Morganite History

Chances are that you've heard the term morganite quite a bit recently. This is unsurprising since this lovely stone is gaining popularity. But what is it? In a nutshell, morganite stone is the pink variety of beryl. Other beryl varieties include emeralds and aquamarine. Let's take a look at the history of this list-known gem. We'll also talk about what makes it so special. At the end of this article, you will see why it is so popular and why morganite rings are such a great option for your collection.

Morganite History

Morganite is a relatively recent addition to the world of gemstones, which is why many people are less familiar with it. The stone was first discovered in Madagascar in 1910, during a period marked by significant geological exploration and the opening of new mining regions. Its late arrival in the gem world is partly due to its rarity compared to other varieties of beryl.

When morganite was found, there was a lot of exploration. Early specimens were sent to the New York Academy of Sciences and were examined by George Kunz. It was Kunz who discovered the type of mineral and added it to the gemological catalog.

During that period, much of the gemology exploration and research were funded by private individuals. One of these was JP Morgan, a banker with a special affinity for gemstones. Because of his patronage, Kunz named this pink beryl after Morgan.

Over the years, morganite began appearing in curated gemstone collections and eventually in fine jewelry. Today, it is a popular choice for its soft blush color and romantic aesthetic. Many couples choose morganite for engagement rings or wedding bands, appreciating its gentle hue and unique presence. Whether set on its own or paired with diamonds, morganite offers a sweet, distinctive look—and for those seeking a coordinated style, matching morganite bridal sets provide an elegant option.

Morganite Discovery

Morganite gets its signature pink color from manganese in the beryl crystal. The more saturated the color, the more valuable the morganite crystal is. However, as with aquamarine, morganite typically has a pale color.

Besides the 1910 Madagascar discovery, we have found morganite in the United States, Brazil, Afghanistan, and Mozambique. Right now, Madagascar specimens are considered to be the finest quality, but the largest quantity of morganite comes from Brazil. Incidentally, this is also the most common source of aquamarine.

Significance Today and Throughout History

Because morganite is a new discovery, there isn't a lot in terms of morganite meaning. After all, many of the legends and lore associated with gemstones have developed over centuries, even millennia.

However, not having a storied history doesn't mean that morganite is meaningless. Increasingly, the morganite stone meaning has come to be a representation of sweetness, innocence, and romance. Morganite is a great choice for young women who wants a feminine piece of jewelry for work or a girl's night out.

Likewise, because it is newly discovered, there is no official morganite birthstone assignment. With that said, in some countries, pink tourmaline is recognized as the birthstone for October. It's easy to see some October babies using morganite as a substitute.

A big trend right now is pairing morganite with rose gold. Especially if the school setting has scrollwork, milgrain, or other intricate details, the jewelry can have a gorgeous vintage vibe. Or, accent your morganite with pave diamonds and other colored stones. The possibilities are endless, and you'll feel like a princess wearing it.