More brides are moving from the convention of buying expensive diamonds. They’re looking for unique, less expensive, equally durable options. Morganite and moissanite are two of the most popular diamond alternatives that match this description. However, to choose, it’s essential to see how they compare.
In this guide, we look at morganite vs moissanite, highlighting the key differences and answering the frequently asked questions.
What is morganite?
Morganite is the pink to orange-pink variety of beryl. It belongs to the same family of popular gemstones like emerald and aquamarine. Morganite is available in various shades of pink, and its color is due to traces of manganese.
Morganite can be treated with heat or irradiation to make it appear more pink, increasing its market value.
Brazil produces some of the finest morganite. Other places with morganite mines include the United States, Afghanistan, Mozambique, Namibia, and Madagascar.
What is moissanite?
Moissanite is a colorless stone made of silicon carbide. Natural moissanite is so rare; only lab-created moissanite is available in the market today.
When it was first discovered, it looked so similar to diamonds it was mistaken for it. It’s commonly called a convincing diamond simulant. It’s usually tricky to differentiate between moissanite and diamond.
Morganite vs moissanite
Morganite and moissanite are both top choices as diamond alternatives, but they have key differences. We’ll consider their color, price, durability, sparkle, and care requirements.
Color
Morganite is typically pink or orange-pink. The color intensity usually determines the stone’s quality. The deeper the pink, the higher the value.
Moissanite is typically colorless or near-colourless. Since it’s synthetic, jewelers can also make them in other colors like yellow, blue, green, and pink.
Price
Both diamond alternatives generally cost less than diamonds. Loose morganite stones typically cost between $100 and $400 per carat. The price increases with the color intensity. Pale stones cost less.
On the other hand, loose moissanite stones typically cost between $600 and $2000. The highly priced stones look remarkably similar to diamonds. Moissanite stones are usually sold based on size and not carat.
Durability
Morganite ranks at 7.5 to 8 on Moh’s hardness scale, making it suitable for daily wear. It’s also typically free of inclusions and fractures, making it less likely to crack on impact.
Moissanite is rated 9 on the Moh’s scale, coming only behind diamond. It can withstand the typical rigor of daily activities. It’s harder than morganite and is typically more durable.
Sparkle
Morganite has a refractive index of 1.57 and has minimal sparkle compared to diamond and moissanite. Moissanite has a property known as double refraction. It also has a refractive index of 2.65, higher than any other gemstone. It has excellent fire and brilliance and gives off rainbow flashes when it hits the light.
Care
Morganite is a high-maintenance stone requiring regular cleaning. It looks cloudy when dirt and oil accumulate on its surface, but you can remedy it with a soft brush, mild liquid soap like Dawn, and warm water. On the other hand, you can clean moissanite every other day using the same method.
For both gemstones, avoid wearing your ring when using harsh cleaning chemicals or engaging in activities where it’s vulnerable to impact with hard surfaces.
Morganite vs moissanite: Comparison chart
Let’s look at a side-by-side comparison of the two gemstones.
| Features | Morganite | Moissanite |
| Composition | Beryllium aluminum silicate | Silicon carbide |
| Color | Pink, orange-pink | Colourless |
| Hardness | Rating of 7.5 to 8 on Moh’s hardness scale | Rating of 9 on Moh’s hardness scale |
| Durability | Suitable for daily wear | Suitable for daily wear |
| Refractive index | 1.57 | 2.65 |
| Price | $100 to $400 per carat | $600 to $2000 |
| Origin | Mines in Brazil, Afghanistan, United States, and Mozambique | Lab-created |
Frequently asked questions
Here are answers to some common questions to help you decide.
Which is more valuable morganite or moissanite?
Moissanite is more valuable than morganite. It has a brilliance more remarkable than a diamond and can easily pass off as a diamond. Its price increases with its similarity to a diamond.
Is morganite the same as moissanite?
No, morganite is a different gemstone from moissanite. Morganite is a stone from the beryl family that appears pink or orange-pink. Moissanite is a rare mineral made of silicon carbide and is typically colorless. They are both considered alternatives to diamonds for engagement rings.
Does morganite lose its sparkle?
Morganite can stop sparkling due to the accumulation of dirt and oil. However, it will look as good as new if properly cleaned with a mild dish soap like Dawn, a soft brush, and warm water. However, note that morganite doesn’t sparkle as much as some other stones like moissanite and diamond.
Is morganite high maintenance?
Yes, morganite is high maintenance. It requires regular cleaning to remain sparkly. However, it’s simple to clean with only warm water and a mild dish soap like Dawn.
Which sparkles more diamond or moissanite?
Moissanite sparkles more than diamonds. It has a property known as double refraction, which gives it more fire and brilliance compared to diamond stones.
For the love of sparkles
Without a doubt, morganite and moissanite are great options for your jewelry. They’re affordable and suitable for daily wear. A look at morganite vs moissanite shows apparent differences that should make your decision easier.
If you love soft shades of pink, have a small budget, and wouldn’t mind cleaning your ring regularly, then morganite is the stone for you. However, moissanite is your best bet if you have a larger budget and love sparkly jewelry that looks similar to a diamond.
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