Organic vs. Man-Made Morganite Showdown

What is Morganite?

Morganite is a type of beryl, a mineral family that includes emerald and aquamarine. Specifically, it is the pink, salmon-colored variant of beryl, often referred to as rose beryl. The pink coloration is due to the presence of manganese and/or cesium, with higher levels of these minerals resulting in more saturated pink hues. Conversely, lower concentrations yield lighter pink stones. Even at its most saturated, morganite tends to retain a subtle color, as intense pinks or purplish pinks are rare in this gemstone.

The finest morganite stones display a strong pink color. The spectrum for these gems includes pink, rose, salmon, and peach shades. Pink and rose-tinted stones are generally more fashionable, making peach and salmon stones less sought after in the market.

Morganite Jewelry

Morganite is celebrated for its unique and varied colors. Often associated with innocence, sweetness, romance, and love, it has grown popular as a choice for engagement rings due to its subtle hues and symbolic meanings. Besides being more affordable than diamonds, morganite is also crafted into earrings, necklaces, and wedding rings. Many women choose to purchase morganite jewelry as a tribute to their self-love and self-confidence.

Where Did Morganite Come From?

In 1908, a significant deposit of morganite was found in Madagascar, showcasing exceptional color saturation and beauty. Tiffany’s gemologist George Kunz felt that this newly discovered gem deserved a special name. By 1910, Kunz proposed to the New York Academy of Sciences that this pink beryl be named morganite, in honor of financier and gem collector J.P. Morgan, who was assembling one of the world’s greatest mineral collections for the American Museum of Natural History in New York. The Academy agreed, and morganite was officially named as a new gem variety.

Although first discovered in Madagascar, today’s morganite predominantly comes from pegmatite mines in Minas Gerais, Brazil. Smaller, inconsistent sources can also be found in Afghanistan, Mozambique, Namibia, and the U.S.

Natural Morganite vs. Synthetic Morganite – What’s the difference?

Similar to other gemstones, morganite also exists in a synthetic form. Lab-created morganite shares the same chemical composition as natural morganite but is produced artificially rather than formed in the earth. Laboratory-produced morganites can exhibit a broader array of colors beyond the subtle pinks of their natural counterparts. While synthetic morganite is available, it is not yet manufactured in large quantities. As the popularity of natural morganite grows, it’s possible that more lab-created options will emerge.

Distinguishing between natural and synthetic morganite can be challenging if relying solely on visual inspection. Examine the stone’s clarity; natural morganite often undergoes heat treatment to reduce inclusions. Stones exhibiting cracks, dots, scratches, or tiny fractures may not be genuine. Using a jeweler’s loupe and a light, look for bubbles beneath the stone’s surface — their presence suggests a synthetic origin. For precise identification, consider having the stone evaluated by a professional. When purchasing a morganite ring, look for certifications that confirm the stone’s authenticity.

Caring for Morganites

Warm, soapy water is a reliable method for cleaning morganite. A soft brush can help remove any debris from the stone. Ultrasonic and steam cleaners are generally safe for morganite, unless the stone contains liquid inclusions or fractures. Such conditions are rare, but if present, avoid using ultrasonic cleaners. Store your morganite jewelry in lined jewelry boxes to prevent it from scratching other pieces or being scratched by more delicate fine jewelry.