Morganite: The Blushing Beauty of the Gem World

Morganite is one of the rarest and most sought-after varieties of the beryl family, and it’s easy to see why. Its delicate pink hue is enough to make even the hardest of hearts skip a beat. The soft, pastel color of morganite is the epitome of femininity, and is often compared to the soft glow of a rose. As such, morganite is perfect for those who want to add a touch of romantic elegance to their jewelry collection.

Morganite is known for its stunning range of colors, from pale and vivid pinks, to peach and salmon. The stone gets its color from the presence of manganese and iron within its structure, which creates a unique color spectrum that sets it apart from other gemstones.

With a hardness of 7.5 to 8 on the Mohs scale, morganite is also quite durable, which makes it suitable for everyday wear. It's also resistant to scratches and chips, making it a great choice for engagement rings or other pieces of jewelry that are worn regularly.

The formation of morganite is a fascinating process. It’s formed from the mineral beryl, which is composed of beryllium aluminum cyclosilicate. The stone is often formed in granitic pegmatites, which are rocks that form from the cooling and solidification of magma. These pegmatites are usually found in high-pressure metamorphic environments such as mountain ranges.

Morganite was discovered by George F. Kunz in 1910, and he named it after the famous banker J.P. Morgan, who was an avid gem collector. Kunz found the gemstone in a pegmatite in Pala, Calif. Today, morganite can be found in many countries around the world, including Afghanistan, Brazil, Madagascar and Mozambique.

Morganite has been associated with love and compassion throughout history. It’s believed to promote feelings of joy, peace and harmony, and is often given as a gift to show appreciation or to express love. In ancient times, it was believed to have healing properties and was used to treat a range of ailments.

Morganite is also the birthstone for those born in the month of October, and it’s often used in engagement rings because of its symbolic association with love and commitment.

Morganite can be treated to enhance its color and clarity, but natural, untreated stones are highly prized and are more valuable. The gemstone is often cut into a cushion, oval or round shape to highlight its color and brilliance.

One of the most famous morganite jewelry pieces is the Morgan-Tiffany necklace, which was designed by Louis Comfort Tiffany in 1908. The necklace features a stunning, rare 84-carat morganite surrounded by diamonds and mounted on a platinum chain. The morganite stone is cushion-cut and exhibits a soft pink hue with exceptional clarity and brilliance.

Another famous morganite jewelry piece is the Logan Sapphire brooch, which was gifted to Queen Elizabeth II in 1952 by an anonymous donor. The brooch features a 423-carat blue sapphire, surrounded by diamonds and a detachable morganite pendant. The morganite stone is an impressive 109 carats and has a peachy-pink hue that complements the blue of the sapphire.

The Hall Sapphire and Diamond Necklace is another iconic piece of morganite jewelry that features a large, pear-shaped morganite surrounded by diamonds. The necklace was designed in the Art Deco style in the 1930s by Harry Winston and is made of platinum. The morganite stone is more than 45 carats and has a soft, rosy hue that contrasts beautifully with the brilliant white diamonds.

In addition to these famous pieces, there are many other exquisite examples of morganite jewelry that showcase the gemstone’s unique beauty and color. 

Morganite typically ranges in carat weight from a few carats to more than 50 carats, with larger stones being more rare and valuable. Prices for morganite can vary widely depending on the size, quality and rarity of the stone. On average, a good quality morganite can cost anywhere from $100 to $500 per carat.

If you’re looking to add some blushing beauty to your jewelry collection, morganite is a stunning choice. You can find morganite and morganite jewelry at many fine jewelers and online retailers.

In conclusion, morganite is a gemstone that embodies love, beauty and elegance. Its stunning range of pink hues and unique color spectrum make it a highly sought-after gemstone, and its durability and rarity make it a perfect choice for jewelry that can be worn every day. The formation of morganite is a remarkable process, and its association with love and compassion throughout history has made it a meaningful gift for expressing emotions. Its special meanings, folklore and legends add to its allure, and its use as a birthstone and for engagement rings has solidified its place in the world of gemstones. Morganite’s value and beauty will continue to captivate and enchant those who appreciate its delicate, blushing charm for generations to come.

Photo of morganite courtesy of the Gemological Institute of America