Morganite is the hottest alternative to diamond and for good reason too. It’s a beautiful, highly versatile stone that’s perfect for any occasion—from engagement rings to wedding bands and everything in between. But did you know that morganite can also be used as an alternative to diamonds in many scenarios?
If you’re looking for something more affordable than diamonds or just want something different than your usual choice of gemstones, then morganite might be the perfect option. When you have a wedding coming up and want a budget-friendly alternative to diamonds, this can work for you.
What Is Morganite?
The name “morganite” comes from a Scottish town called Moray. It was the first place where pink tourmaline was found, and it’s still one of the best places to find this gemstone today for your diamond eternity rings.
Morganite is a type of beryl that has been known to be mined since ancient times. In fact, it was once used as an alternative to diamonds at some jewelry stores because it’s so much cheaper option. But unlike diamonds (which can be measured in carats), morganites come in all shapes and sizes—and some even have colors other than pink.
A Brief History of Morganite
Morganites are named after George Frederick Kunz, who discovered them in Madagascar in 1878. They have been used for centuries as an alternative gemstone to diamonds because they have certain attributes that make them highly desirable:
- They are more affordable and less prone to damage than diamonds;
- They are a lighter weight so they don’t weigh down your jewelry as much; and
- There is no need for any special care or maintenance needed with the morganite diamond ring.
Where Does Morganite Come From?
Morganite comes from Madagascar and it’s a member of the beryl family, which includes emerald and aquamarine (another gemstone with a similar color). But they are the best alternative for diamonds whether you want a diamond engagement ring or any other jewelry you may think of.
The gemstone was named after J. P. Morgan, who was an American financier who made his fortune during America’s industrial revolution and helped build up businesses such as General Electric Company, Chase Manhattan Bank, and Rockefeller Center in New York City—the latter of which you may have heard about if you are old enough to remember this summer’s opening ceremony for its newest skyscraper there.
How Hard Is Morganite?
Morganite is a type of beryl, which is a mineral. Beryl has the same elemental composition as emerald, aquamarine, and other colored minerals. That means that it’s also very hard—about 5 on the Mohs scale (the most common scale used to measure hardness).
Unlike diamonds, which are almost always found in diamond mines around the world with little effort required to locate them, morganite has not been discovered in its purest form yet by modern technology. It’s found primarily in Brazil where it was first discovered by miners exploring for gold near Recife back in 1822.
If you get a morganite diamond ring, you’ll be getting something quite unique and durable thanks to its hardness. As opposed to other colored minerals, you can’t compare morganite with them when it comes to hardness. Though it’s majorly synthetic, you can still count on morganite for the perfect diamond alternative.
What Color Is Morganite?
If you’re looking for a colored, diamond alternative, consider morganite, as you already know. This pinkish-peach-colored stone is softer and less expensive than diamonds, but it has a much lower refractive index than diamonds. The light that passes through morganite is bent more easily than it would be if your eye were looking at a diamond.
Because of this characteristic—and because morganites are made out of synthetic materials rather than mined from the earth—they can be cut into shapes other than what’s found in nature. That means they can also be fashioned into jewelry like rings or earrings without having to worry about how they’ll look on your finger or ear.
Forget diamond promise rings for a minute if you can’t finance them, you can get a morganite ring and it will serve the purpose. They may feel even special, as they won’t send a different message than what you had intended in the first place. You can upgrade to a diamond when it’s finally that time to propose and make a grand engagement to your significant other.
Why Choose a Morganite Engagement Ring?
Morganite is beautiful, that’s one of the obvious reasons why you would want to choose it. It’s less fragile than diamonds and can be found in a wide range of colors. The stone is also available in a wide range of sizes, making it easy to find one that fits your budget.
- If you want something unique for your engagement ring or diamond promise ring, morganite is a perfect choice, as it offers you versatility.
- If you love the sparkle of a diamond but want something more affordable and less fragile, morganite offers the perfect solution. You won’t have to go to far if diamonds are expensive.
Morganite is an alternative to diamonds that can be used in jewelry as well as home decor items like vases and candleholders. It looks like a diamond when cut into an emerald-cut stone or marquise shape and has many of the same properties as its more expensive cousin: durability, sparkle, and color.
When compared with other gemstones such as rubies or sapphires, morganites have been shown to last longer than these other gems because they don’t scratch so easily under normal wear conditions (such as being rubbed against another piece of jewelry).
Conclusion
When you’re looking to buy a stone that’s different than your everyday diamond, the word “precious” is not enough. You want something special, and when you need it most morganite stones can be that special piece of jewelry for you and your loved ones. It offers most of the perks of the diamond but is a little bit pocket-friendly meaning anyone can get it.