June is one of the few months in the calendar year that boasts not one, but three official birthstones: pearl, moonstone, and alexandrite. Each of these gemstones carries its own unique set of characteristics, historical significance, and cultural symbolism. While pearls are revered for their classic elegance and moonstone is cherished for its iridescent glow, alexandrite stands apart due to its remarkable ability to change color depending on the type of light it is viewed under. This article delves into the most notable June birthstones—alexandrite and moonstone—exploring their geological origins, gemological properties, and the symbolism that has made them beloved by jewelry enthusiasts and collectors alike.
History and Lore
The June birthstone tradition has evolved over centuries, with alexandrite and moonstone becoming more widely recognized in the modern era. Alexandrite, the rarest of the three, was first discovered in the Ural Mountains of Russia in 1830. Named after Tsar Alexander II, the stone quickly became a symbol of good fortune and was often used in royal jewelry. Its most captivating feature is its color-changing property, which was initially thought to be a magical phenomenon. In daylight, alexandrite appears green or bluish-green, but under incandescent light, it shifts to a reddish or purplish hue. This effect, known as pleochroism, is due to the presence of trace amounts of chromium within the chrysoberyl mineral.
Moonstone, on the other hand, has a more ancient and mystical background. It has been revered in cultures across the world for its ethereal shimmer, which is caused by the interplay of light with layers of feldspar minerals within the stone. In India, moonstone has long been associated with the moon goddess Chandra, and it was believed to bring calmness and balance to the wearer. In the West, moonstone became a popular Victorian-era gemstone, often used in mourning jewelry and sentimental pieces. Its connection with the moon and its gentle glow have made it a symbol of love, intuition, and feminine energy.
Geological Formation and Sources
Alexandrite is a form of the mineral chrysoberyl, which is composed primarily of beryllium aluminum oxide (BeAl₂O₄). Its color-changing property is due to the presence of chromium ions, which absorb and re-emit light in different ways depending on the light source. Alexandrite is one of the hardest gemstones, with a hardness of 8.5 on the Mohs scale, making it durable enough for everyday wear. However, despite its hardness, it is relatively rare, and high-quality specimens are highly sought after in the jewelry market.
Natural alexandrite is found in several parts of the world, including Brazil, Sri Lanka, Tanzania, Madagascar, Zimbabwe, and Burma. Each location produces stones with slightly different color variations. For example, Russian alexandrite is known for its vivid green-to-red color change, while Brazilian alexandrite tends to shift from a bluish-green to a deep purple. The geological conditions in these regions influence the composition of the stones, making it possible for gemologists to sometimes identify the origin of an alexandrite based on its color characteristics.
Moonstone, by contrast, is a type of feldspar, a group of silicate minerals that are among the most common in the Earth's crust. The most prized moonstone is known as "rainbow moonstone," which displays a particularly vivid and colorful iridescence. This variety is typically found in India, Sri Lanka, and the United States. The shimmer in moonstone, known as adularescence, is caused by the reflection of light between layers of different feldspar minerals. This effect gives the stone its characteristic "glow," which is often described as a floating light that moves across the surface of the stone.
Gemological Properties
Alexandrite is distinguished by its unique color-changing property, which sets it apart from other gemstones. In daylight or fluorescent light, it appears green or bluish-green, while under incandescent light, it shifts to a reddish or purplish hue. This phenomenon is a result of the way light is absorbed and reflected by the chromium ions in the stone. Alexandrite is also highly transparent, and its clarity can vary from very clear to slightly included. The most valuable alexandrite stones are those that exhibit a strong and distinct color change, along with excellent clarity and a deep, rich color.
Moonstone is known for its soft, pearly luster and its iridescent shimmer. It has a hardness of 6 to 6.5 on the Mohs scale, making it less durable than alexandrite and requiring special care when worn in jewelry. Moonstone can come in a range of colors, including white, blue, green, and even rare pink or orange varieties. The most valuable moonstone is the one that displays a strong and clear adularescence, with a bright and moving shimmer that catches the light.
In terms of chemical composition, moonstone is primarily composed of potassium aluminum silicate (KAlSi₃O₈), which is the same as other feldspar minerals. The presence of different minerals within the stone, such as albite and orthoclase, contributes to the iridescence and the varying colors that can be seen in moonstone. The refractive index of moonstone ranges from 1.518 to 1.526, which is relatively low compared to other gemstones, but it is this refractive property that gives the stone its characteristic glow.
Symbolism and Metaphysical Beliefs
Both alexandrite and moonstone have rich symbolic meanings that have been passed down through various cultures and historical periods. Alexandrite has long been associated with good fortune and transformation. In Russia, it was believed that wearing alexandrite during a period of change—such as a new job, a move, or the start of a new relationship—could bring success and positive outcomes. It was also considered a stone of protection, particularly for those traveling or facing new challenges.
In the metaphysical realm, alexandrite is said to help with adaptability and emotional balance. It is believed to assist in navigating life’s transitions by providing clarity and strength. Some practitioners of gemstone therapy use alexandrite to promote a sense of harmony and to help individuals embrace change without fear.
Moonstone, on the other hand, is often linked to intuition, feminine energy, and emotional balance. In ancient India, moonstone was believed to be a protective stone for women, helping to regulate emotions and promote calmness. It was also associated with the moon goddess Chandra, and it was thought to bring good luck and fertility. In the West, moonstone has been used in Victorian-era jewelry, often as a symbol of love and devotion.
Today, moonstone is still considered a powerful stone for emotional healing and intuition. It is believed to help individuals connect with their inner wisdom and to bring a sense of peace and serenity. Moonstone is also associated with the third eye chakra, which is linked to psychic abilities and spiritual insight.
Care and Cleaning
Due to their unique properties and varying levels of durability, alexandrite and moonstone require different care and cleaning methods to maintain their beauty and luster.
Alexandrite, being a relatively hard gemstone (8.5 on the Mohs scale), is more resistant to scratches and damage. However, it is still important to handle it with care, especially when setting it in jewelry. When cleaning alexandrite, a soft cloth and mild soap and water solution are recommended. Ultrasonic cleaners should be used with caution, as they can cause damage to the stone if the cleaning solution contains harsh chemicals or if the stone has inclusions that are sensitive to vibration.
Moonstone, with a hardness of 6 to 6.5, is more delicate and requires gentler care. It is not recommended to use ultrasonic or steam cleaners on moonstone, as the vibrations and heat can cause the stone to crack or lose its luster. Instead, moonstone should be cleaned with a soft, damp cloth and mild soap. It is also important to avoid exposing moonstone to extreme temperatures or harsh chemicals, as these can dull its iridescent glow.
Both alexandrite and moonstone should be stored separately from harder gemstones to prevent scratches. It is also advisable to remove jewelry containing these stones when engaging in activities that could cause physical impact or exposure to chemicals, such as swimming or applying lotions and perfumes.
Conclusion
June birthstones offer a unique and diverse selection of gemstones, each with its own distinct beauty, history, and symbolism. Among them, alexandrite and moonstone stand out for their enchanting properties and the deep cultural significance they carry. Alexandrite, with its remarkable color-changing ability, continues to captivate gemstone enthusiasts and jewelry collectors around the world. Moonstone, with its ethereal glow and soft shimmer, remains a timeless symbol of intuition and emotional balance.
Whether worn as a piece of jewelry or cherished as a collector's item, these gemstones serve as a beautiful reminder of the natural wonders that shape our world. Their rarity, beauty, and historical significance make them truly special, and their enduring appeal ensures that they will continue to be celebrated as June birthstones for generations to come.