July is prominently associated with the ruby, a gemstone celebrated throughout history and modern times. June, however, boasts a trio of birthstones: alexandrite, pearl, and moonstone, each with its unique origins and characteristics. This article will delve into the history, geological sources, gemological properties, symbolism, and care of these captivating gemstones.
Ruby: A Gem of Passion and Power
The ruby, designated as the July birthstone, has long been revered for its vibrant red hue. Its popularity is evidenced by its frequent adornment of celebrities, including Emily Blunt, Penelope Cruz, and Scarlett Johansson. The name “July” itself is linked to historical figures, specifically Emperor Julius Caesar, after whom the month was named by the Roman Senate. Beyond its association with a specific month, the ruby is connected to Verchiel, a guardian angel of love and affection, and Matthew the Apostle, a figure in Christian mysticism.
Historically, rubies have been prized for millennia. Evidence suggests their use in decorations as early as 6th dynasty Egypt, around 3200 B.C. The ruby’s intense color has consistently symbolized passion, protection, and prosperity.
June’s Diverse Gems: Alexandrite, Pearl, and Moonstone
Unlike July’s singular focus on the ruby, June offers a choice of three birthstones. This practice of multiple birthstones for a single month is a relatively recent development, beginning in 1952 with the addition of alexandrite to the June list by the Jewelry Industry Council of America. Prior to this, pearl had long been the traditional June birthstone. Moonstone joined the ranks later, offering a third option for those born in June. The existence of ancient, traditional, and modern lists of birthstones further complicates the selection, with each list offering slightly different options.
Alexandrite: The Color-Changing Gem
Alexandrite, a modern addition to the June birthstone family, is perhaps the most intriguing due to its remarkable color-changing ability. This phenomenon, known as pleochroism, causes the gem to appear emerald green in daylight or fluorescent light and transform into a deep red or purplish hue under incandescent light. This unique characteristic is attributed to its composition as a form of the mineral chrysoberyl. The most prized alexandrites exhibit a vivid green to bluish-green color in daylight and a deep red to purplish hue in incandescent light. The color change is often likened to the complexities of love, presenting itself in different shades depending on the light.
Pearl: A Timeless Classic
The pearl, a traditional June birthstone, holds a rich history steeped in mythology and symbolism. Ancient cultures held diverse beliefs about its origins. In the Middle East, pearls were considered teardrops fallen from heaven, while the Chinese believed they were formed within the brains of dragons. Even Columbus and his contemporaries imagined mollusks creating pearls from dewdrops. Pearls are formed within oysters and other mollusks, and are a timeless addition to jewelry.
Moonstone: Ethereal Beauty
While less detailed information is provided regarding moonstone, it completes the trio of June birthstones, offering another beautiful option for those born in this month.
Geological Formation and Sources
The sources for these gemstones vary significantly. Ninety percent of all amber deposits, a July alternative birthstone, are located in the Kaliningrad region of Russia, formerly known as Prussia. Amber is a fossilized resin, often containing preserved insects and other small creatures.
Rubies are not specifically localized in the provided sources, but their historical use suggests widespread availability throughout ancient civilizations.
Alexandrite, a variety of chrysoberyl, is not detailed in terms of specific mining locations within the provided sources. Pearls originate from oceans, lakes, and rivers around the world, making them a globally sourced gemstone. Moonstone’s origins are not specified.
Gemological Properties
The provided sources offer limited gemological data. Amber is described as an organic resin, typically yellow in color, ranging from bright yellow to reddish-brown or even black, with some specimens from the Dominican Republic being blue. It is noted as being relatively soft.
Alexandrite is identified as a transparent yellow-green to greenish-blue stone under normal circumstances, exhibiting pleochroism and a remarkable color change. It is a form of the mineral chrysoberyl.
Pearls are described as originating from mollusks and being a timeless staple in jewelry. No specific chemical composition or hardness is provided.
The ruby is noted for its intense red color, but no further gemological properties are detailed.
A table summarizing the limited available properties is provided below:
| Gemstone | Composition | Color | Notable Properties | Hardness |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Amber | Fossilized Resin | Yellow, reddish-brown, black, blue | Relatively Soft | N/A |
| Alexandrite | Chrysoberyl | Yellow-green to greenish-blue | Color Change | N/A |
| Pearl | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Ruby | N/A | Red | N/A | N/A |
Symbolism and Metaphysical Beliefs
Rubies have consistently symbolized passion and protection. Amber, due to its inclusion of fossilized creatures, represents a connection to the past and preservation. Pearls, with their mythical origins, were associated with heavenly tears and dragon brains, imbuing them with a sense of wonder and mystery. Alexandrite’s color change is likened to the complexities of love, representing adaptability and multifaceted beauty.
Care and Cleaning
The sources do not provide specific care instructions for these gemstones. However, given amber’s relative softness, it would likely require gentle handling and cleaning. Pearls are known for their delicate nature and require specialized care to avoid damage to their surface. The care of rubies and alexandrite would depend on their specific cut and setting.
Conclusion
The July birthstone, ruby, and the June trio – alexandrite, pearl, and moonstone – represent a diverse range of gemstones, each with its unique history, geological origins, and symbolic meaning. While the provided sources offer a glimpse into their captivating world, further research is needed to fully understand their gemological properties and cultural significance. The evolution of birthstone lists, from ancient traditions to modern additions, reflects a continuing human fascination with these beautiful and enduring treasures.