What is Morganite? | Diamond Alternative for Engagement Rings

What is Morganite? | Diamond Alternative for Engagement Rings

Morganite may be the perfect choice if you’re looking for an affordable gemstone with a beautiful pink hue. In this post, we’ll explore what makes it unique, how to care for it, and why it has become so desirable.

Morganite is a pink to peach-colored gem belonging to the beryl family. Trace amounts of manganese and other minerals cause its popular color variations. Morganite’s coloring, hardness, durability, and affordability make it attractive for engagement rings, wedding rings, and other jewelry.

In the following paragraphs, you’ll learn about all aspects of choosing, wearing, and caring for Morganite. Keep reading to become a more confident buyer and a more prepared owner of this beautiful stone!

Is Morganite a Natural Gemstone or Manmade?

Morganite is a naturally occurring Beryl. Sizes ranging up to 146.58 carats can be found, though quality pieces larger than 5 carats are fairly rare and, therefore, quite expensive. Other members of the Beryl family include gems such as aquamarine and emerald. In addition to natural Morganite, synthetic or lab-created Morganite is also available.

The manufactured version of the gemstone is created in laboratory conditions to have the very same look, durability, and chemical makeup as the natural mined version. However, because mined Morganite is still relatively inexpensive, there’s currently little demand for lab-created versions.

If the cost of natural gemstone gets high enough in the future, people will likely start to embrace the lab-created version because of the cost advantages it will offer.

What Does Morganite Look Like?

It’s typically pink (ranging from light pink tones to deeper rose hues and bright magenta) or peach, with some specimens having a hint of yellow. Though far less common, you can sometimes find Morganite gemstones in shades of violet, salmon, blue, or even green.

It is often cut to accentuate the unique coloring of each gem. These stones often have a silky sheen, which adds to their attractive appearance. Depending on size, they can range from clear to opaque in transparency. Larger pieces tend to be more opaque due to impurities that occur naturally during formation as it cools beneath the Earth’s surface. Smaller specimens have fewer impurities, making them clearer.

Morganite is often marketed as an alternative to pink diamonds, providing an affordable option for those wanting a unique, beautiful stone with timeless elegance.

Can Morganite be Clear?

Morganite can indeed come in a clear variety, although this form of the stone is more rare than its more vivid counterparts. Clear morganites are usually referred to as ‘white’ or ‘watermelon’ morganites – due to their resemblance to white topaz or watermelon tourmaline – and have a glass-like transparency that allows light to pass through them with ease.

Can Morganite be Blue?

Yes, there are rare deposits of blue morganite found around the world, including Brazil and Afghanistan. Although the intensity of its color may not be as vibrant as other gemstones, it still has an impressive deep blue hue that stands out among other gemstones.

What is Morganite Made Of?

It is made from aluminum and beryllium atoms, forming an aluminum beryllium silicate. The stones form as minerals such as manganese, iron, and other elements mix within cavities in rocks called pegmatites. Morganite is frequently found alongside other minerals, such as quartz, tourmaline, and feldspar, which are all part of the same beryl family.

Where is Morganite Mined?

Madagascar and Mozambique are two of the most popular and plentiful sources. Large deposits have been discovered in both of those locations in recent years. In addition to these two African countries, Brazil is another top producer globally. Smaller deposits have also been found in Afghanistan, Namibia, Nigeria, and Pakistan.

Is Morganite Mined Ethically?

Ethical mining practices minimize environmental impact, respect labor rights, and prioritize the health and safety of workers. It also requires companies to ensure that their products do not contain any minerals or materials derived from conflict regions like Africa’s Great Lakes region or other areas with a history of armed conflicts.

So, Is Morganite conflict free? While it doesn’t have the same history as “blood diamonds,” they can still be considered “conflict” stones if they come from an area affected by violence.

Fortunately, some organizations provide certification programs for miners who meet specific standards related to ethics and sustainability. Jewelers who offer “conflict-free” gems have suppliers who are supposed to comply with the Kimberley Process certification system. This system prohibits the trading of diamonds from conflict regions to help ensure that their stones aren’t coming from areas where violence has been occurring.

These designations help provide additional confidence but don’t provide absolute certainty. Unfortunately, smuggling gems across borders, from conflict regions into non-conflict regions, where they can then enter the supply chain as “conflict-free” stones, is not uncommon. While not perfect, purchasing stones from suppliers who make a diligent effort to source ethical gems is probably your best option for avoiding conflict stones (outside of opting for lab-created stones instead).

Is Morganite Precious or Semi-Precious?

No universally accepted definition exists for what constitutes a “precious” or “semi-precious” gemstone, but Morganite is generally considered a semi-precious gem. However, that classification actually means little. Therefore, it shouldn’t be a significant consideration as you select a stone for your special ring.

Is Morganite Rarer Than Diamonds?

In geological terms, these stones are actually rarer than diamonds. It’s the rarest beryl variety aside from red beryl.

Is Morganite Popular?

The popularity of morganite jewelry has increased significantly in recent years, with many celebrities wearing it publically. It has been nicknamed “pink emerald” due to its unique color, which adds an extra bit of allure to the already stunning gemstone. As Morganite continues to gain recognition for its beauty and rarity, it’s no wonder that so many people are now choosing it as a diamond alternative for their engagement rings, wedding rings, anniversary rings, etc.

Can Morganite be Used for an Engagement Ring?

Over the past decade, Morganite has been an increasingly common choice for engagement rings. Its beautiful pink hue adds to its romantic appeal. Colored diamonds are far too expensive for many. Morganite represents an attractive alternative that’s far more affordable. It’s also an excellent fit for those who want something less common than the traditional mined diamond for their e-ring. A Morganite engagement ring is distinctive, beautiful, durable, and affordable! That combination of benefits highlights why it’s rapidly growing in popularity.

Is Morganite Tacky?

The term ‘tacky’ typically refers to something that’s overly flashy or gaudy, if the colors clash badly, or if there are too many features on one piece of jewelry. Based on that typical interpretation, Morganite certainly wouldn’t qualify. It comes in various shades, from blush pink to peach, and its subtle hue allows easy coordination with other jewelry pieces.

What Does Morganite Symbolize?

Morganite symbolizes sweetness, romance, love, and innocence. It’s considered to be the stone of divine love. The gem is also believed to encourage us to embrace our inner strength and open up to receiving and giving love in its purest form.

The stone is thought to stimulate the heart chakra, allowing us to experience deep joy and open our hearts to receive compassion from others. It is said that wearing, or carrying, it can help heal emotional wounds and allow us to access true happiness on an emotional level. Additionally, Morganite can be used as a reminder of positive energy when times are difficult, helping us stay grounded during challenging times.

In terms of metaphysical properties, the stone is believed to be associated with assurance and promise. It is thought to cleanse the emotional body of stress and anxiety, creating an overall sense of peace and balance. Morganite also encourages self-love and acceptance by providing clarity when faced with difficult decisions or situations.

What Month is Morganite the Birthstone For?

Morganite isn’t listed as a birthstone currently. The idea of birthstones dates back thousands of years. Various cultures have adopted different stones to represent different months; however, most now recognize the version commonly used in modern times, which was created by American jewelers in 1912. The current list consists mainly of precious stones such as diamonds and rubies, though some more common gems are also featured.

How Was Morganite Discovered?

George F. Kunz discovered it in Madagascar in 1910. George was a renowned mineralogist and chief gemologist for Tiffany & Co.

Kunz was exploring in the area when he came across small pebbles of an unusual rosy color near the border of Tanzania. He sent samples back to Europe and began researching them further, eventually determining that they were beryl crystals colored by manganese oxide, making them look pinkish-orange.

Where Did Morganite Get its Name?

The new rock was originally referred to as pink beryl; however, Kunz later suggested that the gem be called Morganite after his friend, financier, and client, JP Morgan. Kunz believed this gemstone deserved to be honored with a name as prestigious as its namesake.

Does Morganite Scratch Easily?

Fortunately, it’s a material that won’t easily scratch as it comes in casual contact with most everyday items in a home or office, since it’s a fairly hard gemstone. It’s durable enough to stand up to the threats and rigors of daily wear. While certainly harder and more durable than many other gems, you should still exercise caution because any objects in your daily environment that are harder than Morganite could potentially cause damage. For this reason, We recommend removing your ring while doing household cleaning, exercise, yard work, etc.

The Mohs Scale of Hardness measures the relative hardness of various minerals. The scale ranges from 1-10, with the softest minerals getting the lowest rating and the hardest materials getting the highest numerical rating within that range. German geologist Friedrich Mohs created the scale in 1812. It’s based on the observation that one mineral can scratch another, but not vice versa. The ranking is determined by testing against ten common minerals, starting with talc and ending with diamond—the hardest mineral with a score of 10. Corundum (rubies and sapphires) has a score of 9 on the Mohs Scale, while topaz has a score of 8. Quartz has a score of 7 and easily scratches window glass. Synthetic Moissanite wasn’t part of the initial testing, but today it’s known to be the second hardest material after diamond.

Morganite gems rank 7.5 – 8 on the hardness scale, meaning that If you exercise a reasonable amount of care and caution (as you should while wearing any ring), your ring should hold up well against the challenges of daily wear.

Does Morganite Break Easily?

No stone is indestructible, but Morganite is far more durable than many alternatives. It’s hard enough to withstand normal wear and tear from most everyday activities without becoming damaged and tough enough to resist chips, breaks, and fractures that could pose a more significant threat to more brittle gems like diamonds. Morganite stones are so tough that they will typically only chip if subjected to extreme force or pressure—such as being dropped from a great height or receiving sharp blows from a very hard object.

Does Morganite Sparkle Like a Diamond?

When appropriately cut and held under certain lighting conditions, Morganite can produce an impressive sparkle! It has a unique luster and shine, but it can’t compete with the brilliance of diamonds. This is because it has a lower refractive index (1.583 – 1.590) than diamonds (2.42).

Morganite’s light performance (sparkle and fire) isn’t as strong as that of diamonds, but its brilliance is more pronounced than other pink stones. Additionally, attaining an ideal cut and clarity without blowing your budget is possible when shopping for this diamond alternative.

The dispersion of Morganite also contributes to its ability to split light into its component colors, resulting in what we observe as glittering sparkles when viewed from different angles. This property describes how much the RI changes with different wavelengths; Morganite has a dispersion rating of 0.014, which means that you aren’t likely to see as much fire (colorful sparkles) in it as you might see in alternatives like Diamonds, Moissanite, or Cubic Zirconia.

Does Morganite Have Inclusions?

The presence of inclusions can significantly affect the value of a gemstone as well as how durable it will be. Inclusions refer to any mineral substance trapped within the crystal when it formed, which may appear as black dots or fibrous clouds within the stone.

Morganite is a type 2 gemstone, which means that it typically has very few inclusions. Most morganite gems are eye clean, meaning they lack visible imperfections. The best quality morganite is “clean” and free of visible inclusions. While some may have slight inclusions that are not noticeable to the naked eye, these are rare and usually do not impact the price or beauty of the overall stone.

Heat treatments can be used to remove any yellow tones from the stone, but they won’t change its clarity or the visibility of any inclusions. One of Morganite’s greatest qualities is its clarity and the fact that it usually doesn’t have visible inclusions like diamonds and many other gems.

What’s the Best Cut for Morganite Stones?

Ultimately, the best cut will depend on what you are looking for. Many feel that Morganite looks best in pear, oval, or round cuts as these shapes show off its natural brilliance and light dispersion. Cuts like Emerald and Asscher are also suitable because their long facets can enhance the stone’s clarity and color saturation.

Round shapes are the most popular option, but a cushion cut, a heart shape, or an oval cut can also make for an elegant. No matter which cut you choose, select good quality stones: they should have no visible inclusions and exhibit an attractive vitreous luster when cut.

Pink emerald cut Morganite gemstone.Photo by Sabrianna on Unsplash

How is Morganite Graded?

Morganite is graded for quality based on color, clarity, cut, and carat weight (often referred to as “the four C’s”). Color refers to the tone and saturation of the gemstone. Clarity indicates how many visible inclusions are present; for Morganite, these can take on various forms, such as clouds or feathers within the stone. Cut encompasses both shape and symmetry.

The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) doesn’t have an industry-accepted grading system for Morganite. Still, most stores follow a natural AAA/AA/A rating system based on its color and clarity.

Is Morganite Good for Daily Wear?

Many wonder if Morganite is a soft or fragile stone; fortunately, it’s a durable stone with several advantages that make it suitable for daily use. First, it has a hardness rating of 7.5-8 on the Mohs hardness scale, meaning that it’s pretty scratch resistant – perfect if you’re looking for something to stand up to everyday wear and tear. Second, it’s not so hard that it’s brittle.

Despite the delicate look, it’s actually quite strong and stands up well to daily wear.

Can Morganite Take Heat Without Being Harmed?

Morganite is made up of beryl crystals which are naturally resistant to cracking or chipping under pressure or extreme temperatures. It has a high melting point of around 2200°F (1200°C), which makes it one of the most heat-resistant gems available. However, extreme heat can cause vibrant stones to fade to some degree, so care should be taken to protect your stone from heat when possible.

Where Can You Find a Morganite Engagement Ring?

You can purchase it from various online and local jewelers; however, you have to be careful because quality varies. A stone that looks beautiful under the lights of the display case may actually be a low-quality stone that you’ll soon regret purchasing. It’s hard for those not experienced with Morganite to gauge the quality of the gemstone they’re considering. Because of that, it’s important to shop longstanding, reputable retailers.

Here’s my favorite Morganite retailer. You can purchase loose stones from them or pick your favorite gemstone and then have it mounted to the setting of your choice. They have a robust selection, flexible financing, and easy returns.

How to Tell Good Quality Morganite?

There are several things you should be looking for, or be mindful of, to ensure you are buying a high-quality morganite, You’ll want to evaluate the stone’s clarity. The gemstone should be free of inclusions and blemishes, which may affect its appearance or reduce the gem’s durability. It should also have an excellent cut, which produces the kind of symmetry that allows light to pass through the stone effectively, creating sparkle and brilliance.

We all like a bargain, but it’s also a good idea to avoid buying Morganite that’s too inexpensive. You often get what you pay for. An ultra-inexpensive stone may not maintain its color as long or be as durable as a quality stone that costs a little more.

How Can You Test Morganite to Confirm it’s Authentic?

Devices can be used to test gems. Refractive Index is probably the best specific identifier (1,583-1.590). Most people won’t have access to the specialized equipment they can use to test gems, so the easiest and most cost-effective way to determine whether your gem is genuine is to take it to a professional jeweler. Jewelers possess the right equipment and knowledge to test the gemstone for authenticity accurately. They can use various tools such as microscopes, spectrometers, and ultraviolet light sources to inspect the stone inside and out. Another way of gaining certainty about your Morganite is by purchasing a ring with an accompanying authentication certificate from a reputable source. This certificate will provide extra assurance that you are getting the high-quality product you intended to purchase.

Does Morganite Come in Different Colors?

Morganite often has an attractive peachy-pink hue (the most popular and sought-after color) with a slightly purplish undertone that can vary in intensity depending on the stone’s quality. It also comes in various other colors, including light pink and bluish-purple hues.

Some Morganite can also be found in shades of yellow, orange, or even green if it’s exposed to radiation during its growth process. In addition to this range of colors available naturally, it can also be artificially treated to enhance its colors, making other shades possible such as pinker pinks and deeper purples.

What Makes Morganite Pink?

The pink color is caused by trace amounts of manganese that were present as the gem formed. It can cause a color range from peach-pink to deep rose-pink, depending on how much manganese a particular piece contains.

The amount of manganese can also affect other qualities, such as clarity and hardness. Higher levels of manganese result in lower clarity and hardness; however, these stones still have significant value due to their unique color. On the other hand, stones with less manganese will be clearer and harder but may not have as intense a pink coloration as those with higher levels.

Each element has different properties that affect how light interacts with the stone, influencing its color. Iron, for example, can cause it to take on a more yellow or brown hue—and if titanium is present, it can result in deeper purples. Additionally, differences in the structure of the crystal can influence the way light reflects off the stone and give it an overall different look.

So while all morganites come from the same mineral group, their individual elements and structures create distinct coloring effects that are unique to each one!

Does Morganite Change Color in Different Light?

The color of a morganite stone can appear to change depending on the type of light present. Different artificial light sources will affect the appearance of the stone in various ways, making it appear more vibrant or duller than usual.

Will Morganite Change Color Over Time?

Morganite is a color-stable stone, so the coloring typically won’t change over time. After being mined and polished, The color of a natural morganite, no matter how light or dark, will typically remain the same over time. Some gems may be heat treated or irradiated to remove certain unwanted tints from the stone, but the overall color of the gemstone won’t change with time. It can exhibit a very distinct pleochroism meaning it can appear to change when viewed at different angles in certain lighting; however, it’s not a permanent change of color.

Does Morganite Fluoresce?

Many gems possess a unique characteristic called fluorescence. This phenomenon is the ability of certain stones to radiate visible light after exposure to ultraviolet radiation. Very few morganites fluoresce. Those that do are generally relatively free of iron.

The term “fluorescence” originates from the Latin word “fluxus,” which means flowing or current. It was first used in gemology by mineralogist George F. Kunz to describe how some gems appeared to glow under ultraviolet light. However, fluorescence isn’t just present in precious gems; quartz and other minerals also show this effect when subjected to UV radiation.

A gem’s fluorescence can range from a faint glow that’s barely perceptible to the naked eye up to an intense one that can be seen even without UV light exposure.

Is Morganite Irradiated?

The answer depends on the origin of a given stone – some stones are natural, while others have been artificially altered to bring out the color more vividly. Natural stones have their own unique beauty, but irradiated specimens provide a more intense color that can be difficult to find in natural Morganite.

Irradiation is the process of radiating gemstones to enhance their color or clarity. Irradiation can be used to make it appear brighter and more vivid in color than its natural state. While some purists may shun this practice, most agree that the results are stunning.

Is Morganite Heat Treated?

Morganite is almost always heat-treated to improve its shade and saturation—usually at temperatures between 480 and 750°F. This treatment is not detectable and makes the color more stable, pure, and attractive. Heat treatments can also be used to lighten or darken the stone’s hue. The resulting color is a permanent feature of the gem that won’t fade with time.

Natural-color Morganite is rare. Most has been treated in some way—most commonly by heating or irradiation.

What Goes Well with Morganite?

Consider Rose gold if you’re looking for metals that pair well. Its warm hue adds a soft touch to the already feminine stone—it’s an eye-catching combination. Other metals, such as white gold and platinum, contrast nicely against Morganite’s delicate hues.

Diamonds or Moissanite also can pair beautifully with Morganite to create contrast and sparkle.

What Can You Wear with Morganite?

Morganite can complement a wide range of colors and styles, but if you’re looking for some initial ideas, try pairing your Morganite jewelry with bold colors such as magenta and cobalt blue for a fun and vibrant contrast. To add some edge to the look, pair it with leather accents such as skirts or jackets for an edgy yet sophisticated vibe. For a more romantic feel, go for soft pastels in pink or lavender paired with lace details or ruffles for an elegant touch.

How Much Does Morganite Cost?

With such an elegant look, many wonder if Morganite is expensive. The cost is determined by its size, shape, color, clarity, and carat weight. Generally speaking, a single-carat of quality Morganite ranges from around $400 to $900, making it much less expensive than diamonds on a dollar-per-carat basis. Pale peach stones are often the most affordable color option, while brighter colors are more expensive.

The price of Morganite has increased significantly since 2009 because of the climbing demand for a variety of jewelry applications.

Will Morganite Increase in Value?

It would be best if you never thought of your rings as investments. All gemstones can be subject to market fluctuations—just like any other commodity or asset class. Demand for Morganite is steadily increasing, so pricing may continue to climb, but the resale price for rings is typically lower than the retail price in the short term. If you sell soon after buying your ring, you will likely experience a loss. However, if you hold your ring for years, as prices rise and demand for Morganite continues to escalate, you may be able to resell for a profit.

Why Morganite Instead of Diamond?

Both Morganite and Diamonds are beautiful gems. However, those who choose Morganite over Diamonds for an engagement ring or wedding ring often do it because they want something more distinctive than a traditional diamond.

They love the look of colored gems but can’t afford, or can’t justify, the exorbitant cost of fancy colored diamonds. Morganite checks all the boxes for those who are shopping for value. It’s beautiful, durable, and far more affordable than diamonds and many other alternatives.

Which is Better, Morganite or Kunzite?

Morganite is a much more durable and color-stable stone than Kunzite, so it will be the best choice for important rings, like an ‘e-ring’ or wedding ring, that you plan to wear daily. Kunzite is a relatively soft gemstone. It measures just 6-7 on the Mohs Scale of Hardness. Because of that, Kunzite can scratch easily and should not be worn during regular day-to-day activities because it could accidentally get damaged. It’s also sensitive to light and heat, so it needs special care while wearing or storing it.

Kunzite’s color can also fade when exposed to significant light. Because of this, many people wear it just in the evening, which is why it has long been referred to as “evening stone.” It’s important to note that this fading is not permanent; the color typically returns once the stone has been removed from the light source. It’s best to store your Kunzite away from windows or sources of direct light to avoid excessive fading.

Is Morganite Better Than Moissanite?

Moissanite and Morganite are very different stones with entirely different characteristics, so the decision hinges on what’s most important to you. Moissanite is a relatively colorless stone with lots of fire (colorful sparkle). Morganite is a colored gem with a much lower refractive index and far less flash. However, both are beautiful in their own right.

Moissanite is the harder stone of the two, which means it will be a more scratch-resistant option. If you want to wear a colored stone, Morganite is the better choice. However, Moissanite may be your best bet if you prefer a colorless stone and prioritize durability. Both options are much more budget-friendly than many common alternatives.

Is Morganite the Same as Rose Quartz?

These two stones aren’t the same. Morganite is a pink to peach-colored form of beryl, while rose quartz is an opaque pink variation of quartz.

The most noticeable difference between these two stones is their clarity; Morganite typically has more transparency than rose quartz. In addition, it can be cut into more intricate shapes because it’s a harder stone (Morganite rates at 7.5-8 on the Mohs scale compared to just 6-7 for rose quartz).

People sometimes ask how to tell Morganite from Rose Quarts. Outside of having a professional jeweler examine the stone to provide confirmation, you can evaluate the color, clarity, shape, and scratch resistance to distinguish the two stones because they have distinctive characteristics.

Does Morganite Last Forever?

Morganite is not considered a ‘forever stone,’ but the lifespan of any gem comes down to how you treat and maintain it. It’s a relatively hard stone, but that doesn’t mean it’s scratch-proof. The person who removes their ring before engaging in activities that could potentially put it in danger will be able to maintain the beauty of their ring much longer. With reasonable care and maintenance, Morganite should last for many years—and perhaps a lifetime.

Can You Wear Morganite to Bed?

Some people wear their rings to bed, but It’s not a good idea. Prongs could get caught on a bedsheet or blanket as you move throughout the night—weakening the prongs and putting your stone in danger. Your gemstone can also lose its shine over time due to regular contact with skin oils or other materials while sleeping. Any oil buildup that dulls the beauty of your ring can be removed with a good cleaning, but you may need to clean your ring more regularly if you’re wearing it while you sleep.

Can You Shower with Morganite?

The minerals in your water and soap residue will eventually cause a cloudy layer to form on your gemstone, so removing your jewelry before showering is best. However, the clouding that occurs from this type of buildup doesn’t permanently alter the look of the ring—it will just need a thorough cleaning.

It’s also a good idea to remove your ring before showering or swimming because the Chlorine in treated water can attack gold and other metals over time, weakening prongs. As prongs bend or break, you risk losing your gemstone. The damage done by Chlorine is slow and difficult to detect as you visually inspect your ring, so it’s best to avoid contact with chlorinated water whenever possible.

Why Does Morganite get Cloudy?

Coatings of dirt, dust, minerals, and oils combine on the surface of your ring over time—even if you’re extremely careful with your ring. The layer of grime builds slowly until you may finally notice that your ring doesn’t sparkle like it used to.

sure to remove your ring before applying lotions and hand sanitizers or using harsh cleaning products. Lotions can introduce oils that coat your stone and then mix with the dust from the air to dull your stone. Hand sanitizers and cleaning products are frequently too harsh and could cause clouding or other serious damage in some cases.

Fortunately, when Morganite gemstones have muted sparkle and poor clarity—simply because they’re dirty—they can be carefully cleaned and restored to their original beauty. We’ll talk about exactly how to clean your ring a little later.

Can Morganite Get Dull and Lifeless?

Morganite can lose its luster like any other gemstone if not cared for properly. In addition to the impact of dirt, oils, hard water buildup, and harsh chemicals, scratches on the surface of your stone can make a once lively, sparkling stone look dull and lifeless. Remember that you need light to enter your gem and travel unobstructed to generate maximum sparkle. Scratches can interfere with the entrance and exit of light, stealing the stone’s sparkle.

Because of this, you not only have to be careful about where and how you wear your ring—but you also need to be extremely careful about how you store your ring when you’re NOT wearing it.

Because Diamonds, Sapphires, and Moissanite are all harder than Morganite, each of those stones can scratch its surface if the rings come in contact with each other. That means it’s never a good idea to mix your jewelry of different types in a bowl or jewelry box where they can come in contact with each other. Instead, get a jewelry box that will hold your rings in a fixed position, where they won’t come in contact with any other jewelry pieces.

Does Morganite Fade in Sunlight?

Natural Morganite is a durable gemstone that typically does not fade when exposed to sunlight; however, irradiated Morganite can fade over time. To ensure your gemstone remains vibrant and doesn’t fade, it’s important to avoid exposing it to intense direct sunlight, UV light sources like tanning beds, or extreme heat or chemicals.

Can You Wear Morganite in a Pool or the Ocean?

Wearing Morganite jewelry in the pool or a hot tub is not a good idea. Chlorine and salt can both attack and damage metals like gold. You won’t be able to visibly notice the damage right away; the process takes time.

The most significant risk is that the prongs holding your gem in place will weaken and eventually bend or break. If that happens, your stone can fall out and get lost while doing normal daily activities. In those instances, the chances of finding your stone again are slim.

Saltwater is harmful to many metals. Sand can also be quite abrasive and damaging. The strong movement of the water is another real danger for your ring. If your stone comes loose as the tide swipes past you—or if your ring somehow slips off your finger, it will be almost impossible to recover it in the fast-moving turbulent waters. For all these reasons, it’s best not to wear your ring in the ocean.

Can Hand Sanitizer Damage Morganite?

It is possible for Alcohol-based hand sanitizers to cause damage if it comes in contact with Morganite. If applied directly to the stone, the sanitizing liquid may cause discoloration or even separation from the setting. It’s best to remove your ring before using hand sanitizer. You can put your ring back on after rubbing your hands together until they’re mostly dry again.

Is Morganite Hard to Keep Clean?

As with any gem, you’ll need to keep your Morganite away from lotions, hand sanitizers, hand soaps, and other liquids that can cause buildup. As mentioned earlier, hard water can also dry on the surface of your stone, interfering with its clarity and sparkle until the ring gets cleaned again.

How Should Morganite be Cleaned?

There are several easy options for cleaning your Morganite jewelry at home. Perhaps the best and safest option involves washing your ring in a solution of mild dish soap and warm water. Start by adding a couple of drops of soap to a bowl, then fill the bowl partway with warm water. Again, this is warm (not hot) water. Next, place your ring in the bowl and allow it to soak for several minutes.

After soaking, scrub all areas of the ring with a soft toothbrush. If you don’t have a toothbrush available for the project, you can probably find one at your local dollar store. I find that infant toothbrushes are especially soft and gentle. After scrubbing, rinse the ring well in cool, clean water and then dry it thoroughly. Drying the ring well may require dabbing it with a clean towel and then blow dry it on a cool setting to ensure that all the cracks and crevices also dry out.

Can You Clean Morganite with Vinegar?

Many people do clean with vinegar, but It’s possible for gems like Morganite to be damaged as they come into contact with acidic substances. It’s a good idea to consult a professional jeweler or gemologist before using substances like vinegar on your ring.

If you decide to clean your ring with vinegar, please be sure to dilute it. A solution of no more than 50% vinegar combined with warm water should work well.

Vinegar is an effective cleaning agent that can help remove dirt, oils, and other buildup. To clean your ring with vinegar, all you need is some warm water and some white vinegar:

  1. Mix the water and vinegar in a small bowl.
  2. Soak your Morganite ring in the solution for several minutes before removing it and gently scrubbing with a soft toothbrush to loosen and remove any remaining grime or buildup.
  3. Rinse the ring well to get rid of any remaining vinegar solution.
  4. Dry the ring thoroughly by dabbing it with a clean towel and using a hair dryer set to a cool air setting.

After following these simple steps, your ring should look new again—enjoy!

Can Morganite be Cleaned with an Ultrasonic Cleaner?

It is usually safe to use an ultrasonic cleaner with Morganite unless your stone has liquid inclusions or fractures. However, inclusions aren’t always visible to the unaided eye, so it may be a good idea to ask your jeweler to look at your ring. They’ll be able to ensure you don’t have any issues with your Morganite that could make an ultrasonic cleaner unsafe for your particular gemstone.

The ultrasonic cleaning process works by sending high-frequency soundwaves into a water-based solution, which then agitates any material placed in it. This agitation allows the tiny bubbles created to penetrate even the most microscopic crevices on jewelry to gently loosen and remove dirt without harsh scrubbing of any kind.

The ultrasonic cleaner is an efficient cleaning tool because it requires little manual effort and produces excellent results! It’s also ideal for delicate objects as it does not require scrubbing or scraping, which can damage fragile surfaces.

You can purchase a quality ultrasonic cleaner for less than $60. Here’s the one that we like best.

Is Morganite Porous?

Morganite is more porous than some other gems like sapphires and diamonds. Because of that, you need to be especially careful with the chemicals that you expose your gemstone to. This is another reason that you should remove your ring before cleaning your house and stick to simple ring cleaning methods that avoid harsh chemicals.

Can Morganite be Polished?

As with other gemstones, polishing keeps Morganite looking its best over time. Polishing requires specific tools and supplies, including a polishing pad or cloth, a polishing compound, and water. The process involves running the stone along the polishing pad with water on both sides of the stone until it reaches the desired shine level. Polishing morganite should only be done by experienced professionals who know how to care for this specific gemstone properly.

In Summary

Morganite is a stunning, elegant, durable, and affordable alternative to diamonds for anyone looking for a ring that’s perhaps a little more unique and special. It’s perfect for any special occasion, from engagements to anniversaries—or just to show someone you love them. With its beautiful peach or pinkish hue and warm undertone, Morganite is the perfect statement piece that will stand out in any setting.

Related Posts:

How Can You Tell if Morganite is Real or Fake?

Which is Better Moissanite or Morganite?

Are Morganite Rings Expensive? Cost Per Carat vs Diamond

Does Morganite Get Cloudy? Can it be Avoided or Fixed?

Does Morganite Get Cloudy? Can it be Avoided or Fixed?

If you’ve been wondering how well your ring might hold up over time, you may have wondered, or worried, about the haze or cloudiness that some stones can take on as a result of age or exposure. Will the same type of thing happen with your ring? You, no doubt, want your Morganite ring to always look as warm, clear, and vibrant as the day you first slipped it on?

Does Morganite get cloudy? Morganite can get cloudy and dull as it accumulates oils and dirt from your daily environment. A careful cleaning should be able to remove that film to restore its color and clarity. Cleaning needs will vary, but If you’re wearing the ring daily, it wouldn’t be unusual to clean it every week or two.

The accumulation of dirt and oils is one path to a cloudy appearance, but there are other ways that Morganite can attract a milky haze. I share more information on what cloudiness is, how to avoid it, and also how to fix it in the paragraphs that follow.

When Good Stones Go Cloudy

Morganite isn’t the only stone that can look cloudy under certain circumstances. It can really happen to any stone—though some tend to cloud faster than others for reasons I’ll explain a little later.

Early Cubic Zirconia is an example of a manufactured stone that commonly clouded with age. Manufacturers went in search of a solution and found stabilizing agents that they were able to incorporate to address the issue. Today, Cubic Zirconia isn’t known for consistently clouding, however, corners may have been cut on some of your cheapest CZ stones (like using less effective stabilizing agents, or skipping them altogether) to save money. On the surface, the purchase price may look attractive, but the clarity of such a stone won’t endure for long. Without the right type and quantity of stabilizers in it, the CZ stone could end up cloudy.

So, why is Morganite any different? Morganite isn’t a manufactured stone—it’s mined from the earth (so no stabilizing agents aren’t added or needed). It’s a naturally stable stone that should not experience clarity changes as the direct result of the passage of time. 

What Makes Morganite Cloudy

There are several primary factors that could cause Morganite to occasionally take on a cloudy appearance over time.

Buildup on the surface of the stone: Again, build up most frequently comes from the natural oils on your skin, as it combines with the dirt that your hands come in contact with every day. Some of that dirt is on things you pick up or touch, and some is simply floating around in the form of dust. It’s pretty unavoidable if you’re wearing your ring regularly.

Hand creams and lotions can be a source of additional oils, speeding the process of build-up. At a minimum, you should remove your ring until any topical treatments have been rubbed in well.

Water can also lead to buildup on the surface of your Moissanite. Most water has dissolved minerals in it. After the water has evaporated and the surface has dried, a coating of minerals can get left behind.

These mineral deposits are commonly referred to as ‘hard water buildup.’ Hard water deposits can obstruct light flow for your ring, which can change its appearance, making it feel more dull and lifeless.

Fortunately, the cloudiness that comes from these forms of buildup is usually temporary. A good cleaning should be able to remove the accumulated residue.

One further risk related to hard water buildup is that any mineral grit that settles on the surface of your ring could potentially cause scratching over time as your ring rubs against materials or objects that cause friction between the mineral grit and your Morganite stone. Carefully cleaning your Morganite ring, on a regular basis, helps to protect your ring from both types of danger.

Contact with harsh chemicals: Certain chemicals could potentially react with Morganite in a way that leaves a white haze on the stone. Depending on the nature of that reaction, the cloudiness could be a temporary inconvenience that just requires a good cleaning…or a permanent marring of the stone.

Because of these risks, it’s best to simply remove your ring before handling chemicals. 

Even diamonds can get damaged through contact with harsh chemicals, so it’s wise to be careful—regardless of the type of stone that your ring contains.

Heavy scratching: When I say heavy scratching, I mean multiple scratches that could eventually combine to block light from entering or moving about the stone. Light flow is a critical component of sparkle.

Scratches are convenient places for dirt and oils to accumulate and hide. The effect of overlapping scratches, combined with the harboring of dirt and oils, can rob your stone of the sparkle it once displayed with ease and abundance.

Yes, Morganite is considered a hard stone, but it’s softer than some alternatives like Sapphire or Diamond. There are things you can do to reclaim your ring and restore its’ original beauty if it gets overly scratched through years of use. I’ll address those potential remedies below.

How to Keep Morganite From Getting Cloudy

My Grandma used to say that, “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” It essentially means that a little precaution is a lot less expensive (and painful) than the effort to fix something once it’s broken.

In this section, we’ll focus on simple things you can do to protect your ring (prevention). In the next section, we’ll talk about the things you can do to reclaim (cure) a cloudy ring. Grandma’s wisdom is certainly true when it comes to Morganite care as well—it makes a lot more sense to focus our effort and attention on preventing damage, rather than correcting it. 

The easiest way to protect your ring from damage, is simply to remove it before doing, or handling, things that could potentially harm it. That may sound easy, but it’s often not top-of-mind or convenient. This simple solution takes awareness and discipline.

Remove Your Ring Before…

  • Yardwork
  • Engaging in some hobbies or recreation
  • Cleaning with chemicals
  • Showering
  • Washing Hands
  • Swimming
  • Using hand lotion
  • Applying hand sanitizer
  • Etc.

“Etc.” ends that list, because it’s impossible to make a list that covers every potential risk or scenario—individual interests and circumstances vary a lot!

If you need to remove your ring for long periods of time (as you travel abroad for example) it might make sense to get an inexpensive alternate ring to wear instead of risking potential damage to your Morganite ring. Beautiful rings with a Cubic Zirconia center stone, for example, can often be purchased for $100 or less.

You can wear your ‘alternate ring’ when it’s simply too dangerous to risk wearing your Morganite. Here’s an example of an inexpensive ring that might work well for this type of application. Here’s another good example.

Some people really struggle, emotionally, with the idea of removing their ring—even for a little while. They may feel like they’re breaking a commitment to their partner, or they don’t want to unintentionally send a signal that they might be ‘available’. Some people are also just more comfortable with a ring on their ring finger after years of wearing one. An inexpensive alternative ring is a great, and affordable, solution for all of those circumstances.

Finally, Clean your Morganite regularly to keep it looking its best—and to clear away any grit or residue that could potentially lead to scratching. I’ll talk about HOW to safely and effectively clean a Morganite ring in a moment.

Fixing a Cloudy Morganite Ring

Again, when Morganite starts to take on a cloudy appearance, it’s typically because the ring is dirty, or because of heavy scratching. I’ll address effective methods for cleaning your Morganite ring in the next section.

If scratches are causing a cloudy appearance, you’ll need to have a jeweler repolish the stone for you. The polishing process will make your Morganite look like new again—but be aware that the stone will be slightly smaller after the procedure. You probably won’t be able to visibly notice a size difference, but if you repolish too many times, the stone may no longer fit in its original setting. If that eventually happens, you might need to get a replacement stone…or buy a new band with a smaller setting that fits the new size of your original stone a little better.

Typically, repolishing is only done a time or two over the life of a particular stone. If that’s the case for your ring, you likely won’t have any issues with the stone no longer fitting securely in its original setting.

How to Clean a Cloudy Morganite Ring

The simple use of warm water, mild dish soap, and a soft toothbrush can work wonders! I like this method best because it’s simple, gentle, and inexpensive.

Morganite can be temperature sensitive, so you want to avoid extremes. Moving a Morganite stone from a hot state to a cold state too quickly (or vice versa) could actually cause it to crack. Warm water is a safe middle ground.

Start by dipping a soft infant toothbrush in your bowl of soapy water. Gently scrub your Morganite with the bristles of the soft toothbrush, ensuring that you thoroughly work around each prong and the underside of the stone if it’s accessible.

Infant toothbrushes can often be purchased at a dollar store in many areas. If you don’t live near a dollar store, you’ll likely still be able to find them for only a little more elsewhere.

After cleaning the stone to your satisfaction, rinse it well in warm, or cool, water, and then dab, or blot, it dry with a soft towel.

The final step is to use the cool setting on a hairdryer to fully dry all the cracks and crevices that the towel can’t reach.

As a slight variation on the simple process described above, some have found that adding just a little vinegar to the soap and water mixture described above, seems to help cut through the grime better—and keep their ring clean longer—than soap and water alone.

Vinegar can be a very effective cleaning agent, in fact, many families that favor more natural cleaning products use diluted vinegar, instead of chemical-based spray cleaners, to clean their house.

As a final word of caution, be careful about how you clean your Morganite. If you use diamond cleaner—or a variety of other chemical solutions, you might just damage your ring.

Morganite is softer and more porous than diamonds, Sapphires, and rubies. Some of the cleaners that may be safe and effective for other gems, could potentially harm Morganite. Safe, simple, and effective is best. Warm water and mild dish soap is a good balance of all three.

In Summary

Morganite is a stable stone that won’t go cloudy as a result of age alone. Getting dirty, collecting a heavy covering of overlapping scratches, or a chemical reaction are the most likely causes of Morganite clouding. Fortunately, most of those issues are correctable. A good cleaning or re-polishing the stone can make most Morganite look good as new.

If you take precautions with your Morganite ring, it should look as beautiful as the day you got it for many years!

Related Posts:

Are Morganite Rings Durable? How Long Can They Last?

Can Morganite Get Wet? The Main Dangers & Key Precautions

Are Morganite Rings Expensive? Cost Per Carat vs Diamond

Can Morganite Get Wet? The Main Dangers & Key Precautions

Can Morganite Get Wet? The Main Dangers & Key Precautions

Your hands come in contact with water many times every day. If you want to keep your Morganite ring looking as beautiful and new as the day you got it, you’re probably wondering …

Can Morganite get wet? Water can dull or damage your Morganite ring, especially when exposure is frequent and prolonged. Morganite doesn’t discolor or fall apart as an immediate result of water contact, but regular exposure can have an impact over time. It can cause loss or damage in a variety of ways.

Different types of water can affect Morganite in different ways. In the paragraphs that follow, I’ll explain how water from various sources can potentially cause damage to your ring. I’ll also share information on how you can safely use water to keep your ring looking bright and new.

Protecting your Morganite Ring

The hardness and the toughness of your stone are at the heart of durability. I won’t go into any major detail about either aspect right now, because I have other articles that address each of those areas more deeply.

To quickly summarize, hardness has to do with scratch resistance. The harder a stone is, the less likely it is to get scratched. As scratches accumulate, they can rob a stone of its ability to gather and channel light, making it look old and tired. Diamond is the hardest gem known to man. It has incredible scratch resistance. That doesn’t mean that it CAN’T be scratched, but it isn’t easy for your diamond ring to get scratched up as you go about your daily routine because it’s so hard.

Some stones, like diamonds, are extremely hard, but not equally tough. Toughness has to do with their ability to absorb impacts and pressures without breaking or shattering. Diamonds are so hard that they become brittle. If a diamond falls onto a tile floor, it’s very possible that it will crack or break. I’ve seen it happen. Whether a particular diamond beaks when it falls on a hard surface has to do with a lot of factors (how far did it fall, where was the point of impact, the nature and placement of inclusions, etc). My point is, that hardness isn’t all that matters when it comes to durability.

All rings have to be handled with care. While diamonds are hard, they certainly aren’t indestructible. Protecting your jewelry from damage DOESN’T mean that you have to leave it in your jewelry box constantly. Here are a few simple steps you can take to protect your ring from damage.

  • Keep your Morganite ring away from other rings (they can scratch each other if they make contact).
  • Be present and aware. Try not to bump or brush against things accidentally as you go about your daily routines.
  • Keep the ring away from water as much as possible (take it off first).

We’ll talk about the specific threats that water from different sources can pose in a moment. Before diving into that, I want to quickly point out that some diamond enthusiasts might argue that diamonds are worth their high cost because of their incredible hardness (durability). That has SOME validity on the surface, but there are a couple of important points that should be considered:

  1. Diamonds also aren’t indestructible.
  2. You can easily purchase multiple Morganite stones for the cost of one diamond. This means that you probably can’t save money by purchasing a diamond—based on durability logic.

Some might contend that they DON’T WANT a replacement stone (for sentimental reasons). I get that—everyone will need to make their own decisions on this issue. In my mind, a replacement stone from your spouse is just as special as the original stone they provided for your ring. Both symbolize the same commitment, and can do it equally well.

This is all just contemplation of a ‘worst case scenario,’ it’s hypothetical, but again, if your Morganite got damaged at some point, you could buy another (maybe even a stone with better coloring) and STILL save a boat-load of savings over purchasing a diamond center stone instead.

The Dangers of Treated Water: Sinks, Showers, Bathtubs, Hot Tubs & Swimming Pools

The treated water that your hands come in contact with as you shower, wash your hands, or swim, could damage your morganite over time. The biggest risk comes from chemical exposure. Chlorine is added to the water you shower and wash your hands with. It’s also added to most pools and hot tubs to help keep the water sanitary.

Can you wear Morganite in a pool? It’s really not a good idea, but the ring won’t instantly fall apart either. Even diluted Chlorine probably isn’t great for your Morganite stone, but the bigger problem is the impact that Chlorine has on some metals—like gold. Chlorine can attack and eat gold. It frequently weakens the prongs on these rings, causing them to bend or break more easily. That’s not an impact that you’re likely to see right away, it takes repeated exposure over time before any damage will likely be noticed. 

The toll that Chlorine takes on gold isn’t visible to the naked eye—it’s microscopic. Because of this, some people believe their ring isn’t being harmed. They may continue believing that until the day they finally lose their center stone because a prong bent or broke. Even then, they may have trouble connecting the loss to water exposure because the damage was so gradual.

A good friend of mine found a large diamond on the floor in an airport. There are lots of potential reasons that prongs holding that diamond may have failed, but I wouldn’t be surprised if damage from repeated water contact was a contributing factor.

In addition to the damage that’s sometimes caused by Chlorine, you can also encounter mineral deposits from hard water that form on the surface of your Morganite. These deposits are simply dissolved minerals that are in our tap water. They get left behind as the water dries. They can leave your stone looking dull and lifeless until it gets cleaned well.

A related risk that can also make your Morganite look dull and muted, is build up from the various soaps, shampoos, and conditioners that we use while showering or washing our hands. It’s a really good idea to remove your ring before bathing, showering, soaking, or washing your hands. Some people really don’t want to take their rings off. They feel like they’re breaking a commitment to continually wear their ring, they’re concerned that they might forget the ring and leave it behind somewhere…or the extra step just sounds inconvenient.

Is it Common to Remove Your Ring Before Showering?

Some feel like it’s overkill to remove their rings before doing common practices like washing their hands, washing dishes, or showering. It’s a polarizing issue. Some habitually remove them, others never do. Which camp are you in? Want to hear how others approach the issue? I published an article recently where I share findings from research that I did on this issue. Take a quick look—you may find the data interesting!

The Dangers of Untreated Water: the Ocean, Lakes, Rivers, & Streams

There’s no Chlorine in lakes, rivers, streams, or the ocean, so what’s the real danger of water in those environments? Simple contact with water won’t cause your stone to fade, crack or break. The common dangers can be quite different for these outdoor water sources in some cases.

Salt: Saltwater can be hard on some ring components. Like Chlorine, it’s especially hard on gold. Repeated exposure can damage your rings over time. Here too, the damage isn’t immediate or visibly noticeable, so it can be unnoticed and overlooked for quite some time. The impact of the damage often comes first in the form of weak or broken prongs. Fragile prongs mean that you could potentially lose your Morganite at some point in the future. Because of those risks, it’s best to remove your ring before jumping in.

Woman Swimming in Ocean as She Wonders Will Water Hurt Morganite

Shrinkage: Water can make your ring fit differently for a while. When our hands soak for long periods of time, the diameter of our fingers can change. That happens because our skin starts to shrivel with prolonged exposure, and because cold water causes some temporary shrinkage.

If your ring fits more loosely in the water, there’s a greater chance that your ring could slip off and get lost.

Motion: As you splash and play, rapid movement of water around your stone could potentially loosen the setting.

Outdoor water is also often hard to see through (it’s murky), so you sometimes run the risk of bumping or brushing against something hard, like a rock, a shell—maybe even a watch that someone near you is wearing. That contact could potentially scratch or loosen your Moissanite.

Between poor visibility, silt or sand, and the movement of water, If your stone happens to slip out of its setting while you’re in the water, chances of recovery are slim-to-none.

Spotting: The movement of water in Rivers, Streams, and the Ocean break things down and then move that debris along in a tide or current. Dissolved minerals can dry to form mineral deposits on the surface of your Morganite stone. The deposits only mute the look of your ring until it’s cleaned—but they can also leave a grit on the surface of the ring that could potentially lead to scratches.

How to Make Morganite Sparkle

Over time, the natural oils from your skin can combine with dirt and dust in your everyday environment to create a film that coats the surface of your ring, making it look dull. The film blocks light from entering and moving around inside the ring the way it normally would. Removing the grime isn’t difficult or expensive. All you really need is water, mild dish soap, a soft toothbrush, and a clean towel.

Add a few drops of dish soap to a small bowl of warm water. Dip your soft-bristled toothbrush in the water and then scrub the surface of the Morganite very gently with it. Be careful to get the brustles under the stone and around all prongs as well as possible. When you’re done scrubbing, rinse the ring well, and then dry thoroughly by dabbing carefully with the towel. If possible, it’s a good idea to use a blow dryer on a cool setting to ensure that the ring is fully dry. Without the blow dryer, It can be very difficult to dry the crevices around the prongs and the area beneath your center stone.

In Summary

Morganite can be a wonderful addition to your ring. It’s beautiful, hard enough for daily wear, and distinctive. In order to keep it looking it’s best for the long term, it’s best to avoid contact with water—except when you’re cleaning it. When it does get wet, gently dry it as quickly and thoroughly as possible.

Related Posts:

Are Morganite Rings Expensive? Cost Per Carat vs Diamond

Are Morganite Rings Durable? How Long Can They Last?

How Can You Tell if Morganite is Real or Fake?

 

 

Are Morganite Rings Durable? How Long Can They Last?

Are Morganite Rings Durable? How Long Can They Last?

Morganite rings are head turners! They make beautiful engagement rings, wedding rings, and promise rings, but will they stand the test of time?

Are Morganite rings durable? Morganite rings are durable, but they aren’t indestructible. Morganite is a 7.5 to 8 on the Mohs Scale of Hardness. That makes the stone hard enough to resist moderate wear, but not hard enough to resist abuse or carelessness. Diamonds are much harder, but they also cost at least 10 times as much.

Durability is a big deal when it comes to the rings we use to mark significant relationship milestones. In the paragraphs that follow, we’ll explore many aspects of Morganite’s durability.

How Hard is Morganite?

The hardness of stones is typically communicated in terms of the Mohs Scale of Hardness. The scale quantifies ‘relative’ hardness (or how hard one stone is in relation to another), rather than providing an ‘absolute,’ or independent, hardness measurement.

Morganite is a 7.5 to 8 on the scale, but that information only has meaning if you know the hardness score of other stones—so you can tell if Morganite is harder or softer than each of them.

Friedrich Mohs created this scale in 1812, by taking 10 rocks and doing scratch testing with them to figure out which was hardest, which was the second hardest, third hardest, etc. After making those observations, he assigned the lowest number (a ‘1’) to the softest rock in his test, and the highest score (a ‘10’) to the hardest rock. All other rocks were arranged from hardest to softest and assigned a number as well.

The following chart shows the Mohs Scale of Hardness. Notice where Morganite falls (and the stones that are harder and softer).

Stone:
Hardness:
Talc
1
Gypsum
2
Calcite
3
Fluorite
4
Apatite
5
Orthoclase
6
Quartz
7
Topaz
8
Sapphire
9
Diamond
10

Can Morganite be Worn Everyday?

Morganite IS durable enough for everyday wear, but that doesn’t mean that you don’t need to exercise some care and precaution in order to keep your rings safe. In fact, even though diamonds are the hardest stone on earth, they aren’t indestructible. If you aren’t careful, they can scratch.

Diamonds can also fracture or break if they’re dropped. Hard to believe right? Diamonds are incredibly hard (scratch resistant), but that also leaves them brittle. What’s the implication? Hit a diamond with a hammer, and it will likely break in two or shatter. My little sister’s engagement ring fell off a counter and hit their tile floor. The diamond broke on impact—diamonds are hard but brittle.

Morganite is less hard…but also less brittle. It likely wouldn’t crack in two if you dropped it onto a tile floor. In that particular aspect, Morganite is MORE durable than diamond.

What can Scratch Morganite?

Since Morganite rates between 7.5 and 8 on Mohs Scale of hardness, anything that rates higher (anything harder) would certainly be capable of scratching Morganite. Saphire is a 9, and diamond is a 10 on the scale, for example, so both are capable of easily scratching Morganite if the stones come in contact with each other.

Storing loose rings together where they can make contact with each other is asking for trouble! You should store your rings so they can’t possibly come in contact with other jewelry items when you aren’t wearing them. If you don’t have a jewelry box that can separate rings well, you may need to take a more creative approach.

  • Store your rings in a plastic pill sorter (the kind that has different compartments representing different days of the week). The container should be able to keep each ring in its own little space.
  • Put each ring in individual Ziploc bags.
  • Wrap them in toilet paper and then apply a little tape to hold the toilet paper in place.
  • Hollow out some space in a packing peanut (about the same size as your ring), and then shove your ring into it until the ring fits snuggly and the peanut offers good protection.

In addition to the danger posed by harder gems, other items that you come across in your everyday environment may be hard enough to scratch Morganite as well. As you grab and hold things, carry objects, or swing your arms as you walk, your ring may accidentally come in contact with objects and materials that are capable of scratching it.

This is where being cautious with your ring really pays big dividends. While Morganite is a relatively hard stone, it still can, and will, scratch with the right brush or impact.

It would be impossible to create an exhaustive list of all the things you may come in contact with that are capable of scratching Morganite. In reality, the list could never be fully accurate, because part of the equation may also relate to force.

As an example, imagine that I very lightly ran a stone over a brick without applying any pressure at all. If the stone doesn’t get scratched by that encounter, it doesn’t mean that bricks CAN’T scratch the stone. If I repeated the same experiment, but this time pushed down on the stone with as much force as I can as I pulled it across the surface of the brick, my outcome could change. This just illustrates that there are multiple factors at play when it comes to protecting your rings.

It’s best to get in the habit of removing your ring before doing things like yard work, heavy exercise, or hobbies that might endanger it.

Does Morganite Get Cloudy?

In the early days of Cubic Zirconia, the stones would often start to take on a milky-white haze with time. People often refer to that type of change as ‘clouding’.

Morganite isn’t a stone that naturally clouds with time. It is possible that contact with harsh chemicals could cause the stone to take on a cloudy appearance, so I’d definitely recommend removing your ring before cleaning with household cleaners or handling other chemicals.

A more common cause of some clouding is the combination of dirt and oils that your ring is exposed to over the course of time. Your skin produces oils that can get on your stone over time, but applying lotions, sunscreen, cooking, and other similar products and activities can sometimes coat your stone in a film that can make it less clear and vibrant than normal. The good news, is that this form of clouding typically just requires a good cleaning to remedy.

We’ll talk about some simple options for cleaning your Morganite ring in a moment.

Does Morganite Lose its Color?

Morganite is often treated to enhance the color of the stone, making it more vibrant. The treatment is referred to as irradiation or heat treatment—they’re really just two names for the same process. Some claim that their enhanced Morganite ring HAS faded with time and prolonged exposure to the sun.

It’s hard to say why that would happen because Morganite is a stable stone that shouldn’t fade. The process used for enhancing the color of Morganite is a permanent treatment. It also shouldn’t fade at all with time or intense light exposure. The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) also claims that Morganite (even treated Morganite) will not fade.

While I believe that’s the experience of most Morganite owners (including my wife), it’s hard to refute the fact that some people evidently do experience some fading with their particular ring. It’s difficult to say what’s different with their stones. There’s some speculation that some of the “Morganite” stones that experience fading are imitation Morganite. An imitation stone could be made of a material like glass, or it could be another stone—like Kunzite—which is famous for fading with light exposure.

Kunzite is so well known as a fading stone, that it’s long been called the ‘evening stone.’ The nickname comes from the fact that people typically only wear Kunzite in the evening (when the sun isn’t out). When exposed to sunlight, the Kunzite’s color washes out, permanently fading the stone.

As an interesting side note, George Kunz, the same man that discovered Morganite, also discovered Kunzite in 1902. He named the stone after himself, which is perhaps one more reason that he chose to later name Morganite after his banking friend, JP Morgan.

Potential Problems with Morganite Rings

ALL stones used in rings have both benefits and drawbacks. Highlighting the potential problems with Morganite rings in this section isn’t intended to imply that the stone is problematic, or should be avoided. My wife has two Morganite rings, and loves them!

This section is simply a convenience. It frames the core issues that some might view as potential negatives, so you can be sure you’re aware.

Morganite is softer than some other stones: Again, Morganite rates between 7.5 and 8 on Mohs Scale of Hardness. That’s not bad, but it’s also not ideal either. By comparison, a colored Cubic Zirconia rates 8 to 8.5. A colored Sapphire is rated at 9.

Even though the difference between those numbers isn’t huge (numerically), the resulting difference in hardness (scratch resistance) can be significant. If a Morganite stone gets too scratched or scuffed over time, it can be re-polished to make it look like new again.

Fading may be possible for some stones, though it isn’t likely: We discussed this issue above. Review that section if you haven’t already.

The color may clash with certain metals and gemstones: The peachy-pink coloring of this stone may not pair well with a variety of metals and colored gems. Yellow gold is an example of a metal that can sometimes clash with the look of Morganite. Rose Gold, on the other hand, can be stunning! Emerald (green) is an example of a gem that also might not pair well with the coloring of Morganite.

The cost is higher than some alternatives: Morganite is far less expensive than many gems (including Sapphire and diamond), but it’s significantly more expensive than colored Cubic Zirconia for example. Because Cubic Zirconia can be more scratch-resistant AND costs less, it feels like a better fit for some.

Can Morganite Get Wet?

You should keep your Morganite ring away from water as much as you can. You can wash the stone with water when needed, however other types of contact with water could have negative consequences with repeated exposure over time.

I’ll provide more information on how to clean and care for your Morganite below.

Here are a few examples of water-related activities that you should remove your Morganite ring for:

  • Showering
  • Swimming
  • Soaking in a hot tub
  • Playing in the ocean
  • Washing your hands

Why remove your ring for all these different encounters with water? There are several reasons actually.

  1. There is Chlorine in tap water—and an even higher concentration of Chlorine in the pool and hot tub water. Chlorine is a chemical that probably wouldn’t be good for Morganite, but it also attacks gold, doing microscopic damage that progresses over time. The greatest risk is weakened prongs. When prongs bend or break, the Morganite center stone could be lost.
  2. Dissolved minerals can settle on the surface of your Morganite in the form of hard water. Those deposits could lead to scratching, but they can also just create a film that blocks light flow and dulls the appearance of your ring until the stone is cleaned.
  3. Like Chlorine, saltwater is hard on gold and could lead to weakened prongs that eventually bend or break. Ocean water also has sand, shells, and other debris that might also lead to scratching or other damage.

Again, the impact of exposure to water typically isn’t immediate. The repercussions could take years to surface, so it’s easy to look at your ring and feel like no harm is being done. As I mentioned earlier, the early damage would require a microscope, and some experience to spot.

My wife has removed her ring for very little through the years. After more than a decade, a couple of the prongs bent, and she nearly lost her center stone. It’s best to avoid contact with water outside of occasional cleanings.

How do I clean a cloudy morganite ring?

When Morganite loses its glimmer, the cause is typically temporary and fixable. I’ll show you how to make Morganite sparkle again.

Basic cleaning is simple. Start with a warm bowl of water and some mild dish soap. Dawn is a popular brand that tends to do well. A small bottle of dish soap will typically cost $2.00 or less. You’ll also need a soft toothbrush that’s made for babies. You can typically find those at a neighborhood Dollar Store. Again, make sure that it’s a soft-bristled toothbrush.

Dip the toothbrush bristles in the warm soapy water and then gently scrub the ring. Work your way along each surface, and carefully scrub around each prong. Get the bristles under the center stone too if you can.

Once you’re done scrubbing the ring, rinse it with warm clean water and then gently dab it dry with a soft, and clean, towel. It may also help to use a blow drier on a cool setting to ensure the ring is COMPLETELY dry before slipping it back on your finger.

Can Morganite Go in an Ultrasonic Cleaner?

Handwashing with the method described above is the safest and most gentle, but Morganite is typically safe to clean with an Ultrasonic cleaner too. I say ‘typically,’ simply because any inclusions or filled fractures in a particular stone could potentially give them weak points or vulnerabilities that other similar stones wouldn’t have.

How often should I clean my morganite ring?

Cleaning frequency depends entirely on where, and how, you use your Morganite ring. I would suggest visually inspecting your ring every 3 to 4 weeks to see if it’s time for a cleaning. If the ring looks more muted or dull than normal, a cleaning should restore it, making it clear and vibrant again.

How Long do Morganite Rings Last?

Exactly how long Morganite lasts, again, depends on how it is worn and cared for. Diamonds and Moissanite are both hard enough to be considered ‘forever’ stones. Their hardness makes them so durable, and scratch-resistant, that they can literally last for generations. Morganite IS NOT considered a ‘forever stone.’ This doesn’t mean that Morganite is a disposable stone, or that it will typically only last a few years. As a matter of fact, Morganite is considered a relatively hard stone, and could last you for decades with proper care and attention.

Morganite won’t just disintegrate over time, but it can collect scratches over time that detract from its beauty and affect the flow of light in the stone. In the next section, I’ll mention how to take care of scratches once you’ve gotten to the point where you want to address them.

Removing Scratches and Scuffs From Morganite

Once scratches have accumulated on the surface of your Morganite ring to the point that they’re really interfering with the look and feel of your ring, you can have your Morganite stone re-polished. The polishing process will completely renew the look of your ring, giving you a fresh and clean surface again.

In Summary

Morganite is a gorgeous choice for engagement rings and rings that mark other special occasions. While it isn’t the hardest stone available, it still is relatively hard and is capable of being used for everyday wear.

If scratches pile up and start to really affect the look and feel of the stone, you can also ways have a jeweler repolish the stone to remove scratches and make it look like a brand new stone again!

Related Posts:

How Can You Tell if Morganite is Real or Fake?

Can Morganite be an Engagement Ring? | The Pros and Cons

How is Morganite Graded for Gem Quality?

Are Morganite Rings Expensive? Cost Per Carat vs Diamond

Are Morganite Rings Expensive? Cost Per Carat vs Diamond

Thinking of buying a Morganite ring? Morganite is gorgeous and distinctive, but can you afford it?

Are Morganite rings expensive? Morganite costs roughly $300 for a one-carat stone, however quality characteristics regarding color, cut, and clarity will influence the cost of individual stones. Size will also influence the cost of a given stone, but not to the same degree you would find with diamonds or other gems.

There are a number of factors that contribute to the cost of Morganite rings. I’ll address the key influencers of cost below.

What is Morganite?

Before diving into cost drivers, it might be useful to quickly explain what Morganite is, and where it came from. Morganite comes from the Beryl family. Emerald and Aquamarine are two other well-known Beryls. Morganite gets its beautiful range of pink tones from traces amounts of manganese.

In 1902, George Kunz discovered a stone that had color shades ranging from pink to purple, which he called Kunzite. In 1910, he discovered a new stone in Madagascar, with hues ranging from pink to peach, he decided to name it after someone else. George was good friends with J.P. Morgan, the banking tycoon, and enthusiastic gem collector. He delighted Mr. Morgan by naming his new discovery Morganite.

Morganite Supply and Demand

Stones can get quite expensive when there is strong demand for a particular type, but very limited supply. Diamonds are a good example of this. If they could easily find them in your yard, for example, they wouldn’t be coveted or valuable. It’s scarcity that makes us willing to shell out large sums of money for them.

In the case of diamonds, that scarcity is carefully orchestrated and controlled by dominant players in the diamond industry. It’s the sense of rarity and exclusivity, coupled with persuasive marketing messages, that fuels the sale of diamonds at incredibly high prices!

If the market were suddenly flooded with a supply of diamonds that far outpaced demand, prices would plummet and demand would begin to dry up. We would no longer crave diamonds if they didn’t provide us with a sense of exclusivity, and we certainly wouldn’t be willing to pay much for them if they were common.

Recognizing all that, diamond cartels carefully regulate the diamond supply to give the false appearance of scarcity. It works—even small stones can cost thousands of dollars!

Morganite isn’t controlled by a cartel of any kind. It’s essentially provided to the market as it’s mined, cut, and polished.

Morganite demand is strong, and seems to be getting stronger! One popular wedding site conducted a huge survey a couple of years ago. They found that Morganite was one of the most popular non-diamond center stones for engagement rings. Moissanite and Sapphire were also at the top of the list.

Morganite is only mined in a handful of countries. It’s primarily mined in Brazil and Madagascar. Less significant discoveries have also been made in places like China, Russia, Afghanistan, a couple of spots in the US, and few places on the African continent.

The price of Morganite could easily climb much higher in future years as demand continues to increase and some of the limited mines that exist get tapped out. If those scenarios play out, the GENUINE supply and demand imbalance could make Morganite MUCH more expensive.

Be careful when buying Morganite jewelry—especially as prices climb in the future due to the rarity of Morganite. There are always fake stones floating around that are made of glass or other materials. It’s a good idea to verify the authenticity of what you’re buying with a certificate from a trusted gemological institute where possible.

Morganite Price Per Carat

Morganite is one of those stones that you may want to consider if you want something a little different than what others are wearing. It’s also a stone that some turn to when they want a colored gemstone for their ring but can’t afford to go with a colored diamond.

Morganite price per ct. is approximately $300, however, there are a couple of caveats

  1. Value doesn’t always scale with size. Morganite is frequently found in larger fragments, so unlike diamonds and other similar gems, the value of Morganite doesn’t climb exponentially as stones get larger. In other words, a two carat stone will cost you more than a one-carat stone, but not MUCH more—and certainly not twice as much!
  2. Color is king. As mentioned earlier, the price of a particular stone is closely associated with the aesthetic characteristics of the stone (things like color, clarity, and cut). Of those visual elements, color is the most important cost driver! A small Morganite stone with vibrant pink color on a small Morganite stone, could be many times as much as a three-carat stone with pail (weak) coloring for example.
  3. Natural coloring adds value. Untreated stones are much more valuable than treated, or ‘enhanced’ stones. Here again, a small untreated stone with great coloring will be far more valuable than a much larger stone (with even more vibrant color) that has had its coloring enhanced.

In light of all that, you’ll sometimes find a one-carat Morganite stone for far less than $300. That sometimes happens when the stone has less desirable coloring or visible inclusions. Those stones may still work well for some rings.

On the flip-side, you can also find one carat Morganite stones that cost thousands of dollars, because they have unusual characteristics that make them far more rare.

A comparison is often helpful. If you look at Morganite price vs diamond pricing for a similar one-carat stone, white (or colorless) diamonds cost about 10 times as much. Colored diamonds (which are a better side-by-side comparison in some respects) cost a great deal MORE. While a one-carat Morganite stone costs approximately $300, a reasonably colorless diamond of similar size will typically run $3,000 to $5,000.

Morganite Value vs Diamond

We’ve already compared the cost of Morganite and Diamond, but what about the value comparison between the two?

We know that Morganite is much less expensive, but can the higher cost of Diamonds be justified? It’s a polarizing question. You can easily find people that will passionately argue their perspective on both sides. Your opinion matters most when it comes to your ring, but I’ll give you a few issues to consider.

We all use different factors to measure value. Value isn’t ONLY related to what you pay—it’s about what you get for what you pay. Based on that, the cheapest option ISN’T always the one that offers the best value.

To illustrate, think about buying jeans. Imagine buying the 3 pairs described below.

  1. You find a pair of jeans on a clearance rack for $5. They don’t fit quite right, but hey, they’re 5 bucks…and you can’t pass that up! You figure that once the material relaxes a bit, they should work fine. You never wore these jeans out of the house. After putting them on once or twice, you decided that you don’t like them at all. The fit just isn’t right, and you don’t really love the look either. You eventually donate the jeans to Goodwill.
  1. A month later, you come across another pair of jeans that you like. You flip the tag and find that they cost $35. The material seems durable, they fit well, and you really like the look of them. You make the purchase, and are glad you did. They’re one of your favorite pairs—very comfortable. The jeans last you for 9years, before you have to replace them.
  1. After a movie at the mall, you walk through a store and find a pair of name brand jeans that look really nice. The cost of the jean seems like a misprint. Who would drop $300 on a pair of jeans? They look nice, fit well, and you’d love to be seen wearing that name brand. You swallow hard, buy them, wear them frequently. You continue to love the look and feel of the jeans. They last for 10 years.

It’s obvious which pair of jeans was cheapest—but which one represented the best VALUE? Most people would agree it’s NOT the first pair. Both the 2nd and 3rd pair were worn regularly and lasted a long time.

From my own perspective, the second pair was the best value, because of the combination of price and utility (usefulness). Those jeans lasted NINE YEARS! When you do the simple math, you find that she essentially paid $3.89 per year to own and wear those jeans.

The third pair lasted 10 years, so she ended up paying $30 per year for the life she got out of them. They were more durable, but from a dollars and cents perspective, the little bit of extra life they provided wasn’t worth their substantially higher price. The one unique value they did bring is a boost of self-esteem that came from wearing the popular label. Was that worth the added cost? That’s one of those questions people will have different opinions on.

Ok, so what does the example have to do with diamonds and Morganite? I’m sure you already get it, but Morganite probably most closely resembles the second set of jeans. It’s more reasonably priced, and provides lots of beauty and utility! We aren’t talking drab by any means! You’ll likely draw lots of compliments when you wear your Morganite ring.

Diamonds are very much like the 3rd pair of jeans. Some people choose this option because they feel a sense of social pressure, and feel a strong desire to conform—others may just love the look of the stone. Regardless, diamonds carry a message about social status. It’s very important to some people that their center stone be big enough to send the silent message that they’re successful. Diamonds are beautiful and will last a long time, but are they worth the added cost? Here again, different people will have differing opinions.

Why is Morganite so Inexpensive?

Rarity combined with popularity is a recipe for high prices. Diamonds are thought of as rare, but in reality, their rarity is an orchestrated illusion. Oil cartels drive the price of oil up by restricting supply. The diamond industry regulates supply in a similar way. They don’t release all that they mine—they very carefully restrict supply to prop up the high prices that give diamonds the feeling of exclusivity that makes people want them.

Morganite is a rare stone that’s found in very few places, but it isn’t consolidated, controlled and manipulated the way that diamonds have been for many decades now. That’s a huge aspect of why Morganite is so much less expensive than diamonds today.

Another key distinction: Morganite doesn’t have the well organized, and heavily funded, marketing messages that diamonds have long enjoyed, to provide awareness, shape our opinions, and fuel demand.

It’s hard to organize, and fund, a consistent and effective advertising blitz unless you have a monopoly in the market (like we’ve seen in the diamond industry for so long).

Key Drivers of Morganite Value

I mentioned earlier that for Morganite, as with most gems, color is king—it’s the most important criteria. The most sought after color for Morganite is pink. Pinks that have a darker, almost reddish hue to them are also desirable. Morganite that has more of a peach or orange hue is much less valuable.

Another important consideration of value is clarity. Morganite is generally ‘eye clean,’ meaning that you can’t see obvious inclusions with the unassisted eye (without magnification) in most cases. What’s even better is a ‘Clean’ stone, where inclusions are present in the stone at all. The more visible and obstructive inclusions are in a particular stone, the less it’s worth.

‘Treated’ or ‘enhanced’ stones undergo a heating process that reduces the orange and peach tones in the stone, making the pink tones more dominant.

Most Morganite on the market today HAS been heat treated to improve color. That’s nothing to be concerned about, but it’s something you should be aware of. The resulting color change is considered permanent. Treated stones sell better than non-treated stones with undesirable color qualities.

“Heat treatment is not detectable, does not fade, and does not hurt the beauty or value of the gem.” -Laurie Sarah

While heat treading doesn’t decrease a stone’s value, untreated stones with good color qualities are often MUCH MORE valuable because they’re far more rare.

Does Morganite Increase in Value?

It’s unlikely that Morganite will increase in value for years. You’ll lose money on nearly all rings if you resell them shortly after buying them. You’ll still typically lose money if you wait decades before selling most rings (once you adjust for inflation).

Because of growing demand, and the prospect of falling supply in the years to come, it’s possible that the value of Morganite may start to climb (possibly substantially). It’s hard to know just how much the price may go up, or how soon, because of all the variables involved.

Morganite Resale Value

Many people buy diamonds with the false belief that they’re some sort of investment vehicle that appreciates with time. This misguided notion is something that the diamond industry benefits from and even fosters through some of their advertising over time that doesn’t offer full disclosure.

Here’s the fact, diamonds are a TERRIBLE ‘investment.’ In fact, diamonds AREN’T investments—they’re consumables. 

Consider this, what happens if you buy a big-screen television and then try to sell it used three months later? Can you sell it? Absolutely, if it’s in good condition and the price is right. Is anyone going to give you what you paid for it? Nope! The same is absolutely true of diamond rings.

Those that don’t believe me may have to learn the hard way, but I promise this is true. If you buy a diamond engagement ring and then try to resell it (even years later), you’re likely to be ‘taken to the cleaners.’ I’m not exaggerating!

In fact, I wrote another article where I summarized research I did around the resale value, and average losses, for used diamond rings. I was careful about the listings that I evaluated. They had to reference the original purchase pricemost had pictures of their original receipts to show as evidence. You may find the article interesting.

Here’s the scoop, you’re going to lose 30% to 70% of what you paid for your diamond ring when you resell it. Are there people that would be interested in a used Morganite ring? Absolutely, but you’re also going to have to resell that ring at a discount. The question, when you compare the resale value for Morganite and Diamonds, is which one will you lose more money on?

The math is EASY, you’ll lose more reselling the diamond. That’s true because you paid a lot more for it. The article that I mentioned above will break down the math for you so you can see how things shake out when you compare the resale of a diamond and more frugal ring choice.

In Summary

The term ‘expensive’ is relative. Morganite certainly brings strong value, and is much less expensive than many alternative gems. Since it’s a fairly hard stone, and has an interesting look, it’s a ring that’s growing in popularity. It’s also a stone with actual rarity, that is likely to get more rare and expensive in the future.

Related Posts:

How Can You Tell if Morganite is Real or Fake?

Can Morganite be an Engagement Ring? | The Pros and Cons

Which is Better Moissanite or Morganite?

 

Can Morganite be an Engagement Ring? | The Pros and Cons

Can Morganite be an Engagement Ring? | The Pros and Cons

Morganite is a gorgeous stone, but can you really drop to one knee and propose marriage with something other than a diamond in your ring box? Many couples are now choosing Morganite for their special rings—including engagement rings!

Can Morganite be an engagement ring? Morganite can be used for engagement rings. Colored diamonds are incredibly expensive. Morganite is a much affordable alternative. Morganite engagement rings tend to feel warm, feminine, and distinctive. Their tone complements many skin tones and pairs well with a variety of metals.

There’s a lot to consider before settling on Morganite for your engagement ring. In the paragraphs that follow, I’ll tell you about the look, durability, and maintenance needs of this stone, so you can make sure it’s a good fit—and buy with confidence!

Wanting Something Distinctive

It’s always nice when someone notices your engagement ring and complements you on it! It’s common to want something that’s somewhat unique and distinctive—something that stands out and grabs attention. A head-turning diamond is something that most can’t afford. It would often consist of either a large diamond or a fancy colored diamond. The cost of BOTH of those alternatives can be STAGGERING!

If you want a ring that your partner can’t take their eyes off of, it helps to get away from the ‘cookie-cutter’ rings that are traditional in every way. There’s nothing wrong with cookie-cutter, or traditional…if those are the designs fit your sweetheart’s style preferences well, or it’s all you can afford.

You don’t have to go into serious debt to find something that stands out. Colored gemstones, like Morganite, can be a great option! They’re eye-catching, but can also cost a lot less than traditional diamond rings.

The warm tones of Morganite are different than what you usually see on engagement rings. It stands out, turns heads, and collects lots of second looks and compliments!

Color is part of the uniqueness that Morganite offers because its tone can fall anywhere along a spectrum ranging from pink to peach. A morganite color chart can help you to identify the shade that might suit you best. While Morganite engagement rings are growing in popularity, they aren’t yet so common that you’re likely to bump into others with the exact same ring, let alone the same stone color and metal pairing.

The Cost of a Morganite Engagement Ring

A morganite solitaire ring will save you a great deal of money over the cost of a comparable diamond ring! While a one-carat diamond solitaire might cost $3,000 to $5,000, a one-carat Morganite stone might cost just $300. The price will vary to some degree depending on the characteristics of each individual stone and retailer considerations.

The precise cost of a Morganite stone will be dependant on three primary variables:

  1. The size of the stone. All else equal, a larger stone will sell for more than a smaller stone.
  2. The vividness of the stone’s color.
  3. The pricing strategy of a given retailer.

Naturally, rich and vivid stones are always rarer, and therefore, more valuable. Because vivid coloring is more desirable and valuable, many stones are ‘enhanced’. The stones get heat-treated to bring out richer color qualities. Enhancements should always be disclosed to the buyer. Enhancements provide the opportunity to have a look you love…and a price you can actually afford.

How Long Will Morganite Last?

The durability of Morganite (or any stone for that matter) has to do with a few key factors.

  1. Hardness
  2. Toughness
  3. Usage

Hardness means scratch resistance. The harder a particular stone is, the less likely it is to come in contact with harder items in your everyday environment that are capable of scratching it. Diamonds are the hardest stone known to man.

Toughness has to do with how brittle an item is. Hardness has a converse relationship with toughness. Extremely hard items often aren’t tough—they’re brittle and would shatter before they give or bend.

My sister had a diamond solitaire engagement ring that fell off a counter, striking her tile floor. It broke on impact. It was hard (scratch resistant), but NOT tough (It was brittle)!

Morganite is not nearly as hard as diamonds, but it’s also not nearly as brittle. Morganite is ‘tougher’ (less brittle) than diamonds.

Usage relates to how your Morganite ring is worn (how often, how long, and during which activities).

How Hard is Morganite?

Morganite comes in somewhere between 7.5 and 8 on the Mohs Scale of Hardness. The scale is a comparative tool that shows the relative hardness of stones (which stones are harder, or softer, than other stones).

The scale was originally created by taking ten stones of various kinds and testing to see which were the most scratch resistant. The stones were then ordered bases on hardness. The least scratch-resistant was assigned a grade of ‘1’, while the most scratch-resistant got a ‘10’. All other stones were arranged similarly, based on their relative hardness. An example of the scale follows.

Stone:
Hardness:
Talc
1
Gypsum
2
Calcite
3
Fluorite
4
Apatite
5
Orthoclase
6
Quartz
7
Topaz
8
Sapphire
9
Diamond
10

A rating of 8 doesn’t tell you precisely how hard a particular stone is (because this isn’t an absolute measurement). The scale really just tells us that Morganite is harder than Quartz, but softer than Sapphire, for example. That means that Morganite could scratch quartz, but it couldn’t scratch Sapphire (Sapphire would actually scratch Morganite if the two came in contact).

This is why you never want to mix your rings together when you aren’t wearing them—the stones on your harder stones will scratch your softer stones and metals.

Information on hardness is helpful to know, because the harder the stone in your engagement ring is, the less likely it is to get scratched as you wear it in everyday life. Your hands bump into all kinds of things as you move around your home, school, or office daily. The harder your center stone is, the less likely it is to get scratched when it comes in contact with hard objects in your everyday environment.

While diamonds are harder than Morganite, they are also MUCH more expensive (and still aren’t indestructible). Morganite is considered a hard stone. It’s capable of lasting for decades with proper care.

Matching Metals

The color range of Morganite often complements Rose Gold beautifully. It also looks nice against neutral-colored metals like silver, white gold, or platinum. Morganite doesn’t look as tied in, or coordinated, when it’s paired with yellow gold. The colors aren’t complimentary.

Some sites allow you to digitally pair your Morganite stone with various ring designs and metal colors to provide a visual of how different combinations of Morganite and metals might look once they’re put together. When rings get to pick all the components of your ring, the ability to preview provides assurance that you’ll like the final look your ring before it’s assembled and shipped.

Morganite Value

Genuine morganite rings can be purchased at surprisingly affordable prices. A one-carat Morganite stone, with good color, can be purchased for about $300. Smaller stones, or those with less attractive coloring, would be even less expensive. By comparison, a one-carat diamond would start at about 10 times the price of Morganite (roughly $3,000).

Morganite rings are quickly growing in awareness and popularity. Just as people sometimes sell used diamond rings when relationships end or they decide to upgrade their jewelry, you can also sell used Morganite rings.

While you’ll still have to resell a used Morganite ring at a loss, the same is true for used diamond rings.

Buying Morganite with Confidence

You want your fianceé to LOVE everything about their engagement ring! Guessing the ring design that your partner likes, and getting it RIGHT, can be difficult. Getting that wrong can be expensive and painful. Because of this, I suggest that you check to make sure that a Morganite engagement ring is something they would like. I would have the exact same advice regardless of the type of ring your thinking about buying.

Even traditional diamond rings may not hit the mark for your sweetheart if they have something different (like a colored gemstone) in mind.

If you’re openly exploring ring options, you can spend a little time together, looking at pictures of Morganite rings online. This could help you to have a greater level of certainty about the ring that you ultimately end up buying.

If you’re hoping to surprise your partner with the proposal, you can try to find a more subtle way to gather their opinion about Morganite engagement rings.

For example, you could talk about seeing an interesting ring on someone recently. You might say that you’ve never really seen anyone wearing that kind of stone before, and you’re not sure you like it. You could then look up an image of a morganite ring online and ask what they think.

There are lots of other ways to gather an opinion without showing your cards—get creative!

Here’s another approach—go ahead and guess. Take a chance on the fact that they’ll love a Morganite engagement ring (they probably will)—but hedge your bets by ensuring that the retailer has a solid return policy. Make sure that you understand the limitations of the return policy, so you don’t have any surprises. If you propose, and your fianceé decides that they would prefer something a little different, you can return, or exchange, the ring.

Pros and Cons of Morganite

All gems used for engagement rings have both advantages and disadvantages. The disadvantages are helpful to be aware of—but they aren’t necessarily a problem in many cases.

By the same token, many of the advantages of a given stone may be nice to be aware of—but aren’t especially important to you. You’ll have to weigh the pros against the cons to determine if Moganite (or any other stone, for that matter) is going to be a good fit for your e-ring.

The Pros of Morganite for Engagement Rings:

  • It’s an inexpensive colored gemstone
  • It’s Durable. The stone is relatively hard and is capable of enduring daily wear
  • It’s a more unique looking ring than your typical diamond allows
  • It compliments most skin tones
  • It’ pairs beautifully with Rose Gold
  • The stone is quite rare

The Cons of Morganite for Engagement Rings:

  • It’s less scratch-resistant than Sapphire and diamond
  • The peachy-pink tone can clash with some metals and other colored gemstones
  • Some brides may want a more traditional looking stone

In Summary

Morganite makes a beautiful engagement ring! It’s a durable stone that can stand up to everyday wear as long as you care for it. Morganite is a rare stone that can help you to create a distinctive looking ring that grabs lots of attention. Fortunately, all those benefits don’t come with an unreachable pricetag. You’ll actually SAVE money when you choose Morganite over many other gem options.

Related Posts:

How Can You Tell if Morganite is Real or Fake?

How is Morganite Graded for Gem Quality?

Which is Better Moissanite or Morganite?