1st - Gold 
January 
February 
March 
April 
May 
June 
July 
August 
September 
October 
November 
December 
Capricorn - Garnet 
Aquarius - Amethyst 
Pisces - Aquamarine 
Aries - Diamond 
Taurus - Emerald 
Gemini - Pearl 
Cancer - Ruby 
Leo - Peridot 
Virgo - Blue Sapphire 
Libra - Opal 
Scorpio - Topaz 
Sagittarius - Tanzanite 
Spinel vs Morganite
Red vs Pink Gemstone Comparison
When choosing between red and pink gemstones, Spinel and Morganite are two exceptional options. While Spinel is known for its vivid reds and durability, Morganite is prized for its soft pink hues and elegant appeal.
This complete spinel vs morganite comparison will help you understand their differences in colour, hardness, clarity, and value so you can select the ideal gemstone for your jewellery.
Spinel vs Morganite: Quick Comparison
| Feature | Spinel | Morganite |
|---|---|---|
| Mineral Family | Spinel | Beryl |
| Hardness | 8 – Very durable | 7.5 – 8 – Good durability |
| Value | Moderate to high | Moderate; accessible luxury |
| Best For | Daily wear jewellery, statement pieces | Engagement rings, elegant jewellery |
| Professional Guides | Spinel Buyer’s Guide | Morganite Buyer’s Guide |
Spinel Features, Colour & Durability Explained
Spinel is a highly durable gemstone known for its vivid red, pink, and even violet hues. With a Mohs hardness of 8, it is suitable for everyday jewellery and offers excellent brilliance.
Origins & History:
Spinels are found in Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Tanzania, Vietnam, and Madagascar. Historically, spinel was often mistaken for ruby in royal collections due to its rich red colour.
Price Guide (per carat):
R5,000 – R70,000 depending on colour intensity and size.
Morganite Features, Colour & Value Explained
Morganite is a pink to peach-coloured gemstone from the beryl family, the same mineral group as emerald and aquamarine. Its soft pastel tones make it highly desirable for romantic and feminine jewellery designs.
Origins & History:
Morganite is found in Brazil, Madagascar, Mozambique, and Afghanistan. It has become increasingly popular in engagement rings due to its gentle colour and affordability.
Price Guide (per carat):
R2,000 – R25,000 depending on clarity and colour saturation.
Spinel vs Morganite: Detailed Technical Comparison
| Feature | Spinel | Morganite |
|---|---|---|
| Chemical Composition | Magnesium aluminium oxide (MgAl2O4) | Beryllium aluminium silicate (Be3Al2Si6O18) |
| Colour | Red, pink, violet, orange-red | Soft pink, peach, salmon pink |
| Hardness (Mohs) | 8 – Very durable | 7.5 – 8 – Good durability |
| Refractive Index | 1.718 – 1.736 | 1.577 – 1.583 |
| Specific Gravity | 3.58 – 3.61 | 2.71 – 2.90 |
| Clarity & Inclusions | Generally eye-clean | Usually eye-clean; minor inclusions possible |
| Origin | Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Tanzania, Vietnam | Brazil, Mozambique, Madagascar, Afghanistan |
| Treatment | Mostly untreated | Heat treatment common to improve colour |
| Best Use | Daily wear jewellery | Engagement rings, elegant jewellery |
Spinel vs Morganite: Colour, Hardness & Care Tips
Colour Comparison:
- Spinel: Rich red to pink tones; highly saturated colours.
- Morganite: Soft pastel pink to peach; more subtle and romantic appearance.
Hardness & Durability:
- Spinel: Mohs 8 – excellent durability for everyday wear.
- Morganite: Mohs 7.5–8 – durable but slightly softer, requires more care.
Care Tips:
- Spinel: Clean with mild soap and water; avoid hard impacts.
- Morganite: Avoid scratches and harsh chemicals; clean gently and store separately
Spinel vs Moragnite: How to Tell Them Apart
💡 Tip: Colour is the easiest way to distinguish them. Spinel shows vivid reds, while morganite displays soft pink tones.
Spinel Summary
- Hardness: Mohs 8 – durable
- Colour: Red, pink, vibrant tones
- Refractive Index: 1.718 – 1.736
- Inclusions: Minimal; eye-clean
- Care: Suitable for daily wear
Morganite Summary
- Hardness: Mohs 7.5 – 8 – good durability
- Colour: Soft pink, peach
- Refractive Index: 1.577 – 1.583
- Inclusions: Usually minimal
- Care: Avoid knocks and scratches
Buying Tips
- Choose spinel for bold colour and durability.
- Choose morganite for soft, elegant tones and romantic jewellery.
- Check gemstone treatments; morganite is often heat-treated.
- Ensure proper jewellery settings for long-term wear.
- Browse our Spinel Collection and Morganite Collection.
Which Gemstone Should You Choose?
Both gemstones offer beauty and versatility, catering to different styles and preferences.
Spinel: Ideal for bold, vibrant red gemstones and durable daily wear jewellery.
Morganite: Perfect for soft pink gemstones and elegant engagement rings.
Spinel vs Morganite FAQ’s
Is spinel more durable than morganite?
Yes, spinel is slightly harder and more resistant to scratches.
Which gemstone is better for engagement rings?
Morganite is popular for engagement rings due to its soft pink colour.
Are spinels natural or treated?
Most spinels are natural and untreated.
Does morganite fade over time?
No, but prolonged heat exposure should be avoided.
Which is more expensive, spinel or morganite?
Fine red spinel is generally more expensive than morganite.
Can both gemstones be worn daily?
Yes, but morganite requires slightly more care.
COMPARE GEMSTONES WITH CONFIDENCE
Gemstone Comparison Guides
Choosing between two beautiful gemstones can be challenging. Our professional Gemstone Comparison Guides help you clearly understand the differences between popular gemstones so you can make a confident and informed choice.
Each comparison explores the key factors that influence gemstone quality and value, including colour, clarity, durability, rarity and typical treatments. You will also learn how similar-looking gemstones differ in appearance, composition, hardness and more.
HERE IS ALL THE PROFESSIONAL INFORMATION YOU NEED
Gemstone Buyer's Guides
Buying a gemstone should be exciting — but understanding quality, rarity and value is essential before making the right choice. Our professional Gemstone Buyer’s Guides help you understand how colour, clarity, cut and treatments influence the beauty and value of different gemstones.
Each guide explains the key quality factors used by gemologists, including gemstone composition, colour grading, natural inclusions, treatments and origin. You will also learn how these factors affect rarity, durability and market value.
Beryl Family
Feldspar Gemstones
Pyroxene Gemstones
Spodumene Family
Chalcedony & Agate
Quartz Gemstones
Amethyst
Ametrine
Citrine
Prasiolite
Quartz
Rose Quartz
Rutile Quartz
Smoky Quartz
Rare & Collector Gemstones
Apatite
Chrysoberyl
Clinozoisite
Fluorite
Grandidierite
Iolite
Jade
Kyanite
Lapis Lazuli
Phosphosiderite
Prehnite
Serendibite
Sillimanite
Sphene
Sugilite
Vesuvianite