Morganite

Similar to emerald and aquamarine, morganite is a variety of beryl, which is a mineral. George Frederick Kunz discovered morganite in Madagascar in 1910 when he was the chief gemologist at Tiffany & Co. Following his discovery, Kunz proposed the name “morganite” in honor of J.P. Morgan. Morgan was a massive financial supporter of the arts and sciences, and he was one of the most prevalent gem collectors of the early 1900s. Over time, his gemstones were donated to the Museum of Natural History in New York and Paris.

One identifiable trait of morganite is its soft rose color. The stone’s colors include pink, purplish pink, and orangy pink. Manganese is responsible for the subtlety of these soft colors that contrast with more pigmented stones. When Kunz discovered the stone, he recognized a unique property of the mineral. Under an X-ray, the stone emits red color fluorescence but indicates no phosphorescence without the X-ray.

Today, most morganite is mined in Minas Gerais, Brazil. Other minor sources include Afghanistan, Namibia, Mozambique, and the United States on rare occasions. In 1989, the largest morganite was discovered in Buckfield, Maine, and has been referred to as “The Rose of Maine.” This particular gemstone weighs over 50 pounds.

While Madagascar is no longer a major producer of the stone as it was in the early 1900s, stones from this location still set the standard for quality. Madagascar morganite is known for its strong pink color, which signifies a higher-value gemstone. Even so, stones that feature more purple or orange colors are still desirable.

As a pink stone, morganite is often associated with love and has become a popular choice for engagement rings. In spiritual practices, morganite is viewed as a healing stone.

Morganite is a stunning gemstone that can elevate a wide range of jewelry pieces. The Intrepid Wendell designs custom pieces with your favorite gemstones to create jewelry that represents your style. Pair morganite with other stones like pearls and diamonds, or make it the center of an engagement ring or pendant. Morganite works beautifully with rose gold for a fully pink-toned piece. You can also create subtle contrast with white gold or yellow gold.

The designers at The Intrepid Wendell learn about your vision and story to encapsulate your personality in the finest details. Whether you are searching for a one-of-a-kind engagement ring or a unique brooch, our designers are ready to craft a piece that’s wholly yours. In-house GIA-certified gemologists verify gem authenticity to ensure we only work with the finest gemstones when creating your custom piece.