June boasts a unique distinction among birthstones: not one, but three gemstones represent the month – Pearl, Moonstone, and Alexandrite. This multiplicity stems from the evolution of birthstone lists over time, originating in ancient traditions and becoming standardized in the early 20th century by organizations like the American National Retail Jewelers Association (now Jewelers of America). While Pearl has long been recognized as June’s primary birthstone, Moonstone and Alexandrite were added to provide greater choice and reflect changing gemstone availability and popularity. Each stone carries its own distinct history, properties, and symbolism, offering a diverse range of options for those born in June.
A History of Designation
The concept of associating gemstones with specific months has ancient roots. Early connections can be traced to the biblical Breastplate of Aaron, which held twelve precious stones representing the twelve tribes of Israel. Scholar Flavius Josephus in the 1st century A.D., and later St. Jerome in the 5th century, proposed a link between these gems, the months of the year, and the zodiac signs. This belief fostered the practice of wearing all twelve stones for their perceived protective and miraculous qualities.
Traditionally, each month was assigned a single gemstone. However, this began to shift in the 20th century. In 1952, the Jewelry Industry Council of America added Alexandrite to June’s list, alongside Citrine to November, Pink Tourmaline to October, and Zircon to December. Further additions followed in 2002 with Tanzanite for December and Spinel for August in 2016. Today, three lists exist – ancient, traditional, and modern – offering varying gemstone assignments. For June, the traditional list includes Pearl, Moonstone, and Alexandrite, while historical lists sometimes feature Cat’s Eye, Turquoise, or Agate. Different cultures also have their own traditions; for example, Tibetan culture has a unique list of twelve birthstones, and in Siam (Thailand), stones and colored fabrics were worn on specific days of the week.
Pearl: The Classic June Birthstone
For centuries, Pearl was the sole birthstone associated with June. Unique among gemstones, Pearls are organic, formed within mollusks – oysters, mussels, and clams – as a defense mechanism against irritants. Natural pearls form around a foreign particle, coated with layers of nacre, creating their characteristic luster. Cultured pearls are created through a similar process, but with deliberate introduction of the irritant by pearl farmers.
Pearls come in a variety of colors, including white, pink, black, and blue. Their hardness ranges from 2.5 to 4.5 on the Mohs scale, making them relatively soft and susceptible to damage from acids, heat, and abrasion. This delicacy means Pearls are best suited for jewelry worn occasionally, such as necklaces and earrings. The name “Pearl” originates from the Latin word “pirum,” meaning “pear,” referencing the gem’s typical shape. Pearls have long been associated with purity, fidelity, and integrity, making a pearl necklace a meaningful and timeless gift.
Moonstone: A Mystical Gem
Moonstone, a more recent addition to June’s birthstone family, is celebrated for its captivating adularescence – a shimmering, ethereal light that appears to emanate from within the stone. This effect, described by the Roman historian Pliny, was believed to shift with the phases of the moon, adding to the gem’s mystical allure.
Moonstone is a form of the mineral feldspar, exhibiting a pearl-like luster when light penetrates its layered structure. These layers reflect light, creating the characteristic glow. Moonstone commonly appears milky white or gray, but can also be found in pink, orange, near-colorless, and blue hues. Its hardness ranges from 6 to 6.5 on the Mohs scale, making it relatively soft and prone to damage from abrasion and chemical exposure. Consequently, Moonstone is best suited for jewelry not subjected to daily wear, such as pendants and earrings. Moonstone is found in various locations worldwide, including Sri Lanka, India, Australia, Myanmar, Madagascar, and the United States.
Alexandrite: The Color-Changing Rarity
Alexandrite, added to the June birthstone list in 1952, is a truly exceptional gemstone renowned for its remarkable color-changing ability. Appearing green in daylight and red under incandescent light, this phenomenon, known as pleochroism, makes Alexandrite highly sought after. The color change is due to the presence of trace amounts of chromium within the chrysoberyl crystal structure.
Alexandrite boasts a hardness of 8.5 on the Mohs scale, making it a durable gemstone suitable for various jewelry applications. It exhibits a vitreous luster and can be transparent to translucent. Historically, Alexandrite was first discovered in Russia, but is now also found in Brazil, Madagascar, and India. A particularly prized variety displays a strong “cat’s-eye” effect, caused by parallel inclusions within the stone.
Gemological Properties Compared
The three June birthstones differ significantly in their gemological properties. The following table summarizes key characteristics:
| Property | Pearl | Moonstone | Alexandrite |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chemical Composition | CaCO₃, conchiolin, water | KAlSi₃O₈ | BeAl₂O₄ (with Cr) |
| Hardness (Mohs) | 2.5 - 4.5 | 6 - 6.5 | 8.5 |
| Luster | Waxy to pearly | Vitreous to pearly | Vitreous |
| Transparency | Opaque to translucent | Translucent to opaque | Transparent to translucent |
| Color | White, pink, black, blue | White, blue, peach | Green/Red (color change) |
| Special Properties | Organic, nacre | Schiller | Pleochroism, Chatoyancy |
Symbolism and Metaphysical Beliefs
Throughout history, each of June’s birthstones has been attributed with various symbolic meanings and metaphysical properties. Pearls have long been associated with purity, innocence, and wisdom. Moonstone is often linked to intuition, emotional balance, and feminine energy. Alexandrite, due to its color-changing nature, is believed to promote adaptability, transformation, and good fortune.
In Tibetan culture, gemstones were considered protective talismans and bearers of good fortune. While specific associations for June’s stones within this tradition are not detailed in the provided sources, the general belief in the metaphysical power of gemstones was widespread.
Care and Maintenance
Due to their varying hardness and composition, each June birthstone requires specific care. Pearls are delicate and should be protected from harsh chemicals, extreme temperatures, and abrasive materials. They should be cleaned with a soft cloth and mild soap. Moonstone should also be protected from abrasion and chemicals, and cleaned gently with a soft cloth. Alexandrite, being the most durable of the three, can withstand more rigorous cleaning, but should still be protected from harsh impacts.
Conclusion
June’s three birthstones – Pearl, Moonstone, and Alexandrite – offer a captivating blend of history, beauty, and symbolism. From the classic elegance of the Pearl to the mystical glow of the Moonstone and the remarkable color change of the Alexandrite, each gemstone provides a unique and meaningful connection to the month of June. Their diverse properties and origins reflect a rich tapestry of cultural beliefs and geological processes, making them treasured gems for enthusiasts, jewelry lovers, and those seeking a personal connection to their birthstone.