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 
Ruby vs Morganite
Red and Pink Gemstone Comparison
When selecting a gemstone for your jewellery, Ruby and Morganite are two stunning options. Ruby is famed for its deep red prestige, while Morganite shines with delicate pink hues.
This Ruby vs Morganite comparison guide will help you understand the key differences in colour, hardness, clarity, value, and care requirements, so you can choose the gemstone that perfectly suits your style and jewellery needs.
Ruby vs Morganite: Quick Comparison
| Feature | Ruby | Morganite |
|---|---|---|
| Mineral Family | Corundum | Beryl |
| Hardness | 9 – Extremely durable | 7.5 – Suitable for occasional wear |
| Value | Very high; investment-grade | Moderate; affordable luxury |
| Best For | Engagement rings, heirloom jewellery, investment | Fashion rings, pendants, decorative jewellery |
| Professional Guides | Ruby Buyer’s Guide | Morganite Buyer’s Guide |
Ruby Features, Colour & Investment Value
Ruby is one of the most prestigious red gemstones, prized for its vivid colour and extreme durability. With a Mohs hardness of 9, rubies are ideal for jewellery worn daily.
Colour:
Deep red, including “pigeon blood” red – colour intensity is the main factor influencing value.
Origins & History:
Rubies are sourced from Myanmar, Mozambique, Madagascar, and Thailand. Historically, rubies symbolised wealth, power, and protection.
Price Guide (per carat):
R35,000 – R500,000+ depending on quality.
Morganite Features, Colour & Wearability
Morganite is a soft pink beryl, valued for its gentle blush tones. Mohs hardness 7.5 means it is suitable for rings and pendants that aren’t exposed to daily wear and impact.
Colour
Ranges from soft pastel pink to peach-pink; colour saturation affects value.
Origins & History:
Found in Mozambique, Madagascar, Brazil, and the USA. Morganite was named after American financier J.P. Morgan and is prized for romantic jewellery and decorative pieces.
Price Guide (per carat):
R3,000 – R25,000 depending on colour intensity and size.
Ruby vs Morganite: Detailed Technical Comparison
| Feature | Ruby | Morganite |
|---|---|---|
| Chemical Composition | Aluminium oxide (Al2O3) with chromium | Beryllium aluminium silicate (Be3Al2(Si6O18)) |
| Colour | Deep red, “pigeon blood” red | Soft pink, peach-pink, salmon tones |
| Hardness (Mohs) | 9 – Extremely durable | 7.5 – Moderate durability, requires care |
| Refractive Index | 1.762 – 1.770 | 1.583 – 1.590 |
| Specific Gravity | 3.97 – 4.05 | 2.71 – 2.90 |
| Clarity & Inclusions | Silk rutile needles common; eye-clean rare | Generally eye-clean; minor inclusions acceptable |
| Origin | Myanmar, Mozambique, Madagascar, Thailand | Mozambique, Madagascar, Brazil, USA |
| Treatment | Heat treatment common | Generally heat-treated to enhance pink colour |
| Best Use | Investment rings, heirloom jewellery | Fashion rings, pendants, occasional wear |
Ruby vs Morganite: Colour, Hardness & Care Tips
Colour Comparison:
- Ruby: Deep red; strongest colour drives value.
- Morganite: Delicate pink; peach or salmon tones enhance jewellery appeal.>/li>
Hardness & Durability:
- Ruby: Mohs 9 – ideal for daily wear, rings, bracelets.
- Morganite: Mohs 7.5 – needs gentle care, avoid knocks or abrasive surfaces.
Care Tips:
- Ruby: Clean with mild soap, avoid harsh chemicals.
- Morganite: Soft enough for gentle wear; store separately, avoid impact.
How to Tell Ruby and Morganite Apart
💡 Tip: Check colour intensity, brilliance, and hardness. Rubies show silk inclusions and are extremely hard. Morganite is softer, with delicate pink tones. Professional gem certification is recommended for high-value rubies.
Ruby Summary
- Hardness: Mohs 9
- Colour: Deep red, “pigeon blood”
- Refractive Index: 1.762 – 1.770
- Inclusions: Silk needles common
- Care: Ideal for daily wear, avoid harsh chemicals
Morganite Summary
- Hardness: Mohs 7.5
- Colour: Soft pink to peach
- Refractive Index: 1.583 – 1.590
- Inclusions: Minor; usually eye-clean
- Care: Avoid knocks; store separately
Buying Tips
- Always request a certified gem report for rubies.
- For Morganite, check colour saturation and treatment disclosures.
- Secure jewellery settings; rubies for investment rings, Morganite for fashion or occasional wear.
- Browse our Ruby Collection and Morganite Collection.
Which Gemstone Should You Choose?
Both offer elegance and versatility. Understanding their differences ensures a confident purchase.
Ruby: For long-term investment, rarity, and durability.
Morganite: For beautiful pink jewellery at a more accessible price.
Ruby vs Morganite FAQ’s
Can Morganite be confused with ruby?
Rarely; ruby is deeper red and harder, Morganite is soft pink.
Are rubies more expensive than Morganite?
Generally yes; rubies are rarer and considered investment-grade.
Is Morganite suitable for engagement rings?
Yes, but avoid rough daily wear due to Mohs 7.5 hardness.
Do rubies need special care?
Yes, clean gently and avoid chemicals; very durable but high value.
Are Morganites treated?
Most are heat-treated to enhance pink colour.
Which gemstone has higher investment potential?
Ruby, especially untreated stones from Myanmar or Mozambique.
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