guide

When it comes to colored gemstones, it's hard to find something more feminine than morganite. Known for its peachy-pink color, morganite is a beautiful stone that feels delicate, special, and fun. It can be a lovely alternative to a diamond if you want to use it for an engagement ring, or simply a nice option for any kind of jewelry, whether that's a necklace, ring, or pair of earrings.

With morganite becoming more popular today, you're more likely to see this rock when shopping for fine jewelry now than ever before. Meaning, if you're searching to buy something made with this gemstone, it's important to know how suitable it is for everyday wear, what the different colors mean, and how to take care of it. After all, it's always beneficial to know all the necessary facts before splurging on a unique accessory.

Ahead, we spoke with a professional jeweler to find out everything there is to know about the morganite gemstone. Read on to learn more and don't forget to take notes.

What Is Morganite?

Morganite is a type of semi-precious gemstone that belongs to the beryl family (this also includes gems like emeralds and aquamarine). It was first discovered in Madagascar in 1911 and gets its name from J.P. Morgan (more on that below).

"The most distinctive characteristic of morganite is its beautiful pink to peachy-pink color, which is a result of the presence of manganese impurities in the beryl crystal structure," explains Beverly Hills-based jeweler Larry "Flowers" Yadan. Additionally, one of the most unique things about the color is that it can vary in intensity. "Some stones will exhibit a soft, delicate hue, while others may have a more intense, vivid coloration," Yadan says.

Today, the most common place you'll find morganite is in jewelry, particularly in gemstone engagement rings, pendants, earrings, and necklaces. "Its attractive pink color makes it a popular choice for people who prefer feminine and elegant gemstones," Yadan notes. Morganite also has relatively good hardness (7.5 to 8 on the Mohs scale), so it's a great choice for most pieces, even rings that are worn on a regular basis.

As for pricing, the value of each stone is going to be influenced by factors like its color, clarity, size, and overall quality. That said, it is typically a less expensive option than diamonds and some other jewels.

Physical Properties of Morganite

It's important to keep the physical properties of morganite in mind when shopping for this stone. Below, we break down the three main characteristics to look out for, whether searching for jewelry you'll wear regularly or not that often.

Color

Morganite is known and loved for its pink color. This shade can range from a soft pastel pink to a bright, almost orange hue. More specifically, untreated morganite will have a salmon-orange color, while stones that are rarer will have a strong, deep pink hue. "The most sought-after morganite gemstones have a rich, intense pink color and minimal inclusions," Yadan adds.

Hardness

As mentioned above, morganite has a hardness of 7.5 to 8 on the Mohs scale. "This makes it relatively durable and suitable for use in various types of jewelry, including rings, earrings, and pendants," Yadan says. However, he notes that it's still not as hard as a diamond (which is a 10 on the Mohs scale) and can still be scratched or chipped if you don't take care of it properly.

Sources

Morganite can be found in various locations around the world. According to Yadan, some notable sources include Brazil, Madagascar, Afghanistan, and the United States. The GIA's website also notes that "the original Madagascar deposit still sets the standard for the best material. That location’s yield of magenta-colored rough was superior to crystals from other sources."

Cultural Significance of Morganite

As a pink gemstone, Yadan says that morganite is often associated with love, compassion, and empathy. This is another reason, aside from the color, that makes it a beautiful engagement ring choice. Not only that, but some people view it as a healing stone. "In the realm of alternative healing and metaphysical beliefs, some individuals attribute certain spiritual or healing properties to morganite," Yadan notes.

In terms of fun facts, morganite was named after American banker J.P. Morgan, given that the financier made significant gemstone contributions to museums around the world. It's reported that after the stone was discovered, George Kunz, a former lead gemologist at Tiffany & Co., proposed the idea of naming it after Morgan as a way to honor the banker. What's more, this rock has been spotted on the red carpet numerous times, including on the finger of Lily Collins, who received a rare rose-cut morganite engagement ring from now-husband Charlie McDowell.

But that's not all! The pretty gemstone is also becoming a more popular option for engagement rings for people who aren't celebrities. "Some couples opt for morganite rings as a unique and personal alternative to traditional diamond engagement rings, adding sentimental value to the gemstone," Yadan says. "While morganite may not have the historical and deep-rooted cultural significance of some other gemstones, its popularity and symbolism in contemporary jewelry trends have given it increasing cultural importance and recognition in recent years."

How to Care for Morganite Jewelry

While morganite is a fairly durable stone, it can't stand up to excessive wear and tear, meaning, caring for this rock is essential in maintaining its excellent condition. According to Yadan, here's how to keep morganite looking brand new for years to come.

Avoid hard chemicals.

Much like any precious stone, the jeweler advises everyone to keep morganite away from household cleaners, chlorine, and abrasive substances. These chemicals have the ability to damage the gemstone and its setting.

Store morganite separately.

It's a good idea to store morganite away from other jewelry that could potentially leave scratches behind. Pro tip: It's best to put this gemstone in a soft pouch or jewelry box with individual compartments.

Clean it regularly.

In order to maintain the brilliance of your morganite, don't forget to clean it regularly. Yadan suggests using warm, soapy water and a soft brush or cloth to gently remove dirt and oils, before rinsing thoroughly and patting dry with a soft, lint-free cloth. He also recommends staying away from ultrasonic cleaners, since the vibrations can potentially cause damage to the stone.

Avoid high temperatures and excessive sunlight.

"Morganite is generally stable at room temperature, but it's best to avoid exposing it to extreme heat or sudden temperature changes," Yadan says. "High temperatures can cause the gem to lose its color or even crack." The jeweler also adds that "Prolonged exposure to direct sunlight may cause fading of the gem's color over time."

Minimize frequent impact.

Morganite can be damaged by impact or rough handling. That's why Yadan recommends taking it off before engaging in any stressful or potentially impactful activity, like working out or cooking.

In general, the unique color and durability of morganite makes it a great option for jewelry, even engagement rings. It's a beautiful choice for anyone who wants something more unique and feminine, and an affordable option you'll certainly love for a lifetime.