RocksdayKunzite vs Morganite
To tell Kunzite from Morganite: Morganite is peachier beryl and has no strong cleavage.
Lilac-pink spodumene, colored by manganese. It cleaves easily and can fade in strong sun.
Photo: Didier Descouens, CC BY-SA 4.0
Pink to peach beryl colored by manganese.
Photo: Parent Géry, Public domain
Key differences
- Morganite is peachier beryl and has no strong cleavage.
Side by side
| Property | Kunzite | Morganite |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Mineral | Mineral |
| Mohs hardness | 6.5–7 | 7.5–8 |
| Luster | Vitreous | Vitreous |
| Streak | White | White |
| Colors | Pink, Purple | Pink, Orange |
| Crystal system | Monoclinic | Hexagonal |
| Specific gravity | 3.1–3.2 | 2.71–2.9 |
| Formula | LiAlSi₂O₆ | Be₃Al₂Si₆O₁₈ (with Mn) |
| Found in | Pala, California; Nuristan, Afghanistan | Madagascar; Minas Gerais, Brazil |
Properties that are the same for both are grayed out.
How to identify kunzite
- Pink to lilac, often deepest when you look down the length of the crystal.
- Flattened, striated prisms that split along flat planes.
- A knife does not scratch it, but it splits if knocked.
Crystal system: Monoclinic
Full Kunzite guide →How to identify morganite
- Soft pink or peach, glassy.
- Often tabular, flattened hexagonal crystals.
- Hardness 7.5–8.
Crystal system: Hexagonal
Full Morganite guide →More comparisons
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between kunzite and morganite?
Kunzite is a mineral (LiAlSi₂O₆) with a Mohs hardness of 6.5–7 and a vitreous luster, usually pink or purple. Morganite is a mineral with a Mohs hardness of 7.5–8 and a vitreous luster, usually pink or orange.
How can you tell kunzite from morganite?
Morganite is peachier beryl and has no strong cleavage.
Could you tell them apart from a blurry close-up?
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