The Story of Morganite: A Journey Through Time

It’s quite likely you’ve come across the name morganite recently. This is not surprising, given the rising popularity of this beautiful stone. So, what exactly is morganite? In brief, it is the pink variation of beryl, a family that also includes emeralds and aquamarine.

Let’s delve into the history of this lesser-known gem and explore what makes it so unique. By the end of this article, you’ll understand why it’s so popular and why morganite rings are an excellent choice for your collection.

Morganite History

One reason many people are unfamiliar with morganite is that it was discovered relatively recently. In 1910, miners in Madagascar found morganite stones during a time when new gems were frequently being unearthed in freshly opened mines. One reason morganite was not known earlier is that it is rarer than other beryl varieties.

Upon its discovery, initial specimens of morganite were sent to the New York Academy of Sciences, where George Kunz examined them. Kunz then identified the mineral type and added it to the gemological catalog.

Much of the gemology research and exploration during that time was privately funded. One notable patron was JP Morgan, a banker with a particular interest in gemstones. In honor of Morgan’s support, Kunz named this pink beryl after him.

Soon, morganite became part of the Tiffany gemology collection and later appeared in morganite jewelry. Romantic morganite engagement rings can now be found in many jewelry catalogs, or you can design custom morganite wedding rings featuring diamonds for a sweet and beautiful look. If you’re seeking the wow factor, consider a morganite wedding set.

Morganite Discovery

Morganite’s distinctive pink hue comes from manganese present in the beryl crystal. The more saturated the color, the more valuable the stone. However, like aquamarine, morganite generally appears in a pale shade.

Apart from the 1910 discovery in Madagascar, morganite has also been found in the United States, Brazil, Afghanistan, and Mozambique. While Madagascar specimens are considered the finest, Brazil is the largest source of morganite, which is also a common origin for aquamarine.

Natural Morganite vs. Lab Created Morganite

According to the GIA, lab-created morganite is relatively rare. Despite the increasing demand for morganite necklaces and earrings, the supply meets the demand fairly well. This results in little economic incentive to produce synthetic morganite, and it also means that your morganite ring likely contains a genuine stone, though it might be treated.

As with other gemstones, synthetic morganite possesses the same chemical properties as mined morganite. It shares the same hardness, color, and most other characteristics, with the exception that synthetic morganite tends to have higher clarity.

Morganite is also relatively affordable, allowing many people to consider larger pieces of jewelry, such as a morganite bracelet.

Significance Today and Throughout History

Since morganite is a recent discovery, there isn’t much in terms of traditional meanings attached to it. Unlike gemstones with legends and lore that have developed over centuries, morganite lacks a storied history.

However, its recent discovery does not make morganite meaningless. Over time, it has come to symbolize sweetness, innocence, and romance. It is an excellent choice for young women seeking a feminine piece of jewelry for work or a night out with friends.

There is no official birthstone designation for morganite, but in some countries, pink tourmaline is recognized as the birthstone for October. It is easy to imagine October-born individuals choosing morganite as an alternative.

Currently, pairing morganite with rose gold is a significant trend. Jewelry featuring scrollwork, milgrain, or other intricate details can evoke a vintage vibe. Alternatively, accent your morganite with pavé diamonds and other colored stones for a stunning look. The options are endless, and you’ll feel like royalty wearing them.