Morganite

Morganite is a gemstone that has stolen many hearts in recent years with its delicate pink hue. A member of the beryl family, morganite ranges from soft pastel pink to peachy salmon colours. This gem was named after famed financier J.P. Morgan, an avid gem collector, after deposits were found in Madagascar in 1910. Today, morganite has become especially popular for engagement rings, prized for its romantic colour and relative affordability compared to diamonds. If you’re seeking a blush-coloured stone to complement rose gold or to celebrate a rosy romance, a morganite engagement ring is an excellent choice.  

Morganite’s hardness is 7.5–8 Mohs, similar to emerald and aquamarine, but unlike emerald it usually lacks significant inclusions or fractures, making it a bit more durable for daily wear. The gem typically has great clarity and a gentle sparkle, often cut in oval or cushion shapes to maximize its colour. In recent trend reports, morganite is frequently cited as a top alternative engagement gemstone, in part because it flatters many skin tones and exudes a warm, feminine charm. 

Hardness: 7.5–8 (Mohs scale); morganite is quite resistant to scratches and suitable for everyday wear. It’s on par with emerald in hardness, but generally more robust than emerald because it lacks the intense inclusions that emeralds often have. This means a morganite can be worn with confidence in an engagement ring setting with normal care. 

Colour: Usually, a soft pink or peach. Morganite’s colour comes from traces of manganese; some stones are more purely pink; others have a champagne or peach tint. In larger sizes, the colour is more pronounced, while smaller morganites may appear lighter. Sometimes, these stones are given a gentle heat treatment to improve colour. Morganite pairs beautifully with rose gold settings, which amplify its pink tones. 

Origin: Notable sources include Brazil (a major supplier of gem-quality morganite), Mozambique, Madagascar, Afghanistan and the United States (minor finds in California and Maine). The first significant find was in Madagascar, which led to its naming after J.P. Morgan. Stones from different locales can vary slightly in hue, but all carry that signature pastel warmth. 

Notable Fact: Morganite has truly surged in popularity in the 2010s as an engagement stone. Its rise is thanks in part to social media and designers showcasing morganite rings as the centerpiece of whimsical, boho-chic engagement styles. Brides magazine listed morganite as a top alternative to diamond for proposals in 2022, and its popularity has continued to rise. In addition to its beauty, morganite is said to symbolise compassion and promise, giving extra meaning to an engagement piece.