Morganite Cost

By: WC Editorial Team Read Time: 2 mins Gemstone Insights

May 31, 2023

When did Morganite become popular? Famous people who have worn Morganite jewelry Morganite Cost Factors

When did Morganite become popular?

Before we dive into the factors that impact morganite cost, let’s discuss its background. Morganite is called a rose beryl–it is the pink, salmon-colored variety of the beryl gem family. It gets its pink color from the minerals manganese and/or cesium. A higher content of manganese or cesium will yield a more saturated pink in the morganite.

In 1908, a deposit of fine Morganite with exceptionally saturated and beautiful color was discovered in Madagascar. Tiffany’s gemologist George Kunz believed this newly discovered, rose-colored gem deserved a unique name. As a result, in 1910, Kunz suggested to the New York Academy of Sciences that pink beryl be named morganite in honor of financier and gem collector J.P. Morgan. At the time, Morgan was creating one of the world’s greatest mineral collections for the American Museum of Natural History in New York. This museum is now known as the Morgan Hall of Gems. The New York Academy of Sciences agreed with Kunz’s proposal, and morganite was officially named a new gem variety.

You’ll see morganite in a variety of colors, from soft pink to peach to purple. The delicate colors of this stone are associated with innocence, sweetness, romance, and love. Some believe this gemstone opens the heart and brings upon healing and compassion. As a result, its popularity has grown in recent years as a gemstone that represents love–especially for engagement rings.

Famous people who have worn Morganite jewelry

Sheana Shay, from reality show Vanderpump Rules, received a spectacular morganite engagement ring from Brock Honey Davies. The ring, designed by Kyle Chan, features a 12.74-carat rectangular cushion-cut in a pink hue. In addition to the eye-catching center stone, the 14K white gold band sparkles with 12 diamonds.

Morganite Cost Factors

Morganite is well-known for its unique color and meaning, but there are other factors (and a range of colors) that impact this stone’s cost.

Pricing

Like other gemstones, factors impact its quality, such as carat weight, color, and cut. A one-carat morganite costs around $200 to $300. Because color is such an important element of morganite, a smaller stone with appealing color could cost more than a larger stone with less appealing color. Generally, morganite costs approximately one tenth of what a diamond would by weight.

Carat Weight

Most gemstones are measured in carats, but a carat isn’t the same size in every gemstone. Some are denser than others, so a diamond and a morganite of the same carat weight would likely be different sizes. As a result, morganite gets measured in millimeters rather than carats. It’s also important to note that morganite is commonly found in larger crystals, so there isn’t an exponential price increase like with other rare gemstones.

Color

Morganite is unique in that it’s available in various shades. Pink and rose morganite stones are generally more desirable, while the peach and salmon shades are typically less popular. However, each stone’s color is unique and people have their own personal preferences when it comes to their favorite shade of morganite. For example, some say peach and salmon hues are less popular, but some jewelry or stone collectors value untreated peach-colored morganite more highly than heat-treated pink gemstones.

Cut

Cut is important because it impacts the stone’s brilliance and sparkle and can either hide or showcase inclusions. Like other gemstones, morganite can be cut into different shapes and sizes. It’s a 7.5 to 8 on the Mohs hardness scale so you’ll see a variety of morganite cuts, including pear, round, cushion, princess, emerald, and oval.

Why Morganite?

Morganite’s popularity has continued to increase, especially for engagement rings in recent years. This uniquely-colored gemstone is a rare, durable gemstone that is valuable, yet affordable. As it becomes more popular, its value will continue to increase.

Whether a gift for yourself or for a loved one, morganite is a beautiful, meaningful stone that continues to increase in popularity. Some believe morganite supports self-confidence, personal power, and positive energy. It’s thought to encourage fair treatment of other people, and also improves communication, relieves stress, and increases understanding of others.

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FAQs

Is morganite expensive?

Morganite is a rare gemstone, but they’re still less expensive than diamonds. A one-carat morganite generally costs around $200-$300 while a one-carat diamond could easily cost more than $2,000. On average, the stone costs approximately one tenth of what a diamond would by weight. Stones are often found in larger crystals, so the larger stones aren’t always the most expensive. For example, if a smaller morganite has striking color than it could be more expensive than a paler, larger gemstone.

Is morganite a valuable gem?

Yes, morganite is a valuable gem. Morganite stones that are medium light to medium pink in color, with custom cuts, are the most valuable of all. The lighter the stone and the more inclusions, the less valuable it is.

How to know if morganite is real?

Examine the stone using a jeweler’s loupe. If you see bubbles, it’s possible the stone could be glass. You can buy a certified stone to ensure the stone is real or take it to a professional to get their opinion or have it tested.

How much do morganites cost?

A one-carat morganite stone typically costs about $200 to $300. Quality determines the price, and color is an important factor for morganite. Lighter, more included morganite gemstones will not be as valuable.