List of 18 Most Popular Pink Gemstones (2023 Guide)

Last Updated on September 8, 2023 by Juli "Jewels" Church

When looking for a gemstone that is extremely rare but exquisitely charming at the same time, it's always nice to think pink!

In this article, you'll learn:

  • What pink gemstones are
  • Where to buy them
  • And the best choices of pink gemstones for jewelry
best pink gemstones

What Are Pink Gemstones?

You may want a colored gemstone closer to red but at the same time not too white. Well, pink gemstones are exactly what you’re looking for.

They may not be specifically for women as the color is more than just being pretty- it showers a soft warm hue that’ll accentuate pastel clothing or white apparel.

Men should not feel left out here. These gems have an array of pink shades to choose from, some having the most affordable prices.

What Metal Looks Best with Pink Stones?

The last thing I want to do is tell you what jewelry you should wear. Pink jewelry can look great on everyone. However, color science says that some pink gemstones will stand out better against different colored metals.

synthetic pink diamond

The color pink is a warm color, so pink gemstone jewelry is said to look best in warm colored metals, like yellow gold and rose gold.

morganite ring

But that doesn't mean that you can enjoy pink stones in white metals. In fact, lighter pink gemstones may look better in white gold, platinum, or sterling silver. They'll also look great in rose gold too.

purplish pink sapphire

Hot pink stones will look best in yellow gold, to compliment the richness of the yellow. They'll also look great in rose gold.

A pink gemstone is said to look best on warm skin tones. However, those with pink undertones or fair skin may not like the way light pink looks on them. Many fair skinned people don't like the look of rose gold engagement or wedding rings against their skin. 


What are the Different Types of Pink Gemstones?

There are many different types of pink stones, but not every pink stone is suitable for daily wear. These gems come in various shades of pink from the palest pink to almost purple. There are many more wearable pink gemstones than other colors. 


1. Pink Diamonds

An interesting fact about pink diamonds is the origin of its color. Most gemstones have mineral inclusions during crystal formation which causes gorgeous shades of pink.

The best pink diamonds are a favorite of celebrities and a favorite in general. There are a few different famous pink diamonds too. like the Steinmetz Pink Diamond (Pink Star Diamond), which weighs 59 carats!

A pink diamond is said to have gotten its pink saturation came as a result of what scientists call plastic deformation within its crystals. However, there's no definitive explanation on how a pink diamond gets its color.

You'll find that very pale pink diamonds in small carat weights may still go for tens of thousands.

The pink diamond is a one of the most popular colored diamonds. It is a wearable gem and sometimes has secondary undertones of purple, gray, brown, and orange.

Pink diamonds with the deepest shades of pink are highly valued with a single carat of retailing at roughly $4,000,000. Argyle diamonds are some of the brightest pink diamonds. They are rare too, because the Argyle mine is now depleted.

A pink diamond might not be an everyday option for the average shopper. You’ll want to check out a synthetic one if you prefer a less expensive pink diamond.


2. Pink Sapphire

pink sapphire

Pink sapphires are beautiful gemstones that continue to win the hearts of many. Pink shades range from light pink to purplish pink or even orangey pink hues. Color sets the value for pink sapphire where the hot pink shades attract more value.

Pink sapphires belong to the corundum family and the color is majorly determined by the chromium content. At times, the pink hue can be so deep you would hardly distinguish the stone from a ruby.

Even though they are most often faceted, they can be cut into cabochons. This usually happens when the pink sapphire has a star effect, aptly called pink star sapphire.

Pink star sapphires are a rose pink. If the pink color ranges more in the red hues, then it is a star ruby. Star rubies may have purplish pink shades.

Pink Sapphires are tough with a Mohs hardness of 9. Although pink sapphires may come in high-end prices, they are an ideal alternative to pink diamonds.

If you still fancy these gems but wouldn’t fit the bill, you may consider synthetic gemstones of pink sapphire.

Natural untreated pink sapphire goes thousands per carat. Synthetic pink gemstones are available in bigger carat sizes for cheap.


3. Morganite

morganite

Morganite is an exclusive gemstone popular for adding a softer feminine touch to jewelry. They are one of the most sought after pink gemstones for engagement rings.

Occurring as emerald when green and aquamarine when blue, morganite is also part of the beryl family, sometimes known as Pink Emerald or Rose Beryl.

The distinct colors exhibited in morganites come from cesium and manganese present in the gemstone. It is a fairly durable stone at 7.5 to 8 Mohs and will work perfectly with all types of jewelry.

Morganite is mostly rose pink shades but there are other tinted varieties valued at higher prices. Interestingly, inclusions found in morganite specimens tend to drive the values up.


4. Pink Tourmaline

pink tourmaline

Pink Tourmaline is one of the types of gemstones that come in all colors of the rainbow. The pink variations of this gemstone are the most popular.

These pink gemstones are abundant and easy to find both online and in local stores. As with most gemstones, the price will highly depend on the intensity of the hue.

A pink tourmaline ring will have medium durability with a Mohs rating of 7 to 7.5. These pink gems are mostly cut into facets to bring out the gem’s brilliance.

Pink tourmalines are a great option for any type of jewelry but some will require extra care. A pink tourmaline will almost always have inclusions. In deeper colored types, the inclusions in pink tourmaline is somewhat tolerated.

Pink tourmalines may go through heat treatment to bring out desirable optical properties but not all tourmaline stones require this form of enhancement.


5. Pink Garnet

Pink garnets aren't usually referred to as pink garnet. The name given to the reddish pink variety of garnet is pink rhodolite garnet.

Rhodolite stones that have more pink hues or red hues in them may have their color ahead of their name. Most of us just call them rhodolite garnet.

Rhodolite garnet may occurs as rhodolite star garnet, but it's rare.

If you're a fan of magenta pink jewelry, you'll love a rhodolite. They have gorgeous shades of pink and red wine colors. When faceted, the stone's brilliance is gorgeous.

These hot pinkish red gemstones are affordable too, at around $100 per carat for fine color pink garnets.

Rhodolite has a hardness rating of 7 and is considered to have great wearability for a pink gemstone ring. They have no gemstone cleavage, so they'll work in any kind of ring setting.


6. Pink Pearls

pink pearl

Pearls are a classic staple in any jewelry collection. There are various shades and colors of these organic gemstone. Pink pearls are one of the most popular color varieties of all pearls. The pink color can be completely natural or dyed to enhance paler shades.

A pink pearl only comes from freshwater mussels. There aren't many natural pearls left in the world, so most of them are cultured. They're still real. The process was set in motion by a pearl farmer rather than for it to happen on its own to a mussel in the wild.

Pink pearls may have a light pink body tone or be white with pinkish overtones.

Like most organic gemstones, pink pearls should not be worn as a center stone in engagement rings. A pink pearl is not a durable gemstone with a hardness range of 2.5-4.5.


7. Pink Opal

pink opal

Pink opals aren't the most popular variety of opals. Most people are after precious opal with white body colors, fire opal with its bright orange hues, or black opal with its galaxy blue tones.

However, opals exist as pink gemstones too. Pink opal isn't common either. Opals in warm colors are much less abundant. They're still an affordable gemstone though, at around $20 per carat.

Natural pink opals are usually soft pink, or salmon pink. They are translucent to opaque, but will be valued more based on their play of light. Opals are very popular, but they can get scratched easily because of their 5.5-6.5 hardness level.

There are many fake pink opals on the market. You should make sure you're sourcing a pink opal from a legitimate and respected source.


8. Rose Quartz

rose quartz faceted

credited: Mauro Cateb

Most of us are used to the colorless quartz in its pure form. Pink quartz is another natural gemstone variety that comes in various shades of pastel pinks like pale pink ,light pink, and rose. Most people call it rose quartz instead of pink quartz. Rose quartz that have bright pinks are not legitimate.

Some rose quartz have asterism, also known as the star effect. They call it star rose quartz. You can also find star rose quartz in large quantities. Some variations will exhibit a cat’s eye effect.

Most rose quartz comes in transparent forms with a Mohs hardness of 7. It is an abundant gemstone and is available and affordable too. Rose quartz occurs in huge pink crystals.

When polished, rose quartz makes a beautiful gemstone, bringing out its full luster and brilliance. The stone is mostly cut in cabochon or other smoother cuts. They are best used in making bracelets, necklaces, and a couple of other unique pieces.


9. Pink Moonstone

Moonstone is prized mostly for its whitish body color and blue adularescence. Rainbow moonstone is also very popular, but it's not really moonstone. Instead, it's labradorite.

However, moonstone has various shades colors like brown, lavender, pink, yellow, and peach. These stones have a milky appearance, but no adularescence. For that reason, they're much more affordable than blue moonstone.

Pink moonstone can be faceted, but they'll most likely be cut en cabochon. The pink color of moonstones borders on a rose quartz pink to a salmon pink.

A pink moonstone won't be the best stone for an engagement ring because it's pretty soft, with perfect cleavage and a hardness of 6-6.5. It can still be scratched but it's more likely to break because of the cleavage. Moonstone is affordable pink gemstone at around $7 per carat.


10. Pink Spinel

pink spinel

Pink spinel are rare pink gemstones that people barely know of. The stone was recently discovered as a stone in its own right after decades of confusion with pink sapphires and rubies.

Pink spinel occurs with minimal inclusions and those having them usually come in the form of asterism(Needle-like rutile inclusions), a highly valued gemstone phenomenon.

Pink spinel exhibits high fire levels and brilliance due to its high refractive index and dispersion. Faceting maximizes on these properties.

The gemstone is durable (Mohs 8) and can make almost any type of jewelry. However, you should keep the this pink gemstone jewelry away from heat sources.

Pink spinel may lose its color because of too much heat exposure. Pink spinel is available in the market including lab-grown varieties.


11. Pink Topaz

pink topaz ring

credited: hewy 

Pink topaz is a rare kind of topaz only found in a few regions around the world.

The more common types of topaz include yellow, orange, as well as blue topaz. Pink topaz comes from a distinct group of topaz referred to as “Imperial Topaz”.

Finding a natural topaz is not as easy and even when found most are treated to enhance its color. Some varieties of topazes like brown topaz may undergo heat treating, turning into attractive shades like pink. 

With a Mohs ranking of 8, pink topaz is best used for daily wear as the gemstone is quite durable. The stone also exhibits excellent levels of brilliance. 


12. Pink Zircon

pink zircon


Zircon is a popular substitute for diamond and it’s not to be confused with cubic zirconia which is much more cheaper and synthetic.

The shades in pink zircon are most often a bright pink, closer to red.

Pink zircon is about 6 to 7.5 Mohs in terms of hardness, which places the stone in the medium durability range.

It’s also not as resistant to breaking although the piece makes for excellent pieces of jewelry. Most pink zircon come eye-clean with minimal to none inclusions.


13. Kunzite

kunzite

credited: topzhang

Kunzite is arguably one of the prettiest pink gemstones alone. Fans of purple-pink gems will love this one.

Most kunzite jewelry is pink, but some people look for ones with strong secondary hues of purple. These pieces may be called "purple kunzite" stones.

Finding a well-cut stone may be difficult, but they have beautiful gemstone brilliance when it's done properly. Unfortunately this pink gemstone isn't one your should wear out on the daily. It has a 6.5-7 hardness, which is still okay.

What makes fragile is how delicate it is. Kunzite fades in sunlight, it splinters, and fractures too. Best keep this one for special occasions or low impact jewelry. For that reason, it's a very affordable gemstone at around $10 per carat. Pieces over 10 carats may be $10-20 per carat.


14. Pink Fluorite

pink fluorite

credited: géry60 

Fluorite is a favorite gem of crystal healing practices. It's also a favorite of mineral specimen collectors too.

The pink version of fluorite isn't popular in large quantities because more people desire rainbow fluorite or purple fluorite.

It may be a bright color pink, like a magenta. Most of these pink stones look like light purple fluorite. It can also be a pale pink color.

As for jewelry, it doesn't have the best wearability. It's a very soft stone, with a hardness of 4 on the Mohs scale. It won't be faceted often because of this, but you may find wire wrapped low impact pendants and earrings.

Fluorite is pretty affordable at around $50 per carat, but mineral specimens can go for a lot.


15. Pink Chalcedony

pink chalcedony

credited: aimeedars

The pink variety of chalcedony is used for crystal healing, rather than in pink gemstone jewelry. Chalcedony is the host mineral to a plethora of different gemstones of many different colors.

However, pink chalcedony is rare, so it's not very popular. If you do come to own this pink gemstone, it's said to be good for counteracting emotional weight one has carried for a while. It works on the emotions and heart of the user.

Chalcedony is a great pink gemstone for wearing because of its resistance to breaking. It has no gemstone cleavage and hardness of 7.

You might find pink agate slices online under the chalcedony name. Most pink agate slices are dyed in the market. Pink chalcedony is rare and most of it only comes out of Brazil. Chalcedony isn't too expensive, at $37 per carat.


16. Pink Coral

pink coral

credited: pink coral

If you've seen our red gems list, you'll have seen red coral on there. Likewise, coral also occurs in pink, as well as bunch of other colors too.

Pink coral is cool because it's one of the few organic gemstones, like pearls or amber gemstones. Little marine creatures make up the composition of coral.

Pink coral may be a soft pink color, or it can be bright pink, closer to red.

Coral isn't faceted to become gem, but more often used in beaded items or carvings. It's a very soft gemstone and can be easily scratched or broken.


17. Rhodochrosite

Rhodochrosite

Rhodochrosite is an appealing gemstone made of manganese carbonate elements.

In its pure form, rhodochrosite is rose-red in color, which may sometimes have bands of white to grey (like agate). The gem also has fainter shades of pink.

Due to banded streaks contained in this gemstone, cutting requires skill to avoid breakage. Generally, cabochons are the better cuts since facets may not produce a great stone for jewelry purposes.

The stone is also very soft and easily scratched (3.5 to 4 Mohs). That being said, this rhodochrosite is not an ideal gemstone for jewelry that may be easily subjected to wear and tear.


18. Pezzottaite

While some may classify this stone as a red gemstone, pezzottaite is rarely found in the ideal raspberry red hues. Most are hot pink or light pink gemstones.

It's high quality red gems forms have earned it the name "red beryl". That name isn't accurate though. Red beryl is bixbite. Pezzottaite is a beryl mineral, but as also has lithium and cesium to give its color.

It's got a great hardness of 8 on the Moh scale. But while this pink gemstone may hold up to scratching, it's frequently found with lots of visible inclusions. These inclusions make them vulnerable to cracks and breakage.

Plus, pezzottaite is a rare gemstone, so it's usually obtained for collection purposes. A single carat can run around $2000 per carat.


Where to Buy a Pink Gemstone?

If you're in the market to purchase pink gems, you might be wondering where to look. Of course, that depends on what you're looking for.

Most pink gemstones are semi-precious, which means they'll be less likely to be found in popular retail chain jewelry stores or even online fine jewelry retailers.

If you're looking for a pink precious gemstone, I have a few suggestions.

James Allen carries beautiful pink diamonds and pink sapphires for an affordable price.

If you're looking for reddish pink diamonds, Leibish & Co. has their untreated Pink Argyle Diamonds, a true rarity.

Brilliant Earth has many other pink gemstones in stock, in addition to many shades of pink sapphire and synthetic pink diamonds. They carry other pink stones like pink zircon, pink tourmaline, and morganite. 

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