Morganite Value, Price, and Jewelry Information

Does Morganite Make a Good Jewelry Stone?

Like most beryls, morganite makes an excellent jewelry stone. It has both the hardness and durability for daily wear in any kind of jewelry.

Although violet and peach are possible morganite colors, the most common color for this stone is pink. Many gem and jewelry enthusiasts prefer pink, though some prefer peach.

What Does Morganite Symbolize?

Morganite has popular associations with compassion, romance, femininity, and harmony. It's also considered the gemstone for ninth anniversaries.

In this video, Jake Talve-Goodman of The Concierge Gemologist discusses the gemological properties and symbolic associations of morganite.

Is Morganite a "Pink Emerald?"

The beryl family includes some well-known gems, such as aquamarines and emeralds. Aquamarines, emeralds, and morganites belong to the same gem species — beryl. However, they are distinct varieties of beryl, and the term "pink emerald" shouldn't be used for morganite.

Unfortunately, some vendors reference well-known gem names misleadingly to drum up interest (and prices) for another gem. Beryls in particular receive these names from dishonest sellers because of the popularity of emeralds and aquamarines. Although morganites are very rare, their prices don't approach those of emeralds. To insinuate that morganites are a sub-variety of one of the most expensive gems on the market is misleading.

Likewise, you might encounter near colorless beryl specimens offered for sale as morganites. These stones should be labeled more properly as goshenite (colorless beryl). Just as emeralds command higher prices than morganites, morganites command higher prices than goshenites.

Are There Synthetic Morganites?

You can find hydrothermally grown synthetic morganites for sale as jewelry stones. If you're not sure whether your gem is natural or lab-grown, send it to a gemological lab for analysis.

Heat treatments and light will remove the yellow component from peach morganite, so it's sometimes heated to get "pinker" stones.

Where are Morganites Found?

Minas Gerais, Brazil produces fine crystals and gem material.

Other locations producing gem-quality material include the following:

• United States: San Diego County, California (in several localities, fine crystals and gem material); Maine; Thomas Range, Utah.
• Madagascar: in pegmatites and as alluvial material.
• Afghanistan; Mozambique; Myanmar; Namibia; Pakistan.

A pink-peach morganite crystal from the Himalaya Mine, Mesa Grande, San Diego County, California. Video © Rob Lavinsky, www.iRocks.com. Used with permission.

Stone Sizes

Morganites don't usually occur in sizes as large as other beryls. However, in 1989, Ronald and Dennis Holden discovered a morganite measuring 30 cm wide at the Bennett Quarry in Maine. As rough, the "Rose of Maine" weighed 115,000 cts, approximately 50 lbs, the largest ever found in North America. This specimen yielded several cut gems, including a 184-ct faceted piece now residing at the Maine State Museum.

• Smithsonian Institution (Washington, DC): 287 (pink, Brazil) and 235 (pink, Brazil); 178 (pink, California); 113 (peach, California); 56 (pale pink, Madagascar); 330 (dark orange, Brazil).
• Natural Hist. Museum, Paris: 250 (pink, Madagascar).
• Royal Ontario Museum (Toronto, Ontario, Canada): 1,625 (orangish pink, rectangular faceted scissor-cut, Brazil); 118.6 (pink, cat's eye).
• British Museum (Natural History) (London England): 598.7 (rich pink, square-cushion brilliant, Madagascar); rose-red crystal from California weighing 9 pounds.
• American Museum of Natural History (New York): 58.8 (heart-shaped, Madagascar).
• Private Collection: three very large cut gems with carved tables, total weight ~ 1,500 carats, tables carved in religious motifs.

Caring for Your Morganite Jewelry

If free of inclusions or fractures, morganites may be cleaned using mechanical systems. Have a gemologist examine your gems first to identify any potential weaknesses. However, a soft brush, mild detergent, and warm water will always work safely.

Consult our gemstone jewelry cleaning guide for more recommendations.