June boasts not one, but three recognized birthstones: pearl, moonstone, and alexandrite. This unique arrangement offers a diverse range of options for those born in this month, each gem carrying its own distinct history, symbolism, and allure. While pearl is often considered the traditional June birthstone, moonstone and alexandrite provide compelling alternatives, reflecting the breadth of beauty found in the gemological world. This article will explore the origins, properties, and significance of each of these captivating gemstones.
History and Lore
The history of the June birthstones is rich and varied, stretching back to ancient civilizations. Pearls, perhaps the most widely recognized of the three, have held significance for millennia. In the Middle East, ancient cultures believed pearls were solidified teardrops from heaven. Chinese lore associated pearls with dragons, envisioning them as emerging from the brains of these mythical creatures. Even as recently as the 15th and 16th centuries, explorers like Christopher Columbus speculated that pearls were formed from dewdrops within mollusk shells. Ancient Sanskrit texts, such as the Atharvaveda, attributed pearls with the power to bestow long life and prosperity. Beyond their aesthetic appeal, pearls were also utilized in traditional medicine, with some 19th-century Arab physicians prescribing pearl powder to alleviate nervous tremors, improve eyesight, and combat depression.
The concept of associating gemstones with specific months has ancient roots, potentially originating with the twelve tribes of Israel and the gemstones adorning the breastplate of Aaron. This tradition evolved over time, eventually leading to the assignment of specific stones to each month of the year, offering a personalized connection to the natural world.
While the historical record for moonstone and alexandrite isn’t as extensively detailed in the provided sources, their inclusion as June birthstones speaks to a broader appreciation for diverse gemological treasures.
Geological Formation and Sources
Pearls stand apart from other birthstones as they are not mined from the earth, but rather originate from living creatures – mollusks, including clams, oysters, and mussels. Pearl formation begins when an irritant, often a parasite organism or a small piece of shell, enters the mollusk’s shell. As a defense mechanism, the mollusk coats the irritant with layers of a lustrous substance called nacre, also known as mother-of-pearl, composed of conchiolin and aragonite. Over time, these concentric layers build up to form a pearl. The color of the pearl is determined by the color of the mollusk’s shell.
The sources for alexandrite and moonstone are not detailed in the provided materials.
Gemological Properties
Pearls are relatively soft gemstones, ranking between 2.5 and 3.0 on the Mohs scale of hardness. This softness necessitates careful handling and storage to prevent scratching. Pearls are unique in their composition, being organic gemstones rather than minerals. They come in a variety of colors, including white, pink, black, and blue, each determined by the shell color of the mollusk from which they originate.
The provided sources do not offer specific gemological properties for moonstone or alexandrite, such as chemical composition, refractive index, or specific gravity.
Symbolism and Metaphysical Beliefs
The June birthstone meaning for pearls is often described as “sweet simplicity.” They have long been associated with innocence, purity, and humility, making them popular gifts and traditional bridal adornments. Beyond these core associations, pearls are believed to symbolize peace, balance, and protection.
The sources indicate that birthstones, in general, have been linked to personality traits and qualities through astrology and zodiacal associations, though specific interpretations for each June birthstone are not detailed.
Care and Cleaning
Due to their relative softness, pearls require special care. They should be stored separately from other gemstones and metal jewelry to avoid scratching. It is also important to allow perfumes, hair products, and cosmetics to dry completely before wearing pearl jewelry. Storing pearls in plastic bags is discouraged, as the plastic can emit chemicals that damage the pearl’s surface. The recommended cleaning method is to gently wipe pearls with a soft, damp cloth after each wearing.
The provided sources do not offer specific care instructions for moonstone or alexandrite.
Natural vs. Cultured Pearls
Historically, pearls were exclusively natural, formed spontaneously within mollusks. However, the demand for pearls eventually led to the development of cultured pearls. Natural pearls form when an irritant enters the mollusk naturally, while cultured pearls are created when an irritant is intentionally inserted by pearl farmers. Both natural and cultured pearls are composed of nacre and share the same fundamental properties.
The Alternative June Birthstones: Moonstone and Alexandrite
While pearl holds a prominent position as the June birthstone, moonstone and alexandrite offer intriguing alternatives. The sources suggest that the inclusion of three birthstones for June provides a wider range of choices to suit individual preferences and budgets. The reasons for this multiplicity are rooted in historical traditions and a desire to offer greater personalization in birthstone selection.
The provided materials do not elaborate on the properties, symbolism, or origins of moonstone and alexandrite beyond their designation as June birthstones.
Applications of June Birthstones
Pearls have long been used in jewelry, ranging from classic pearl necklaces and earrings to more contemporary designs. Their versatility and timeless elegance make them a staple in the jewelry industry. The sources mention the availability of a wide range of pearl jewelry pieces at Futer Bros. Jewelers, including earrings, necklaces, bracelets, and rings.
The sources do not detail specific applications for moonstone or alexandrite.
Conclusion
The June birthstones – pearl, moonstone, and alexandrite – represent a captivating blend of history, symbolism, and natural beauty. Pearl, with its ancient lore and association with purity and innocence, remains a beloved and timeless gem. The inclusion of moonstone and alexandrite expands the options for June-born individuals, offering a diverse range of choices to reflect their personal style and preferences. While the provided sources offer a comprehensive overview of pearl, further research is needed to fully explore the unique characteristics and significance of moonstone and alexandrite.