Gemstones improve the aesthetic value of different types of jewelry by adding sparkle and color. Morganite and diamond are two beautiful and widely appreciated gems. If you’re trying to choose between them, you need to know what sets each stone apart.
In this guide, we’ll compare both gemstones in appearance, durability, and other vital features. You’ll easily decide whether you prefer a morganite or a diamond gemstone for your jewelry.
What is morganite?
Morganite is the orange to pink colored beryl variety. Beryl is a crystalline mineral that exists in different colors, like green, light blue, and red. When beryl has an orangish pink hue, it’s known as morganite.
What are diamonds?
Diamonds are sparkly minerals made up of only carbon. They are known for their high hardness, rarity, and high value. White diamonds are the most popular type, but diamonds can also be red, yellow, blue, or pink.
Diamonds vs Morganite: How They Compare
Diamonds and morganite are two distinct gemstones. Let’s see how they compare by looking at their key characteristics.
Origin
George Frederick Kunz, an American mineralogist, discovered morganite in Madagascar in 1910.
He named the pink gemstone in honor of his patron J.P. Morgan, an American financier and ardent gem collector. Kunz was the chief gemologist at Tiffany & Co., where the company assembled part of Morgan’s collection.
Most of the morganite around today is from Minas Gerais in Brazil. It also exists in mines in Afghanistan, the United States, and some African countries.
Natural diamonds were first found in India as far back as 4 BC. They gradually found their way to Europe and became popular among royals and high-profile figures. Among the first recorded proposals with a diamond ring was Archduke Maximilian of Austria to Mary of Burgundy in 1477.
Diamonds get their name from the ancient Greek word “adamas,” meaning “unbreakable.” These precious gems exist worldwide in Russia, Congo, Botswana, Namibia, and Canada.
Composition
Diamonds are the only minerals composed of only one element, carbon. They form naturally when extreme heat and pressure hit carbon within the earth’s crust.
Although diamonds may contain a few trace elements, these elements make up only 0.05% of the diamond’s composition.
Morganite chemically contains beryllium aluminum silicate. It also contains traces of manganese, the element that gives it the orange-pinkish hue.
Appearance
Diamonds can be white, red, brown, or yellow, depending on the trace elements they contain. These precious stones shine brightly and are translucent, meaning you can see into them but not through them.
Diamonds also appear to have a greasy film over them; that layer prevents them from getting dusty or dirty easily.
Morganite has an orange to pale pink color. It’s a gemstone characterized by its pink shade. Morganite is pleochroic, meaning it displays slight color variations when you view it from different angles.
Although morganite’s sparkle isn’t as high as that of diamonds, many people love it for its high brilliance.
Durability
Diamonds have unmatched durability in the world of gemstones. Diamonds rank at a 10 on the Mohs scale of hardness.
Morganite is also durable, although it pales in comparison to diamonds. It has a hardness of 7.5-8 on the Mohs scale. So morganite is strong enough to withstand everyday use, but it is not as durable as diamonds.
Price
Morganite sells for about $300 per carat.
💡 Fun fact: The price of morganite depends on its hue. Morganites with deeper color shades cost more, while those with lighter colors are cheaper.
The prices of deep-colored morganite stones are nowhere near that of diamonds.
Diamonds cost an average of about $12,000 per carat. The price depends on the diamond’s cut, clarity, carat, and color.
Popularity and Prestige
Diamonds are highly popular precious gemstones. In the US, 86% of couples prefer diamond engagement rings. Since they are highly sought after yet scarce, diamonds are precious.
Whether you’ve got a natural diamond or the more available lab-grown diamond, you’ve got a symbol of high prestige; a precious stone.
On the other hand, Morganite has not always been popular but has experienced a surge in popularity in the last decade.
Today, it’s the second most popular choice after sapphire for engagement ring buyers who don’t want diamonds. However, morganite is not as prestigious as diamonds; it is a semiprecious stone.
Diamond vs Morganite: Chart
| Features | Diamond | Morganite |
| Appearance | Diamonds are available in various colors like white, yellow, brown, and red. Diamonds are highly lustrous and have a bright sparkle. | Morganite has an orange or light pink shade. It gives off a nice, brilliant sparkle, especially the lighter-colored ones. However, morganite doesn’t sparkle as much as diamonds. |
| Durability | Diamonds are highly durable, with the highest hardness on the Mohs scale. They do not chip off easily and can last a lifetime. | Morganite is a durable stone, strong enough for everyday wear. But it is not as durable as diamonds. |
| Cost | Diamonds cost an average of $12,000 per carat. They are expensive. | Morganite costs about $300 per carat. It’s much more affordable than diamonds. |
| Origin | Diamonds were initially found in India thousands of years ago. Today, most diamonds come from Africa, Russia, and Canada. | Morganite was initially found in Madagascar in 1910. Today, most morganite comes from Minas Gerais, Brazil. |
| Composition | Diamond consists of just one element, carbon. | Morganite consists of beryllium, aluminum, and silica with traces of manganese. |
| Value | Diamonds are precious and prestigious. They are a type of precious stone. | Although morganite is popular, it is not considered as valuable as diamonds. It is a semi-precious stone. |
Should You Choose a Diamond or Morganite Engagement Ring?
This depends on what you want in an engagement ring. Diamonds are highly durable and valuable, but they come at a high price.
If you’re willing to spend a lot of cash for high durability and value, go for a diamond engagement ring. White diamonds are timeless, so you’ll always be in style – perfect for a traditional bride.
Choose a morganite engagement ring if you’re on a budget but still want a stunning ring. Also, this uniquely colored stone might suit you if you’re not too traditional.
Although its appearance and durability don’t match that of diamonds, a morganite ring is still a quality ring. It gives off a considerable shine and is durable enough for everyday wear.
Frequently Asked Questions
We’ve answered some questions that are likely on your mind now. These are questions jewelry lovers usually ask when comparing morganite with diamonds.
Is morganite better than diamond?
In terms of cost-effectiveness, morganite is better than diamond; it is more affordable and has good quality. But diamonds are undefeated in appearance, durability, and value.
Does morganite sparkle like a diamond?
Although morganite sparkles nicely, it does not sparkle much like a diamond.
Does morganite test as a diamond?
Morganite is an excellent diamond alternative. However, a simple diamond test will detect a morganite stone as fake (not a real diamond).
Is morganite worth buying?
Yes, it is. Morganite is a worthy investment if you want a durable, beautiful stone at a fair price.
What color morganite is most valuable?
Deep-colored pink morganite is the most valuable type, especially when it is free of inclusions. Light-hued morganite with inclusions is less valuable.
Is morganite a real stone?
Yes, morganite is a real, semi-precious stone. It is a type of beryl, just like emerald (green beryl) and aquamarine (blue beryl).
Two Distinct Gems
Morganite and diamond are two interesting gems, each one with its pros and cons. Depending on the kind of gemstone you want, you can easily choose between morganite and diamond.
Morganite is a better choice if you want a budget-friendly gem that will last a long time. If you want an extremely durable and valuable gemstone and don’t mind a high price tag, go for diamonds.
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