Rose Quartz vs. Morganite: What’s the Difference and Which Should You Choose?

Pink gemstones have a timeless, feminine charm. With so many beautiful shades of pink to choose from, picking just one can feel nearly impossible. While the list of pink gemstones is long, today we’ll focus on two standout favorites: rose quartz and morganite. Let’s compare them in terms of composition, cost, durability, and color.

What is Rose Quartz?

Rose quartz is a variety of quartz that is known for its soft pink color. It is made of silicon dioxide and is formed in large structures as opposed to being mined in smaller pieces that can be easily faceted. It has been treasured for centuries and carries a rich history of lore, often believed to help those seeking love within themselves. Rose quartz is known to provide soul-healing and is used during times of anxiety or grief to bring peace. You’ll often see it used in meditation and holistic practices. 

What is Morganite?

Morganite hasn’t been around nearly as long as rose quartz, but it has become quite popular in antique style settings and rose gold jewelry specifically. It ranges in color from soft pink to peachy-pink and belongs to the beryl mineral family (beryllium aluminum cyclosilicate), which also includes emeralds. It forms in well-defined crystals, making it easier to facet, and is admired as a love-centered stone that promotes emotional balance and attracts love.

Rose Quartz vs. Morganite Color Comparison

While both stones are light pink, they are very different in appearance when you place them next to each other.

Rose quartz has a soft, pastel and milky pink quality about it that is sometimes compared to the color of pink cotton candy. Its opaque aspect comes from mineral inclusions that scatter the light. Rose quartz is most often cut into cabochons as opposed to being faceted. 

Morganite on the other hand is more transparent than rose quartz. It can be soft pink, or it can also be a stronger peachy-pink color, especially in the more expensive stones. It has very few inclusions, so when faceted well it sparkles a lot more than rose quartz. 

Durability

If you’re shopping for jewelry made with gemstones that you can wear often, it’s important to consider durability. The last thing you want is to break a beloved (and expensive) piece of jewelry because you were misinformed on how to care for it. 

Rose quartz is a 7 on the Mohs scale of hardness, which makes it suitable for frequent use. However, it does require care because it can be prone to chipping or cracking. Rose quartz's durability issues are mostly due to its inclusions, which give it its cloudy appearance but also make it more prone to damage. It may be best to set rose quartz in a pendant or earrings for protection. 

Morganite is slightly more durable than rose quartz, with a 7.5 - 8 on the Mohs scale of hardness. Since it has less inclusions, the structure of the stone is stronger and less prone to chipping or cracking. For this reason, it’s well-suited for daily wear jewelry. Still, if you plan to wear it in a ring, a protective setting like a bezel can provide added durability. 

Ultimately, neither of these gemstones is considered a “hard” or durable gemstone. Therefore, we wouldn’t recommend either as an everyday piece of jewelry unless it's in a setting that offers protection. Regardless, for either stone, we recommend you treat it with care. 

Cost

Cost is an important determining factor when shopping for jewelry, and there is a notable price difference between these two pink stones.

Rose quartz is very affordable and can be acquired at very low cost, even in large sizes–we are talking under $50. It's found throughout the world and is often used in costume jewelry.

While morganite is not considered an extremely expensive stone, the price really depends on the particular stone's color saturation, size, and clarity. The softer pink morganites can be under $100, whereas a peachy-pink morganite with great brilliance can be a few thousand dollars. 

Cost wise, rose quartz is the more budget friendly option, though of course that’s not the only factor to consider. 

Treatments

Many gemstones are treated to either improve their durability or their appearance. Rose quartz is most often untreated, which means it's left in its natural state. The color of rose quartz comes from the titanium, iron, or manganese present within the crystal structure. Low-quality rose quartz–most often used in costume jewelry–may be dyed to achieve the perfect color, but this should be disclosed by the jeweler you are purchasing from. 

Morganite does fall into the category of treated stones, as it is often heat treated in order to enhance the pink or peachy-pink color. Although it doesn’t negatively affect the durability or value of the stone, it's still good to know if your stone is natural or treated. This would usually be listed on the gemstone grading certificate. 

Gemstone Care 

Both rose quartz and morganite should be kept out of UV light as much as possible, as their color can fade if exposed for too long. Both should be stored away from other jewelry, in a closed jewelry box, to avoid damage.

Rose quartz can scratch easily, so it should only be cleaned with water and a soft cloth. It should never be exposed to chemicals or heat.

Morganite can be cleaned with warm water and mild soap, but it should be kept out of ultrasonic cleaners, as the vibrations may cause stones with inclusions to crack. 

Final Considerations

Ultimately, choosing between rose quartz and morganite for the perfect soft pink stone depends on several key factors: your personal style, how you plan to wear the piece, your budget, and the symbolism you want the stone to carry.

If you’re drawn to a gentle, milky pink with a natural, earthy feel, rose quartz may be exactly what you’re looking for. It’s affordable and widely available, which means you can find large pieces without spending a lot of money. It is also often associated with unconditional love and emotional healing. Rose quartz is perfect for people who love jewelry that feels meaningful or who prefer a softer, more organic look. 

On the other hand, if you are hoping for a stone that sparkles in the light with a more peachy-pink hue, then morganite might be the better choice. It has a more sophisticated and romantic look, especially when set in rose gold. Morganite has become a popular alternative to diamonds in engagement rings, especially for people who love the symbolism that morganite brings relating to relationships and love.

In the end, both stones are beautiful, and whichever you choose will make a charming and meaningful addition to your jewelry collection.