Morganite vs. Moissanite: What's The Difference?

Choosing the right stone for your engagement ring is a big choice with a lot of different factors to consider. These days, as more people search out ethically sourced diamond-alternatives, both moissanite and morganite are increasingly popular choices worth considering. But when comparing morganite vs. moissanite, you may be wondering what sets the two stones apart as well as what makes them shine.

In this guide, we break down everything you need to know about the differences between morganite and moissanite. We’ll take a look at everything from these stone’s appearance, to their durability and price. Read on to learn more! 

What Is Morganite?

Morganite, much like moissanite, is a diamond-alternative gemstone that is somewhat rare in its natural state but is commonly grown in lab settings. First discovered in 1910, Morganite is one of the popular varieties of beryl gemstones- a class of stones that also includes emeralds and aquamarine. 

Morganite stones are typically lightly colored with an orangish-pink hue and produce large multi-faceted stones to show off their color. The stone is famously named after J.P. Morgan, a well-known American banker who had a lifelong interest and fascination with gemstones. 

Where Does Morganite Come From?

Morganite is a naturally occurring gemstone that, while somewhat rare, is mined around the world in countries such as Brazil, Afghanistan, Madagascar, and the United States. Though naturally occurring morganite is still mined today, lab-grown morganite has grown increasingly popular over the years.

Morganite vs. Moissanite: What’s The Difference?

Color

One obvious visible difference between morganite and moissanite is that morganite stones have a slight orangish-pink hue to them. Morganite is often described as having a color that’s somewhere between peach and salmon, with pink stones being the most sought-after. 

Due to morganite’s unique color and beryl composition, it is occasionally referred to as the “pink emerald.” This unique color is often associated with divine love & emotional healing.

Moissanite, on the other hand, is often colorless or nearly colorless in appearance. While it is possible to find moissanite stones in a limited range of colors, these are usually lab-created moissanite stones as naturally colored moissanite is generally less common. 

Moissanite’s colorless, or nearly colorless, appearance is part of the reason it is such a versatile, timeless, & sought-after stone for engagement rings & jewelry. It is often compared to diamonds in this regard and is one of the reasons moissanite is one of the most popular diamond-alternative gems in the world.

If you are looking for something a little more contemporary & unique, however, colored moissanite engagement rings make for a gorgeous way to show off your unique tastes.

Clarity

Morganite, like moissanite, is considered to be an “eye clean” gemstone. This means that flaws and inclusions are not typically visible to the naked eye. In other words, morganite stones are popular for their consistently transparent & clean appearance. 

Moissanite is also known for its exceptional clarity & detail, which is yet another reason why moissanite engagement rings & jewelry continue to grow in popularity among those looking for responsibly produced diamond alternatives. Moissanite’s clarity is responsible for the stones favored sparkling appearance, which is unparalleled amongst other gemstones & diamonds. 

Hardness

The Mohs scale is the standard for rating the hardness of gemstones. When comparing the hardness of the two stones, morganite registers a rating of 7.5 - 8 on the Mohs scale. This means that morganite is fairly durable and reliable for everyday wear, as long as you take care to keep it away from any extreme, rough, or abrasive conditions. 

Moissanite, on the other hand, registers a 9.25 - 9.5 on the Mohs scale, which means that it is one of the most durable stones you can choose. Diamonds are rated at a 10 on the Mohs scale, which means they are the hardest and most durable stones you can find. The difference between moissanite and diamond hardness is minor, and as such, they are often regarded similarly as highly durable stones. 

Are Morganite Stones Expensive?

One of the reasons that morganite stones are such a popular diamond-alternative choice is because, like cubic zirconia, they are much more budget-friendly than some other stones. A single carat of morganite typically costs around $200-300, which is highly affordable when compared to the typical $2,000+ for a carat of diamond. 

Moissanite stones are also highly favored for their affordability, when compared to their diamond counterparts. Moissanite is a great option because it offers a level of clarity & sparkle that even diamonds can’t match. 

Final Thoughts On Choosing Between Moissanite & Morganite

These days, an increasing number of environmentally and socially conscious brides continue to seek out and choose diamond-alternative stones for their engagement rings & jewelry. While morganite and moissanite both present a gorgeous and unique option in this regard, there are a few key differences between these two stones worth keeping in mind.

While morganite & moissanite both offer a diamond alternative stone with their own unique traits & benefits, moissanite ultimately outshines morganite in several ways. While morganite presents an affordable & uniquely colorful option for engagement rings and jewelry, moissanite stones offer more sparkle, durability, & versatility overall. 

When you are looking for a stone that matches the beauty and detail you’ve always dreamed of for your engagement ring, moissanite outshines expectations every time. 

If you would like to learn more about what makes moissanite so special, see our financing options, or are requesting a custom quote (or anything in between), we are here for you! Get started by scheduling a consultation today, or simply click on the chat dialogue box at the bottom right-hand of the screen to start a conversation with us. We can’t wait to hear from you!