June boasts a unique distinction among birthstones, possessing not one, but two recognized gems: the classic Pearl and the color-changing Alexandrite. While the Pearl has long held a place as June’s traditional birthstone, Alexandrite offers a more modern and exceptionally rare alternative. This article will explore the history, geological origins, gemological properties, and symbolism associated with both of these captivating gemstones, drawing solely from available sources.
History and Lore
The Pearl’s association with June extends back centuries, representing purity, innocence, and faith. Its timeless beauty has made it a coveted adornment across cultures and throughout history. Sources indicate the Pearl is a classic birthstone, and its enduring appeal is reflected in its continued use in contemporary jewelry. Gracie Jewellery highlights the Pearl’s “soft strength, classic beauty, and timeless charm,” emphasizing its calming energy and elegant simplicity.
Alexandrite, in contrast, has a relatively recent history as a birthstone. Discovered in the Ural Mountains of Russia in the 1830s, it quickly gained prominence due to its remarkable color-changing ability. Ben Garelick notes Alexandrite’s unique characteristic: appearing bluish-green in daylight and shifting to a soft shade of red, purplish-red, or raspberry red under incandescent light. This rarity and unusual property contribute to its value and desirability.
Geological Formation and Sources
Pearls are unique among gemstones as they are organic in origin. As described by Ben Garelick, pearls are created when an oyster encapsulates a foreign object within layers of nacre, a substance that gives the pearl its luster and iridescence. The quality of a pearl is judged by its orient – the interplay of light within the nacre layers – and its lustre, or surface reflectivity. Cultured and natural pearls can be distinguished through a simple test: a slight roughness when rubbed against a tooth, indicative of the natural nacre texture, versus the smooth feel of imitation pearls.
Alexandrite’s formation is tied to specific geological conditions and its chemical composition. Its scarcity is directly linked to these requirements. While specific mining locations beyond the initial Ural Mountain discovery are not detailed in the provided sources, Ben Garelick offers Alexandrite jewelry, suggesting current sourcing from other locations.
Gemological Properties
The provided sources offer limited detailed gemological data. However, some properties can be gleaned.
Pearl: Gracie Jewellery specifies a genuine freshwater pearl measuring 4.5mm x 4mm, smooth and softly white. The quality of pearls is assessed based on orient and lustre, with fine pearls exhibiting even, smooth nacre without flaws.
Alexandrite: Ben Garelick describes Alexandrite’s defining characteristic – its color change. This phenomenon is due to its chemical composition, though the specifics are not detailed in the sources.
A comparative table, based on the limited data, is presented below:
| Property | Pearl | Alexandrite |
|---|---|---|
| Origin | Organic (Oyster) | Mineral |
| Color | White, various tints | Bluish-green/Red |
| Luster | High | Variable |
| Distinction | Roughness test | Color Change |
Symbolism and Metaphysical Beliefs
The Pearl is widely recognized as a symbol of grace, intuition, and inner calm. Gracie Jewellery explicitly states this gemstone meaning. Its association with purity and innocence has made it a popular choice for bridal jewelry and gifts representing new beginnings.
While the sources do not detail specific metaphysical beliefs surrounding Alexandrite, its rarity and unique color-changing properties likely contribute to its perceived value and mystique. The dramatic shift in color could be interpreted as representing transformation or adaptability.
Care and Cleaning
Gracie Jewellery provides care instructions for their pearl jewelry, advising customers to use the included cleaning cloth to maintain its sparkle. The sources do not offer specific care instructions for Alexandrite, but its hardness (not specified in the sources) would likely dictate similar gentle cleaning methods to avoid damage. Given the pearl’s organic nature, avoiding harsh chemicals and abrasive cleaners is advisable.
Contemporary Offerings
The provided sources showcase a range of June birthstone jewelry. Astrid and Miyu, Tiffany & Co., Ben Garelick, and Gracie Jewellery all offer necklaces, earrings, bracelets, and pendants featuring both pearls and Alexandrite. These pieces are crafted from various materials, including sterling silver, gold, and mother-of-pearl, catering to diverse tastes and budgets. The U.S. Training Center, through War Chest Boutique, offers handcrafted pearl necklaces, with proceeds supporting a program that empowers at-risk women.
Conclusion
June’s birthstones, the Pearl and Alexandrite, represent a fascinating contrast. The Pearl embodies timeless elegance and traditional symbolism, while Alexandrite offers a rare and captivating alternative with its unique color-changing ability. Both gemstones hold a special place in the world of jewelry, offering wearers a connection to history, beauty, and meaningful symbolism. The availability of both classic and modern options ensures that individuals born in June can find a birthstone that resonates with their personal style and preferences.