Morganite sparkle
A gemstone’s sparkle is partly measured by its refractive index – essentially how it reflects light. The higher the refractive index, the more brilliance and lustre. Morganite has a refractive index of about 1.57 to 1.60, which creates a stunning soft sparkle.
For context, diamond, the sparkliest stone of all, has a refractive index of 2.41 to 2.42, making them about 60% more brilliant than morganite. And sapphires, which also come in pink, have a refractive index of 1.76-1.77, so if you’re a more-is-more sparkle fan, sapphires are a great stone to consider.
Durability of morganite
Gemstones are rated in four areas for durability:
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Hardness – resistance to scratches. With a hardness of 7.5 – 8, morganite can be scratched by materials harder than it and should be worn with care and placed in a protective setting.
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Toughness – resistance to breakage. Morganite has ‘fair’ toughness, meaning it can be chipped or cracked with rough handling or any significant impact.
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Cleavage – like a wood’s grain, these are the points where a stone can smoothly split. Morganite has poor cleavage in one direction, which is actually a good thing in terms of how easily it will break under an impact.
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Stability – how well a gemstone can withstand light, temperature, humidity, and chemicals. Morganite is not the most stable gemstone – extreme heat can fade its color, extreme temperature changes can cause it to crack or break, and certain chemicals can damage the stone.
If you’re looking for a more durable pink gemstone, considersapphires which are rated a 9 on the Mohs hardness scale, have excellent toughness, great stability, and come in all shades of pink from ballet slipper to barbie pink. Pink sapphires are our preferred stone for last-forever engagement rings. Read our blog onPink Sapphires to learn more!
