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From its beautiful blush exterior to its intriguing meaning, the morganite gemstone has always been a bit of an enigma. Regarded as a bit of an underdog, morganite is often not the first stone that people think of when adding gemstone jewellery to their repertoire-often opting for one of the more popular stones such as emeralds, rubies or sapphires instead. Despite this, however, morganite jewellery has gained somewhat of a cult following among fine jewellery and gemstone lovers, especially those with a penchant for playful and feminine pieces. So, what is morganite exactly?
We know that morganite stones are becoming increasingly popular in engagement rings and that they pair swimmingly with rose gold jewellery and diamonds, but where does it come from and what is it made of? Read on as we unpack the origins of this playful pink semi-precious stone, its meanings and symbolism and show off some of our favourite morganite pieces.
Overview:
- What Is Morganite?
- What Does Morganite Symbolise?
- Where Is Morganite Found?
- Our Favourite Morganite Pieces
What Is Morganite?
Famous for its pinkish-orange hue, morganite was initially discovered in 1910 by the head gemologist at Tiffany & Co, George Kunz. Named in honour of Kunz’s good friend, a prominent American financier and banker known as J.P. Morgan, the morganite’s popularity would steadily grow throughout the 20th century, but wouldn’t have its true moment in the sun until the 2010s. It was in the 2010s when morganite gemstones would really take off, partially because respected publications such as CNN and Brides.com began to endorse morganite engagement rings as a good alternative to traditional diamond engagement rings.
Although morganite is not seen in the same light as other gemstone jewellery and isn’t officially recognised as a birthstone for any of the months, it hasn’t stopped people from embracing this regal stone in everything from morganite rings to intricately-designed morganite necklaces. One of the more affordable gemstones, morganite’s colour can range from a very soft baby pink to a bright peach almost orange hue. Their colour almost always has an impact on their value and they are often confused with various other gemstones including pink diamonds, peach sapphires and even rose quartz, however, the physical composition of morganite varies tremendously from these other stones.
The Composition Of Morganite
So, what is morganite made of exactly? Contrary to their physical appearance, morganite shares very little in common with other semi-precious gemstones such as rubies and sapphires or even diamonds themselves. The romantic pink stone is a member of the beryl family, a mineral found in other gemstones including emeralds and aquamarine. Rarer than aquamarine jewellery and often boasting fewer inclusions than emeralds, morganites form in the cracks and veins of pegmatite rocks when volatile elements are present in the pockets of water during the final stages of crystallisation. The stone gets its unique colour when manganese is present during its formation process. Morganites are relatively sturdy and durable, coming in at around 7.5 or 8 on the Mohs Scale of Hardness.
The History Of Morganite
Despite the likelihood of it existing for thousands of years beforehand, morganite is a relatively recent discovery for gemologists. The first use for morganite can be traced back to the early nineteenth century when it was mistaken for a pink variation of the hugely popular emerald stone. Marketed to the public as ‘pink emerald’ or ‘rose beryl’, the misconception that morganite was closely related to the emerald likely stems from their similar compositions. It wasn’t until 1910 when gemologist George Kuntz came across a variety of morganite in Madagascar, that the stone would become what we know and love it for today. The world’s largest morganite gemstone was found in Buckfield, Maine USA back in 1989 and weighed a whopping 22 kilograms. Aptly named ‘The Rose of Maine’, the hefty gemstone was discovered in Bennett Quary and has a peach, almost orange tinge to it.
Famous People Who Love Morganite
Not surprisingly, many of the world’s rich and famous have embraced the romantic and vibrant gemstone over the years in the form of morganite jewellery. From Lady Gaga opting for a pair of morganite earrings to complement her blush-coloured gown at a charity dinner to the former girl group member, Camilla Cabello's magnificent morganite drop earrings that she wore to perform at the Grammys, stars are sporting morganite in droves and it is not hard to see why. While attending the 2019 Cannes film festival, Italian model Paola Turani got everyone talking when sporting a massive morganite ring with her black sequin gown. Meanwhile, singer Maren Morris certainly got heads turning when she paired her playful purple satin slip dress with a pear-shaped ring and matching earrings adorned with morganite and diamonds on The Grammys red carpet.
What Does Morganite Symbolise?
Naturally, like many of the other beloved gemstones out there, morganite has also taken on many different meanings and symbolism in its lifetime. While it may not be associated with a birthstone or any religion, morganite is still regarded as a highly spiritual gemstone. Thanks to its sickly sweet pinkish hue, many people associate morganite with innocence, romance, sweetness and love. Popular among mineralogists and those who are interested in the use of certain stones for spiritual healing, morganite is also highly regarded for its spiritual properties.
Morganite In Love & Relationships
Known as ‘The Divine Stone of Love’ there is a popular belief out there among mineralogists that morganite stones can bring you love and romance by helping you become attuned with the heart chakra. Others believe that morganite can help strengthen existing relationships by bringing energies of compassion, healing and assurance. There is also the belief that morganite will encourage you to become more responsible and considerate of the feelings of your partner while also inspiring you to have more loving thoughts and actions within your relationships. It is for this reason that many consider morganite jewellery an excellent choice for anniversary gifts.
Morganite In Luck, Wealth & Healing
Many mineralogists will adorn morganites in a variety of personal and professional situations as they believe it has the ability to bring luck and wealth. By attracting energies of prosperity and abundance, it is often said that morganite will help give you a clear vision of your goals and what you need to do to achieve them. Not only this, but morganite will also help you find clarity in certain situations and amplify your intentions to the universe. On a more personal level, some gem enthusiasts even believe that morganite may help you achieve a healthy mind, body and soul by keeping you in a positive mindset and improving stress-related illnesses.
Where Is Morganite Found?
Since its initial discovery back in the 1910s, morganite stones have been mined from many corners of the globe with most of the world’s supplies coming from Africa, South America, the Middle East and the United States. Most morganite stones are sourced from mines that are resurrected in pegmatite, a type of ingenious rock that is composed of interlocking crystals that come in a variety of different sizes.
Morganite in North America
North America is responsible for a small portion of the world’s morganite supply and holds the Guinness World Record for the largest morganite stone ever found, a record it has held for over thirty years. A majority of the United States’ morganite supply comes from the Bennett Quarry mine in Buckfield, Maine, the Himalaya Mine in San Diego and the Sempe and Tourmaline.
Morganite in South America
If there is any location that holds the distinguished title of being the world’s leading morganite producer it's South America. Not only is South America home to some of the largest morganite stones, but it is also the location where the most can be found. Brazil’s Minas Gerais is currently the leading producer of this semi-precious gemstone in South America, although, it can also be found in the Córdoba Province of Argentina, Paraíba and Equador, Rio Grande do Norte.
Morganite in Africa & The Middle East
The natural morganite found in the Middle East and Africa is also among the world’s most beautiful gemstones and is mined mostly from Lanham, Afghanistan, the Mulevala District in the Zambezia Province of Mozambique and the Erongo region of Namibia. However, small deposits of this Beryl gemstone can also be found in Madagascar and Egypt. And although these locations still provide high-quality supplies of the stone, they are otherwise inconsistent and therefore not as reliable.
Our Favourite Morganite Pieces
From timeless stud earrings to eclectic engagement rings and dress rings, Grahams has a vast collection of stunning morganite pieces. So, now that you know all about morganite including what it is, where it comes from and what it means, be sure to explore some of our favourite morganite pieces.
9ct Rose Gold Morganite 5mm with Diamond Halo Pendant With 45cm Chain
This beautiful rose gold chain is the perfect backdrop for one of the world's most stunning gemstones. With light pink and orange tones that are so easy to get lost in, this 9-carat rose gold morganite and diamond halo pendant has an appearance that is reminiscent of a sunset on a hot summer’s day. Complete with a halo of brilliant round-cut diamonds that have this piece glittering from all angles, you will definitely feel like a Princess when sporting this dainty morganite pendant. Use this piece to dress up the simplest of outfits and even add some edge to your look by layering it with other pendants and chains.
9ct Rose Gold Morganite 5mm with Diamond Halo Pendant With 45cm Chain
$699.00
This beautiful rose gold chain is the perfect backdrop for one of the world’s most stunning stones. This 9ct Rose Gold Morganite 5mm with Diamond Halo Pendant With 45cm Chain has colour reminiscent of the sundown, with light orange-pink tones… read more
9ct Rose Gold 0.60 Carat 7x5mm Morganite and Diamond 0.20ct Ring
9ct Rose Gold 0.60 Carat 7x5mm Morganite and Diamond 0.20ct Ring
$1,634.00
In a stunning blush tone, this beautiful morganite and diamond ring is a must-have. Crafted in 9ct rose gold, the stunning ring features 1/5 Carat of luscious diamonds. Please contact us regarding special order enquiries for this ring. All ring… read more
9ct Rose Gold Oval 6MM x 4MM Morganite Stud Earrings
Every fine jewellery lover knows that a pair of stud earrings are the ultimate staple piece for any collection, but if you’re not that much of a diamond and zirconia fan, these oval-cut morganite studs would make an exceptional alternative. Set into 9-carat rose gold both studs feature a stunning oval-shaped morganite that is elevated by a classic four-claw design. Secured with a push-back lock for the utmost convenience, the radiant blush colour of this precious morganite and the rose gold metal of the setting are paired to perfection. These morganite earrings would not only make for the perfect gift to someone special in your life, but they are also an excellent piece to treat yourself with just because.
9ct Rose Gold Oval 6MM x 4MM Morganite Stud Earrings
$139.00
These 9ct rose gold oval 6mm x 4mm morganite stud earrings are a classic and gorgeous jewellery piece. Each stud features a stunning oval-shaped morganite, fixed in a four-claw setting. This luxurious pair is crafted in rose gold and secured… read more
9ct Rose Gold 2.30 Carat Morganite and 1/2 Carat Diamond Ring
Flanked by a halo setting that is adorned with an array of brilliant round-cut diamonds, this morganite ring will make you feel like a princess and that’s not only because of its similarity to the Princess of Wales, Kate Middleton’s iconic sapphire engagement ring. Adorned with a 2.30-carat oval morganite stone in this ring’s centre, this piece is perfect for the warmer months-particularly, springtime thanks to its elegant flower-inspired setting. Set in rose gold, this morganite piece is excellent to have on hand for special occasions such as weddings and formal dinner parties, especially when paired with matching earrings and pendant.
9ct Rose Gold 2.30 Carat Morganite and 1/2 Carat Diamond Ring
$3,999.00
This stunning ring features a 2.30ct Morganite centre with a halo of beautiful Diamonds. Complete your set with the 2.30ct Morganite matching pendant (11254117) which includes a 45cm 9ct Rose Gold chain, and matching stud earrings comprising of a Morganite… read more
9ct Rose Gold Morganite and Diamond Heart Pendant
Enchant one and all by wearing this 9-carat rose gold morganite and diamond heart-shaped pendant. Adorned with a heart-cut centre stone, this voguish morganite pendant is sure to accentuate your look. The entire pendant is fashioned with care in a beautiful rose gold setting that is ideal for pairing with the soft blush pink tones of morganite. The pendant is embellished with diamonds that amplify its overall grace and enhance this piece’s sparkle. The intricate and pleasing design reflects outstanding workmanship and makes this an elegant fashion statement.
