Morganite Value, Price, and Jewelry Information

Comments

After morganite's discovery in Madagascar in 1910, Tiffany & Co introduced this gem to the American market. They named it in honor of the financier J. P. Morgan, who was himself reputed to be an avid gem collector.

Very often, you'll encounter near colorless beryl specimens offered as morganites. These stones should be labeled more properly as goshenite (colorless beryl).

Enhancements

Although violet and peach are possible morganite colors, the most common and preferred color is pink. Heat and light will remove the yellow component from peach beryl, so it's often heated to get "pinker" stones.

Synthetics

You can find hydrothermally grown synthetic morganites for sale as jewelry stones. If you're not sure whether your gem is natural or lab-grown, send it to a gemological lab for analysis.

Sources

Minas Gerais, Brazil produces fine crystals and gem material. Other locations producing gem-quality material include:

• United States: San Diego County, California (in several localities - fine crystals and gem material); Maine; Thomas Range, Utah.
• Madagascar: in pegmatites and as alluvial material.
• Afghanistan; Mozambique; Myanmar; Namibia; Pakistan.

Stone Sizes

Morganites don't usually occur in sizes as large as other beryls. Crystals have been found up to 6" in diameter.

In 1989, Ronald and Dennis Holden discovered a morganite measuring 30 cm wide at the Bennett Quarry in Maine. As rough, the "Rose of Maine" weighed 115,000 cts, approximately 50 lbs, the largest ever found in North America. This specimen yielded several cut gems, including a 184-ct faceted piece now residing at the Maine State Museum.

• Smithsonian Institution (Washington, DC): 287 (pink, Brazil) and 235 (pink, Brazil); 178 (pink, California); 113 (peach, California); 56 (pale pink, Madagascar); 330 (dark orange, Brazil).
• Natural Hist. Museum, Paris: 250 (pink, Madagascar).
• Royal Ontario Museum (Toronto, Ontario, Canada): 118.6 (pink, cat's eye).
• British Museum (Natural History) (London England): 598.7 (rich pink, square-cushion brilliant, Madagascar); rose-red crystal from California weighing 9 pounds.
• American Museum of Natural History (New York): 58.8 (heart-shaped, Madagascar).
• Private Collection: three very large cut gems with carved tables, total weight ~ 1,500 carats, tables carved in religious motifs.

Trade Names

Morganite is sometimes referred to as "pink beryl."

Although emerald belongs to the same beryl family, the term "pink emerald" shouldn't be used for morganite. Unfortunately, some vendors reference more well-known gem names to drum up interest (and prices) for another gem. Beryls in particular receive these names from dishonest sellers because of the popularity of emerald and aquamarine. Although morganites are very rare, their prices don't approach those for emerald. To insinuate these are a variety of one of the most expensive gems on the market is misleading.

For another example of this deceptive practice, read our caveat on goshenites sold as "white aquamarines."

Care

Morganites have the hardness and durability to make excellent jewelry stones for daily wear.

If free of inclusions or fractures, they may be cleaned using mechanical systems. Have a gemologist examine your gems first to identify any potential weaknesses. However, a soft brush, mild detergent, and warm water will always work safely.

Consult our Gemstone Jewelry Cleaning Guide for more recommendations.