June boasts not one, but three recognized birthstones: Alexandrite, Pearl, and Moonstone. Each gem carries a unique history, captivating beauty, and symbolic significance, making June birthdays particularly special. While Pearl historically held the sole designation for June, Alexandrite and Moonstone have gained prominence as modern alternatives, offering a diverse range of colors and characteristics for those seeking a meaningful gemstone connection. This article will delve into the origins, properties, and lore surrounding these three fascinating June birthstones.
History and Lore
The tradition of associating gemstones with specific birth months dates back to ancient times, with beliefs centered around the stones’ purported magical powers, healing properties, and ability to bring prosperity. The practice gained traction in Western cultures, solidifying the connection between gemstones and the calendar months. For June, Pearl was the long-standing traditional birthstone, revered for centuries.
Moonstone also possesses a rich historical background, deeply embedded in mythology. Pliny the Elder, a Roman historian, named the stone ‘moonstone’ due to its shimmering appearance, likening it to the phases of the moon. Both Roman and Greek cultures associated the gem with their lunar deities, while Hindu mythology claimed it was formed from solidified moonbeams. Moonstone was believed to represent love, passion, and fertility, and was considered a harbinger of good luck, inspiring beautiful dreams and even serving as a remedy for sleepwalking. It was also known as ‘The Traveller’s Stone’, offering protection during nighttime journeys.
Alexandrite, the most recent addition to the June birthstone family, has a comparatively shorter history. Discovered in Russia in the 1830s in the Ural Mountains, it was named in honor of the future Czar Alexander II, whose colors – red and green – the gem remarkably embodies. This association with Russian imperial colors quickly garnered attention for the stone.
Geological Formation and Sources
Moonstone is a form of the mineral feldspar, exhibiting a pearl-like luster created by the reflection of light within its layered crystal structure. This internal reflection results in the characteristic adularescence, a shimmering effect that gives the stone its name. Moonstone can be found in a variety of colors, including milky white, gray, pink, orange, and even multicolored varieties.
Alexandrite is a rare variety of the mineral chrysoberyl, distinguished by its remarkable color-changing ability. This phenomenon, known as pleochroism, causes the gem to appear yellow-green to greenish-blue in normal light but transform into shades of red, purple, or orange under different light sources, such as sunlight or incandescent light. The original Alexandrite discoveries were made in Russia’s Ural Mountains, but today, sources also include Brazil, Sri Lanka, and East Africa.
Pearl, unlike the other two, is an organic gemstone, formed within the soft tissue of a living shelled mollusk. Natural pearls are rare and highly valued, while cultured pearls are created through a deliberate human intervention in the pearl-forming process. Pearls are found in various locations worldwide, including the Persian Gulf, the Red Sea, and the waters of Australia, Japan, and the South Pacific.
Gemological Properties
Each of the three June birthstones possesses distinct gemological properties:
| Property | Alexandrite | Moonstone | Pearl |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mineral | Chrysoberyl | Feldspar | Organic |
| Color Change | Yes (Green to Red) | No | No |
| Adularescence | No | Yes | Yes (Iridescence) |
| Hardness (Mohs) | 8.5 | 6-6.5 | 2.5-4.5 |
| Transparency | Transparent | Translucent | Opaque |
| Luster | Vitreous | Pearly | Nacreous |
Alexandrite’s most prized characteristic is its vivid color change, with the most valuable stones displaying a green to bluish-green hue in daylight and a deep red to purplish-red under incandescent light. Moonstone’s value is determined by the intensity of its adularescence, with a blue sheen against a white background being particularly desirable. Pearls are graded based on their size, shape, luster, color, and surface quality.
Symbolism and Metaphysical Beliefs
Throughout history, each of these gemstones has been imbued with symbolic meaning. Pearls have long been associated with purity, innocence, and wisdom. Moonstone represents love, passion, and fertility, and is believed to bring good fortune and inspire dreams. Alexandrite, while lacking ancient symbolism, is often linked to heightened intuition and pleasure, and its color-changing nature is sometimes likened to the complexities of love.
Some cultures believed Moonstone could cure insomnia and sleepwalking, while others used it as a protective charm for nighttime travelers. The shifting colors of Alexandrite have been interpreted as a reflection of adaptability and balance.
Care and Cleaning
Due to their differing hardness levels, each birthstone requires specific care. Moonstone, with a Mohs hardness of 6-6.5, is relatively soft and susceptible to scratching. It should not be exposed to high heat or cleaned with ultrasonic or steam cleaners. Warm, soapy water and a soft brush are the recommended cleaning method.
Alexandrite, with a hardness of 8.5, is more durable but still requires careful handling. Avoid harsh chemicals and abrasive cleaners. Gentle cleaning with warm, soapy water and a soft brush is sufficient.
Pearls, being the softest of the three (2.5-4.5), are particularly delicate. Avoid contact with chemicals, cosmetics, and perfumes. Clean pearls with a soft, damp cloth after each wearing. Avoid ultrasonic cleaners, as they can damage the nacre.
Conclusion
The June birthstones – Alexandrite, Pearl, and Moonstone – represent a captivating blend of history, beauty, and symbolism. From the ancient lore surrounding Moonstone and Pearl to the relatively recent discovery of Alexandrite, each gem offers a unique connection to the month of June. Whether valued for their aesthetic appeal, their purported metaphysical properties, or their historical significance, these three birthstones continue to enchant and inspire.