Morganite is a popular gemstone known for its beautiful pink-to-peach colour, but besides its attractive appearance, morganite is also valued for its hardness, making it suitable for use in jewellery. On the Mohs scale of mineral hardness, morganite is rated between a 7.5 and 8, meaning it is a durable and long-lasting material.
In this article, we’ll discuss morganite’s hardness, how it affects its value, and some comparisons between morganite and diamond rings.
What Is Morganite?
Morganite is a variety of beryl, which is a mineral group that includes aquamarine and emerald. Morganite’s durability, rarity, and beautiful colour make it a highly sought-after gem for use in jewellery, including engagement rings, earrings, necklaces, and bracelets.
Morganite Hardness
The Mohs scale is a measure of a mineral’s resistance to scratching, with 10 representing the hardest mineral diamond. With morganite rated near an 8, it’s perfect for jewellery that will be subjected to daily wear and tear. This gemstone can withstand knocks and scratches, retaining its beauty for many years. Plus, its hardness also makes morganite an ideal choice for use in fine jewellery, such as engagement rings, necklaces, and bracelets, where it’ll be subjected to frequent handling.
Because of this, you can wear morganite every day. Plus, morganite’s soft pink to peach colour is versatile and can complement many different styles and outfits, making it an excellent option for everyday wear.
Morganite Versus Diamond Rings
Morganite and diamond rings are both popular options for engagement rings and other fine jewellery, but these two jewels differ significantly in a number of important ways.
In terms of price, diamonds tend to be more expensive due to their rarity and demand. Morganite is more affordable but still offers a beautiful and durable option for those who want a unique, eye-catching gemstone in their jewellery.
Morganite’s Other Durability Factors
Morganite’s durability goes beyond just its hardness on the Mohs scale–other factors contribute to the gemstone’s ability to withstand wear and tear, including:
- Toughness: Morganite has a good level of toughness, meaning it can resist breaking, chipping, and cracking. This makes it a suitable choice for jewellery that may be subjected to stress or impact.
- Stability: Morganite is a stable gemstone and doesn’t react to light, heat, or chemicals, which means it is not likely to discolour or change over time.
- Cleavage: Morganite has a moderate cleavage, meaning it can be prone to splitting or cracking if not cut or set properly. Choosing a skilled jeweller to cut and set your morganite is important to minimise the risk of damage.
In Summary
Morganite is a beautiful gemstone with a hardness that makes it suitable for various types of jewellery. Thanks to its delicate pink-to-peach colour, Morganite is a popular choice for those seeking a gemstone with both beauty and durability that will ensures it lasts for years. With proper care, a piece of morganite jewellery can become a cherished family heirloom to be passed down from generation to generation.