Morganite is the soft pink member of the beryl family, a gentle blush to peach stone with a warm glow that flatters every skin tone. It is the sister of aquamarine and emerald, and it is hard enough for a ring you wear every day. Its delicate color looks especially lovely in gold. We set natural morganite in 925 sterling silver and solid gold at our studio on Sukhumvit 71, Bangkok.
This page covers what morganite is, how it compares with other pink gems, how to wear and care for it, what makes a good stone, where it comes from, how to see the stones at our shop, and how to order in Bangkok or anywhere in Thailand.
What morganite is
Morganite is pink to orangy pink beryl, a beryllium aluminum silicate. Its color comes from a trace of manganese. It belongs to the same family as blue aquamarine, green emerald and yellow heliodor. The gem was identified in Madagascar in the early twentieth century and named after the American banker and gem collector J.P. Morgan.
Many morganite crystals come out of the ground peach or salmon colored. Gentle heating removes the yellow and orange part and leaves a cleaner pink. This heating is common, it is permanent, and it cannot usually be detected. Some people prefer the natural peach color, and peach morganite has become popular in its own right.
Morganite is usually pale, and it grows in clean crystals, so larger stones are available and show the color best. Every stone we set is natural, morganite included, and if a stone has had any treatment we tell you before you order.
Morganite facts at a glance
- Color: pale pink, rose, peach and salmon
- Hardness: 7.5 to 8 on the Mohs scale
- Family: beryl, with aquamarine, emerald and heliodor
- Treatment: often heated to turn peach into pink, a stable and accepted practice
- Best for: engagement and everyday rings, pendants and earrings
- Care: warm soapy water and a soft brush
- Price: depends on the quality and carat you choose; we quote before you order
Morganite and other pink gems
Pink sapphire is harder at 9 and usually a stronger, brighter pink. It costs more. Morganite gives a softer pastel look and comes in bigger sizes for the same budget.
Rubellite and other pink tourmaline are much more saturated, from bubblegum pink to red. Tourmaline is 7 to 7.5 on the Mohs scale. Choose tourmaline for a bold pink and morganite for a gentle blush.
Kunzite is a lilac pink stone that looks similar, but it has a strong cleavage and its color can fade in strong light. Morganite is the steadier choice for daily wear.
Rose quartz is pink quartz, 7 on the Mohs scale, usually milky rather than clear and more affordable. Morganite is transparent and sparkles when faceted.
How to wear and care for morganite
At 7.5 to 8 on the Mohs scale, morganite resists scratches well, which is why it became a popular engagement ring stone. Like all beryl it can chip if an edge takes a hard knock, so a setting that protects the corners and girdle is a good idea for a ring. Take it off for the gym, sports and heavy work.
Clean it in warm soapy water with a soft brush, then rinse and dry. A light colored stone shows dirt quickly, and hand cream on the back of the stone can make it look dull, so clean it often to keep its glow. If it ever needs a polish or a check of the setting, bring it to our shop. Maintenance is free on jewelry we made.
What makes a good morganite
Color comes first. The most valued stones show a clear, noticeable pink with no gray or brown. Very pale stones and peach stones are more affordable. Whether you prefer pink or peach is a matter of taste, not quality.
Clarity is usually very good. Most faceted morganite is clean to the eye, and you should expect that from a good stone.
Cut makes a big difference with a pale gem. A well cut morganite gathers the light and looks brighter and more colorful. A shallow stone looks watery.
Size helps the color. Pink looks deeper in a larger stone, so many people choose a bigger morganite than they would with a stronger colored gem.
Where morganite comes from
Most morganite today comes from Brazil and Madagascar. It is also found in Mozambique, Namibia, Afghanistan and the United States, where California has produced fine crystals. If you want to know the origin of a particular stone, ask us: we offer certified stones, and an uncertified stone can be sent to a gem lab for a report at extra cost.
See morganite at our shop in Bangkok
Pink or peach is a matter of taste, best settled by holding both against your skin. Pink looks deeper as the stone grows, and the soft color comes alive in gold. Let us know it is morganite you are after when booking, and extra stones will be waiting in pink, rose and peach, small to large.
Walk in any time we are open, or book ahead so Yaron is there to help with the stone, the design and the metal, from 925 silver and gold plating to solid 9K, 14K or 18K gold.
Some people simply want a morganite to keep, perhaps a peach one they fell for. You can buy it as a loose stone with no jewelry order, and we would be very happy to make a piece around it.
See morganite with Yaron
TOANOI House, 259/80 Phibunwet Village, Sukhumvit 71, Bangkok. Monday to Friday 9:30 to 17:00 and Saturday 10:00 to 15:00. We speak Thai, English and Japanese.
Not in Bangkok? Message us and we will send photos and prices of the morganite we have.
Morganite questions we get
Is your morganite natural?
Yes. Every gemstone we set is natural, morganite included. Much morganite is gently heated to turn peach into pink, a permanent and accepted practice, and if a stone has had any treatment we tell you before you order. We are a member of the Thai Gem and Jewelry Traders Association.
Is morganite good for an engagement ring?
Yes. At 7.5 to 8 on the Mohs scale it is hard enough for daily wear. Choose a setting that protects the edges, and take it off for sports and heavy work.
Why is some morganite peach and some pink?
Morganite often grows with a yellow or orange tint next to its pink. Heating removes the tint and gives a cleaner pink. Peach stones are usually untreated, and both colors are natural morganite.
Is morganite the same as pink sapphire?
No. Morganite is a beryl, like aquamarine and emerald. Pink sapphire is corundum, harder and usually a stronger pink, and it costs more.
How much does morganite jewelry cost?
It depends on the quality and carat of the stone you choose, and on the metal. We give you the price before anything is made.
Can I buy just the stone?
Yes. We sell morganite as a loose stone, so there is no need to order jewelry with it. If you want it in a ring or pendant, we are happy to set it now or at any later time.
How long does a morganite piece take?
7 to 10 working days from your order, because the stones are already here in our shop, then 1 to 3 working days for delivery inside Thailand. We also ship abroad by FedEx.
Every morganite piece is made to order by our team in Bangkok in 925 sterling silver or solid gold, with a 3-year warranty, free maintenance and free shipping across Thailand.
