June boasts a unique distinction among the calendar months: it possesses not one, but three recognized birthstones – Alexandrite, Pearl, and Moonstone. This multiplicity stems from a historical evolution in the assignment of gemstones to months, tracing back to ancient traditions and undergoing revisions as calendars and astrological understandings shifted. While the tradition began with a single gemstone per month, additions were made in the 20th and 21st centuries, resulting in the current selection of birthstones available today. The assignment of these stones is linked to both calendar months and zodiac signs, with some variation depending on the system used – ancient, traditional, or modern.
History and Lore
The practice of associating gemstones with specific months originates with the Romans and the Julian calendar established in 46 BC. Initially, each zodiac sign corresponded to a month, and a gemstone was assigned to each sign. However, the adoption of the Gregorian calendar in the late 16th century, necessitated by inaccuracies in the Julian calendar related to leap years, led to a misalignment between the zodiac signs and their corresponding months. Russia did not adopt the Gregorian calendar until 1922, further complicating the historical timeline.
Over time, the list of birthstones remained relatively stable for centuries, but modifications were introduced by the Jewelry Industry Council of America in 1952, adding Alexandrite to June’s selection, alongside Citrine for November, Pink Tourmaline for October, and Zircon for December. Further additions followed in 2002 with Tanzanite for December and Spinel for August in 2016. Today, three distinct lists of birthstones exist: ancient, traditional, and modern, each reflecting a different historical perspective.
Alexandrite: Emerald by Day, Ruby by Night
Alexandrite, the most recent addition to June’s birthstone trio, is celebrated for its remarkable color-changing ability. Under normal lighting conditions, it appears as a transparent yellow-green to greenish-blue. However, when exposed to polarized light, such as sunlight, it undergoes a dramatic transformation, displaying a range of colors from red to dark purple or orange, depending on the viewing angle. This phenomenon, known as pleochroism, is what makes Alexandrite so highly prized.
This gemstone is a variety of the mineral chrysoberyl, and the most valuable Alexandrite exhibits a vivid green to bluish-green hue in daylight or fluorescent light, shifting to a deep red to purplish shade under incandescent light. The color change is often likened to the complexities of love, presenting itself in different forms and shades.
Pearl: A Classic Symbol of Purity
While Alexandrite represents a modern addition, Pearl holds a long and storied history as a June birthstone. Pearls have been associated with lunar deities in both Roman and Greek mythology, and in Hindu tradition, they are believed to be solidified moonbeams. Pearls symbolize love, passion, and fertility, and are considered bearers of good luck. Throughout history, they have been featured in poems and stories as harbingers of magical and beautiful dreams, and were even used as a remedy for insomnia and sleepwalking in some cultures.
Moonstone: The Traveller’s Stone
Moonstone, the third June birthstone, is renowned for its adularescence – a shimmering effect where light appears to stream across the gemstone, creating a special glow. The Roman historian Pliny the Elder named the stone “moonstone” due to its resemblance to the shifting phases of the moon. The most valued moonstones exhibit a blue sheen when viewed against a white background.
Like Pearls, Moonstone is steeped in mythology, linked to lunar deities in Roman and Greek traditions and considered to be formed from solidified moonbeams in Hindu beliefs. Moonstone is believed to bring magical dreams and was historically used as a protective charm for travelers, earning it the moniker “The Traveller’s Stone.”
Chemically, Moonstone is a form of the mineral feldspar, producing a pearl-like luster as light penetrates the stone. The mineral layers reflect this light, resulting in a milky white or gray appearance with a silvery glow. Moonstone can also be found in pink, orange, near-colorless, and multicolored varieties.
Gemological Properties
While detailed gemological properties beyond color and appearance are not provided in the sources, some characteristics can be inferred. Alexandrite is a variety of chrysoberyl, while Moonstone is a feldspar mineral. Pearls are organic gemstones, formed within mollusks. The sources emphasize the optical phenomena exhibited by these stones – Alexandrite’s pleochroism and Moonstone’s adularescence – as key defining features.
| Gemstone | Chemical Composition | Notable Property |
|---|---|---|
| Alexandrite | Chrysoberyl | Color Change |
| Pearl | Calcium Carbonate | Organic Origin |
| Moonstone | Feldspar | Adularescence |
Symbolism and Metaphysical Beliefs
Each of June’s birthstones carries distinct symbolic meanings. Alexandrite, with its shifting colors, is often associated with balance, good fortune, and the ability to adapt to change. Pearls represent purity, innocence, and faith, while Moonstone embodies love, passion, fertility, and good luck. These stones are believed to influence positive and negative energies through an individual’s personality traits and characteristics, aligning with the energies of the ruling planet for each zodiac sign.
Care and Cleaning
The sources do not provide specific care instructions for these gemstones. However, given their differing compositions, general guidelines can be inferred. Pearls, being organic, are relatively soft and require gentle handling and cleaning with a soft cloth and mild soap. Moonstone, being a feldspar, is also relatively soft and should be protected from scratches and harsh chemicals. Alexandrite, being a chrysoberyl, is more durable but should still be handled with care to avoid damage.
Conclusion
June’s three birthstones – Alexandrite, Pearl, and Moonstone – represent a rich tapestry of history, mythology, and gemological wonder. From the ancient associations with lunar deities to the modern appreciation of Alexandrite’s color-changing magic, these gemstones continue to captivate and inspire. The evolution of the birthstone list itself reflects a changing understanding of astrology and a growing appreciation for the beauty and diversity of the natural world. The selection of these stones for June provides a unique and multifaceted representation of the month’s energy and symbolism.