The main difference between morganite and moissanite is that morganite is a natural gemstone with a pink hue that belongs to the beryl mineral family, while moissanite is a synthetic gemstone made from silicon carbide.
Morganite and moissanite are two different types of stones with distinct chemical compositions, physical properties, and appearances. Both these gemstones are popular choices for wedding rings.
Key Areas Covered
1. What is Morganite
– Definition, Composition, Features
2. What is Moissanite
– Definition, Composition, Features
3. Difference Between Morganite and Moissanite
– Comparison of Key Differences
Key Terms
Morganite, Moissanite
What is Morganite
Morganite is a type of semi-precious gemstone that belongs to the beryl mineral family, which also includes emeralds and aquamarine. It is one of the rarest members of this family and is only second to red beryl. Morganite derives its name from the well-known American banker and collector of gemstones, J.P. Morgan. Discovered in 1911 along the coast of Madagascar, morganite comes in a variety of hues ranging from pink and peach to purple, rose, and salmon. Morganite’s pink hue is due to the presence of Mn2+ ions. This gemstone exhibits pleochroism, where the color appears pinker when viewed down its c crystallographic axis. In comparison to emeralds, morganite has fewer inclusions and fractures, resulting in a more durable and sturdier gemstone. On the 10-point Mohs Hardness Scale, morganite has a ranking of 7.5 to 8.
Due to its exceptional beauty and rarity, morganite is often used in jewelry, such as rings, necklaces, and earrings. The gemstone is also believed to possess certain metaphysical properties, including promoting peace and tranquility, encouraging love and compassion, and enhancing one’s communication skills.
What is Moissanite
Moissanite is a diamond simulant containing silicon carbide. It was discovered By Henri Moissan in 1893 from a meteor crater in Arizona. It’s a very rare gemstone, and most moissanite gems in the market are synthetic. Although moissanite is a substitute for diamond, there are a few distinct differences. Moissanite has a lower rating on the Mohs Scale of Hardness than diamonds. It has a 9.25 rating (diamond has a 10 rating).
Moissanite jewellery comes in a variety of colours, including white, yellow, blue, pink, and red. However, some clear or white moissanite may have a slight grey or green tint, especially in bright light. Furthermore, synthetic moissanite has more brilliance than diamonds. Its different faceted pattern creates a rainbow-like effect. In addition to these, moissanites are more heat resistant than diamonds. Although moissanites are cheaper than diamonds, they are more expensive than cubic zirconia.
Difference Between Morganite and Moissanite
Definition
Morganite is a pink, peach, or salmon-colored gemstone that contains manganese and aluminum silicate and belongs to the beryl mineral family, while moissanite is a synthetic gemstone made from silicon carbide, with an appearance similar to diamond.
Appearance
While morganite has a pink, peach, or salmon hue, moissanite has a clear hue.
Brilliance
Morganite has a brilliance similar to that of diamonds, while moissanite is even more brilliant than diamonds.
Hardness
Furthermore, on the 10-point Mohs Hardness Scale, morganite has a ranking of 7.5 to 8, and moissanite has a ranking of 9.25.
Price
Moissanite is more expensive than morganite.
Conclusion
Morganite has a pink, orange, or salmon hue and offers comparable brilliance to diamonds. It has a hardness of 7.5 to 8 on the Mohs scale, which makes it less durable than moissanite. Moissanite, on the other hand, has a nearly clear appearance and is even more brilliant than diamonds. It has a hardness of 9.25 on the Mohs scale, which makes it more stable and durable than morganite. Therefore, the main difference between morganite and moissanite is their chemical composition and physical properties.
Reference:
1. “Moissanite.” Wikipedia. Wikipedia Foundation.
2. “What is Morganite?” Helzberg.
Image Courtesy:
1. “Jewellery, Imitation, Plastic, Jewelry, plastic jewelry, mirroring, noble, gloss, luxury, shiny.” (CC0) via Pxfuel
2. “Top-3-things-to-know-about-buying-a-Morganite-gemstone-ROUGH” By TheJewelBoxSG – Own work (CC BY-SA 4.0) via Commons Wikimedia
Leave a Reply