June is one of the few months in the calendar year that is associated with not one, but three birthstones: pearl, moonstone, and alexandrite. This unique distinction is rooted in a combination of historical tradition, gemological rarity, and cultural significance. While some months are assigned a single gemstone, others—like June—were historically given additional options to account for the scarcity or high cost of the primary stone. This flexibility allows individuals born in June to choose a birthstone that aligns with their preferences, budget, and the symbolic meaning they associate with each gem.
The concept of birthstones dates back to ancient times, with some historians tracing its origins to the 12 tribes of Israel and the priestly breastplate of Aaron. Over time, these symbolic associations were adapted to the 12 months of the modern calendar, and June came to be represented by three distinct gems. Each of these stones carries its own gemological properties, historical lore, and symbolic meaning, making the June birthstone selection a deeply personal and meaningful choice for jewelry and gift-giving.
This article explores the history, geological properties, cultural symbolism, and care requirements of the three June birthstones. Whether you are a gemstone enthusiast, a jewelry buyer, or a student of gemology, this guide offers an in-depth look at the stones that define June in the world of birthstones.
History and Lore
The tradition of assigning gemstones to months of the year is one of the oldest and most enduring customs in the history of jewelry and mineral lore. Its roots are often traced back to the biblical breastplate of Aaron, described in the Book of Exodus. This sacred adornment was said to be worn by the high priest of the Israelites and featured 12 gemstones, each representing one of the 12 tribes of Israel. Over time, these stones were associated with the months of the year, forming the basis of the modern birthstone tradition.
The June birthstones—pearl, moonstone, and alexandrite—each have rich histories that span cultures and centuries. Pearls, in particular, have been revered since antiquity. Ancient civilizations across the Middle East, Asia, and Europe were captivated by their smooth surfaces and lustrous appearance. In some cultures, pearls were believed to be formed from the tears of the gods or the brain of a dragon. These myths and legends reflect the enduring fascination with pearls as symbols of purity, wisdom, and natural beauty.
Moonstone, another of June’s birthstones, has a similarly storied past. In ancient India, it was considered sacred and associated with the moon goddess Chandra. The stone's milky, opalescent glow was believed to capture the light of the moon and was used in rituals and jewelry to invoke calmness and emotional balance. In Europe, moonstone became a popular gemstone during the Victorian era, particularly in mourning jewelry due to its ethereal appearance and soft hues.
Alexandrite, the youngest of the three June birthstones, was discovered much later in the 19th century. According to legend, it was found in the Ural Mountains of Russia on the birthday of Czar Alexander II, which led to its name. The stone quickly gained popularity for its rare and remarkable color-changing property, shifting from green in daylight to red under incandescent light. This phenomenon, known as pleochroism, made alexandrite one of the most sought-after and valuable gems of its time.
Together, these three stones form a diverse and meaningful set of birthstones for June. Their selection reflects both the practical needs of the jewelry trade—such as availability and cost—and the rich cultural and historical significance that has made them enduring symbols of June birthdays.
Geological Formation and Sources
Each of the three June birthstones—pearl, moonstone, and alexandrite—has a unique geological origin and formation process. Understanding how these gems are formed provides insight into their rarity, beauty, and value in the gemstone market.
Pearl
Unlike most gemstones, pearls are not formed from mineral deposits but rather within living organisms—specifically, mollusks such as oysters, clams, and mussels. The formation process begins when an irritant, such as a grain of sand or a parasite, enters the mollusk's shell. To protect itself, the mollusk coats the irritant with layers of nacre, a substance composed of conchiolin and aragonite. Over time, these layers build up to form a pearl.
Nacre is also responsible for the luster and iridescence that make pearls so desirable. The color of a pearl is determined by the species of mollusk and the environment in which it was formed. Pearls can appear in a wide range of colors, including white, pink, black, and even blue.
Cultured pearls, which make up the majority of pearls available in the market today, are produced through a controlled process in which a small bead or piece of mantle tissue is inserted into the mollusk to stimulate pearl formation. This method allows for the production of pearls in various shapes and sizes, from round to baroque.
Major sources of pearls include Japan, China, Indonesia, and the Persian Gulf. Freshwater pearls are primarily cultivated in China, while saltwater pearls, such as Akoya, Tahitian, and South Sea pearls, are produced in Japan, French Polynesia, and Australia, respectively.
Moonstone
Moonstone is a variety of feldspar, a common mineral group that includes orthoclase and albite. The most desirable moonstone exhibits a bluish sheen, known as adularescence, which is caused by the refraction of light through layers of orthoclase and albite within the crystal structure.
The formation of moonstone typically occurs in granite pegmatites, where the slow cooling of magma allows for the development of large, well-formed crystals. The adularescent effect becomes visible when the stone is cut in a way that aligns the internal layers with the light source, creating a soft, glowing light that appears to float just beneath the surface.
Moonstone is found in India, Sri Lanka, Brazil, and the United States. Indian moonstone, especially, is highly prized for its vivid blue sheen and is considered the standard by which other moonstones are measured.
Alexandrite
Alexandrite is a rare and highly valued gemstone due to its color-changing property, a result of its chemical composition and light source interaction. It is a form of chrysoberyl, a mineral that is composed of aluminum and beryllium. The color change is caused by the presence of chromium in the crystal lattice, which absorbs and reflects different wavelengths of light under varying conditions.
Alexandrite was first discovered in the Ural Mountains of Russia in the 19th century. It quickly became a favorite among the Russian nobility, particularly after its discovery coincided with the birthday of Czar Alexander II. However, as the Russian deposits were eventually depleted, new sources were discovered in Brazil, Madagascar, and India. These new deposits have helped sustain the supply of alexandrite in the modern market.
The rarity and beauty of alexandrite, combined with its unique color change, make it one of the most sought-after gems in the world. High-quality alexandrite with a strong color change from green to red is particularly valuable and can command high prices in the gemstone market.
Gemological Properties
Each of the June birthstones—pearl, moonstone, and alexandrite—has distinct physical and optical properties that contribute to their beauty, value, and suitability for different types of jewelry.
Pearl
Pearls are classified as organic gemstones, meaning they are formed from the secretions of living organisms rather than mineral deposits. Their hardness on the Mohs scale is relatively low, ranging from 2.5 to 4.5, making them more susceptible to scratches and abrasion compared to other gemstones.
Pearls are typically rounded in shape, although cultured pearls can come in a variety of forms, including irregular or baroque shapes. The surface of a pearl can range from smooth and flawless to slightly blemished, depending on the conditions in which it was formed.
One of the most distinguishing features of pearls is their luster, which is described as waxy, silky, or adamantine. The nacreous surface reflects light in a soft, shimmering way, giving pearls their iridescent appearance.
Color is another important factor in pearl grading. Pearls can appear in a wide range of colors, including white, pink, black, and blue. The color is influenced by the species of mollusk and the environment in which the pearl was formed.
Moonstone
Moonstone is a silicate mineral and a member of the feldspar group, which includes orthoclase and albite. Its most notable feature is adularescence, a soft, glowing light that appears to float just beneath the surface of the stone. This effect is caused by the refraction of light through layers of orthoclase and albite within the crystal structure.
The hardness of moonstone on the Mohs scale is 6 to 6.5, making it relatively durable but still susceptible to scratches and abrasion. Moonstone is also cleavable, meaning it can split easily along certain planes, which requires careful cutting and setting to avoid damage.
Moonstone is typically translucent to transparent, with a glassy to pearly luster. The most desirable moonstone exhibits a bluish sheen, which is most visible in white or pale-colored stones. The color of moonstone can vary depending on the type of feldspar and the presence of impurities.
Alexandrite
Alexandrite is a rare and valuable gemstone due to its unique color-changing property, which is caused by the presence of chromium in the chrysoberyl crystal lattice. It has a hardness of 8.5 to 9 on the Mohs scale, making it very durable and suitable for everyday wear.
One of the most distinguishing features of alexandrite is its color change, which occurs when the light source changes. In daylight, alexandrite appears green or bluish-green, while under incandescent light, it changes to red or purplish-red. This pleochroic effect is due to the absorption of different wavelengths of light by the chromium ions in the crystal.
Alexandrite is typically transparent to translucent, with a vitreous (glassy) luster. High-quality alexandrite is color change-rich, with a strong and dramatic shift from green to red. The clarity of alexandrite can vary, with inclusions being relatively rare due to the slow and controlled formation process in granite pegmatites.
The rarity and beauty of alexandrite, combined with its unique color change, make it one of the most highly valued and sought-after gemstones in the world. High-quality alexandrite with a strong color change and excellent clarity can command premium prices in the gemstone market.
Symbolism and Metaphysical Beliefs
Each of the June birthstones—pearl, moonstone, and alexandrite—carries a wealth of symbolic meaning and metaphysical properties that have been passed down through history and cultural traditions. These beliefs, though not scientifically validated, continue to influence the popularity and significance of these gemstones in jewelry and personal adornment.
Pearl
Pearls have long been associated with purity, innocence, and wisdom. In ancient times, they were believed to be teardrops from the gods or the brain of a dragon, as mentioned in the Middle Eastern and Chinese traditions. In European folklore, pearls were thought to be formed from moonlight trapped in the shell, which gave them a mystical and ethereal quality.
Pearls are also strongly associated with love and loyalty. In many cultures, they were considered symbols of marital fidelity and enduring affection. The roundness and smoothness of pearls are often interpreted as representations of harmony and balance, making them popular choices for wedding jewelry and gifts.
In metaphysical beliefs, pearls are thought to calm the mind, soothe emotions, and promote inner peace. They are believed to enhance self-confidence and communication, making them ideal for those who wish to improve their interpersonal relationships or public speaking skills.
Moonstone
Moonstone is closely linked to intuition, emotional balance, and feminine energy. In ancient India, it was considered a sacred stone associated with the moon goddess Chandra, and it was believed to bring protection and guidance during times of uncertainty.
The adularescent glow of moonstone is often interpreted as a symbol of inner clarity and spiritual insight. It is said to help individuals connect with their inner selves, making it a popular gemstone for meditation, dream work, and emotional healing.
In Victorian England, moonstone was especially popular in mourning jewelry due to its soft, pale hues and ethereal appearance. It was believed to help the wearer cope with grief and find peace during difficult times.
In modern metaphysical practices, moonstone is used to balance emotions, enhance intuition, and promote calmness. It is particularly recommended for those who struggle with anxiety, mood swings, or emotional instability. Moonstone is also believed to enhance fertility and maternal energy, making it a popular choice for women seeking to conceive or nurture a child.
Alexandrite
Alexandrite is one of the most unique and powerful gemstones in the birthstone collection, not only for its rare color change but also for its symbolic and metaphysical associations. In Russian tradition, alexandrite was believed to bring good fortune and protection to the wearer, especially during times of change or transition.
The color change from green to red is often interpreted as a symbol of adaptability and transformation, making alexandrite a popular choice for those undergoing major life changes. It is believed to help the wearer navigate uncertainty and emerge stronger and more resilient.
In modern metaphysical practices, alexandrite is used to enhance creativity, intuition, and emotional balance. It is said to stimulate the heart chakra, promoting love, compassion, and emotional healing. The green color is associated with growth and renewal, while the red color represents passion and vitality.
Alexandrite is also believed to attract good luck and prosperity, making it a popular choice for those seeking success in their careers or personal endeavors. It is often recommended for those who wish to overcome obstacles, break free from limiting beliefs, and embrace new opportunities.
Care and Cleaning
Proper care and cleaning are essential to maintaining the beauty, luster, and longevity of June birthstones, especially since each of the three gemstones—pearl, moonstone, and alexandrite—has unique physical properties and sensitivity to certain conditions.
Pearl
Pearls are relatively soft and delicate, with a Mohs hardness of 2.5 to 4.5, which makes them susceptible to scratches, abrasion, and chemical damage. To care for pearls, it is important to avoid exposure to harsh chemicals, excessive heat, and direct sunlight, which can fade their color and dull their luster.
- Cleaning: Pearls should be cleaned gently with a soft, damp cloth. Avoid using ammonia, bleach, or abrasive cleaners, which can damage the nacre surface.
- Storage: Store pearls separately from other gemstones to prevent scratches, ideally in a soft fabric pouch or a lined jewelry box.
- Wearing: Pearls should be worn after applying makeup, perfume, and hair products, as residue can dull their surface over time.
Moonstone
Moonstone has a moderate hardness of 6 to 6.5, and it is also cleavable, which means it can split easily along certain planes. To preserve its adularescent glow and structural integrity, it is important to handle moonstone with care.
- Cleaning: Moonstone can be cleaned with warm, soapy water and a soft cloth. Avoid using steam cleaners or ultrasonic cleaners, which can damage the stone’s delicate structure.
- Storage: Store moonstone in a dry, cool place, away from direct sunlight and extreme temperature changes. Avoid storing it with other gemstones to prevent scratches and abrasion.
- Wearing: Moonstone is suitable for daily wear, but it should be handled with care, especially when exposed to impact or pressure.
Alexandrite
Alexandrite is one of the hardest and most durable of the June birthstones, with a Mohs hardness of 8.5 to 9. However, due to its rarity and unique color change, it is still important to handle and store it properly to maintain its beauty and value.
- Cleaning: Alexandrite can be cleaned with warm, soapy water and a soft cloth. Avoid using ultrasonic or steam cleaners, which can damage the stone’s surface or alter its color change.
- Storage: Store alexandrite in a secure, padded jewelry box to prevent scratches and damage. Avoid exposure to extreme temperatures, which can affect the stone’s color change.
- Wearing: Alexandrite is suitable for daily wear, but it should be handled with care, especially when exposed to impact or pressure.
Conclusion
June is one of the few months with three official birthstones—pearl, moonstone, and alexandrite—each with its own unique geological origins, gemological properties, and cultural significance. The tradition of assigning gemstones to months of the year dates back to ancient times, with pearls being among the earliest and most revered of all birthstones. Moonstone, with its soft, glowing sheen, has long been associated with intuition, emotional balance, and feminine energy, while alexandrite, the youngest of the three, is celebrated for its rare and dramatic color change.
These three gemstones offer a rich and diverse selection for those born in June, allowing for personalization based on taste, budget, and symbolic meaning. Whether you are drawn to the luminous luster of pearls, the ethereal glow of moonstone, or the mystical color change of alexandrite, each of these stones carries a distinct beauty and significance that makes it a meaningful choice for jewelry and gift-giving.
Understanding the geological formation, gemological properties, and cultural symbolism of these stones enhances their value and appreciation. By caring for them properly, you can ensure that their beauty and luster endure for generations to come, making them treasured heirlooms in any collection.