June is one of only two months in the modern birthstone calendar to have three official birthstones: pearl, moonstone, and alexandrite. This unique selection reflects a long history of cultural, symbolic, and economic influences on the evolution of birthstone traditions. While pearls have been associated with June for centuries, the addition of moonstone and alexandrite reflects modern adaptations that prioritize variety and accessibility. Together, these three gemstones offer a wide range of colors, textures, and meanings, allowing individuals born in June to choose a birthstone that resonates with their personal style, budget, and spiritual or historical preferences.
In the following sections, we will explore the origins of June’s three birthstones, their geological properties, cultural symbolism, and their roles in jewelry design. We will also examine the reasons behind June having three birthstones and how this reflects broader trends in the jewelry industry and the cultural significance of gemstones.
History and Lore
The tradition of birthstones dates back to ancient times, with some of the earliest references found in the Bible’s Book of Exodus, which lists 12 stones on Aaron’s breastplate. These early associations were often tied to religious or spiritual beliefs and were not necessarily linked to the calendar months we use today. Over time, these associations evolved, and by the early 20th century, the modern birthstone list was formalized by organizations like the American National Retail Jewelers Association (now Jewelers of America). This standardization aimed to reflect the availability and popularity of gemstones, as well as their cultural and symbolic significance.
For June, the birthstone tradition originally featured only one gemstone: the pearl. Pearls have been treasured for their organic origin and timeless beauty for thousands of years. Unlike most gemstones, which form deep within the earth, pearls are formed within mollusks, particularly oysters and mussels. This unique formation process has contributed to the pearl’s long-standing associations with purity, femininity, and wisdom.
However, as natural pearls became rarer and more expensive in the 20th century, the jewelry industry sought alternatives that could offer similar aesthetic appeal and symbolic value at a more accessible price point. This led to the inclusion of moonstone and alexandrite in the official June birthstone list. Moonstone, with its ethereal glow and connection to lunar mythology, has long been associated with mystery, intuition, and emotional balance. Alexandrite, discovered in the 19th century, is a rare gemstone known for its dramatic color change—green in daylight and red in incandescent light. Its inclusion in the June birthstone list reflects the desire to incorporate a gemstone with a unique and magical property into the selection.
The decision to include three birthstones for June was also driven by the diversity of consumer preferences. Not everyone is drawn to the classic elegance of pearls, nor can all individuals afford the rarity of alexandrite. By offering three distinct options, the June birthstone tradition accommodates a wide range of tastes and budgets, ensuring that every person born in June can find a gemstone that speaks to them.
Geological Formation and Sources
Each of June’s three birthstones is formed through a unique geological process and is found in specific regions around the world.
Pearl
Pearls are the only birthstones of June that are not mined from the earth—they are formed within the soft tissue of mollusks, primarily oysters and mussels. When a foreign particle, such as a grain of sand or a parasite, enters the mollusk’s shell, the mollusk produces a substance called nacre to coat the irritant and protect itself. Nacre, also known as mother-of-pearl, is composed of layers of aragonite, a form of calcium carbonate, and conchiolin, a protein-like substance that binds the layers together. Over time, these layers build up to form a smooth, lustrous pearl.
Cultured pearls, which account for nearly all pearls on the market today, are created through a controlled process in which a bead or piece of tissue is inserted into a mollusk to stimulate pearl formation. This method was developed in the early 20th century and has made pearls more widely available than in the past.
Natural pearls are extremely rare and highly valuable, while cultured pearls are more affordable and come in a variety of colors and shapes. The most famous pearl-producing regions include:
- Japan, particularly for Akoya pearls, known for their round shape and high luster.
- China, known for freshwater pearls, which come in a wide range of colors and are often irregular in shape.
- Australia, home to South Sea pearls, which are large, round, and have a rich, creamy luster.
- New Zealand, known for Tahitian pearls, which are famous for their dark, exotic colors such as black, green, and blue.
Moonstone
Moonstone is a type of feldspar mineral that is best known for its iridescent sheen, known as adularescence. This optical effect is caused by the intergrowth of two types of feldspar—orthoclase and albite—which reflect light in a way that creates a soft, glowing light beneath the surface of the stone. Moonstone is typically milky white or pale blue, though it can also appear in other colors such as yellow, peach, and gray.
Moonstone is found in various parts of the world, including:
- Sri Lanka, which is the most famous source of blue moonstone. Sri Lankan moonstone is highly prized for its strong adularescence and is often used in fine jewelry.
- India, known for producing high-quality moonstone with a soft, glowing appearance.
- Brazil, a significant source of moonstone, particularly for jewelry and decorative objects.
- United States, where moonstone is found in states like Iowa, New York, and North Carolina.
Moonstone is a relatively soft gemstone, with a hardness of 6 to 6.5 on the Mohs scale, which means it is more delicate than many other gemstones and requires careful handling.
Alexandrite
Alexandrite is a rare and highly valued gemstone due to its unique color-changing property, known as pleochroism. Under daylight or fluorescent light, alexandrite appears green or greenish-blue, while under incandescent light, it shifts to a deep red or purplish hue. This dramatic color change is due to the presence of chromium and vanadium, which absorb and reflect light in different ways depending on the light source.
Alexandrite is a type of chrysoberyl, a mineral that forms in metamorphic or igneous rocks. It was first discovered in the Ural Mountains of Russia in the 19th century, and it was named after Czar Alexander II, whose birthday coincided with the discovery. The Russian alexandrite mines eventually became depleted, but new deposits were later found in Brazil, Madagascar, and India, ensuring the continued availability of the gemstone.
The most prized alexandrites are those that display a vivid green to bluish-green color in daylight and a deep red or purplish hue in incandescent light. The color change is more pronounced in stones with a higher concentration of chromium. Alexandrite is relatively rare, and the finest specimens can be extremely valuable, especially if they display a strong and dramatic color change.
Gemological Properties
Each of June’s three birthstones has distinct gemological properties that influence their appearance, durability, and use in jewelry.
Pearl
Color: Pearls come in a wide range of colors, including white, pink, cream, silver, black, and even exotic colors like green and blue. The color of a pearl depends on the type of mollusk that produced it and the water in which it was formed.
Hardness: Pearls are relatively soft, with a hardness of 2.5 to 4.5 on the Mohs scale. This makes them more delicate than most gemstones and requires careful handling and cleaning.
Luster: Pearls are known for their high luster, which gives them a smooth, glassy appearance. The luster of a pearl is one of the key factors in determining its value.
Clarity: Unlike many gemstones, pearls do not have internal inclusions in the same way. Instead, their surface quality is a major consideration, with the finest pearls having a smooth, blemish-free surface.
Cut and Shape: Pearls come in a variety of shapes, including round, oval, pear-shaped, and baroque (irregular). Round pearls are the most valuable and are often used in classic jewelry designs.
Moonstone
Color: Moonstone is typically white or pale blue, though it can also appear in other colors such as yellow, peach, and gray. The most desirable moonstone has a strong blue sheen, known as adularescence.
Hardness: Moonstone has a hardness of 6 to 6.5 on the Mohs scale, making it relatively soft and more fragile than many other gemstones. This means that moonstone jewelry should be handled with care and stored separately from harder gemstones.
Luster: Moonstone is known for its iridescent luster, which is caused by the adularescence effect. This gives the stone a soft, glowing appearance that is often compared to moonlight.
Clarity: Moonstone typically has a cloudy or milky appearance, which is a natural part of its character. The best moonstone has a strong, clear adularescence without excessive cloudiness.
Cut and Shape: Moonstone is typically cut into cabochons to enhance its adularescence. The stone is rarely faceted, as this would not showcase its unique optical properties.
Alexandrite
Color: Alexandrite is best known for its dramatic color change, which is caused by the presence of chromium and vanadium. Under daylight, it appears green or greenish-blue, while under incandescent light, it shifts to a deep red or purplish hue.
Hardness: Alexandrite is relatively hard, with a hardness of 8.5 on the Mohs scale, making it durable enough for everyday wear in jewelry.
Luster: Alexandrite has a vitreous (glassy) luster, which gives it a brilliant, reflective appearance.
Clarity: Alexandrite is often free of inclusions, though some stones may contain minor imperfections. The most valuable alexandrites are those that are eye-clean and have a strong color change.
Cut and Shape: Alexandrite is typically cut into faceted shapes, such as emerald cuts, round brilliants, and oval cuts, to showcase its color change and brilliance.
Symbolism and Metaphysical Beliefs
Each of June’s three birthstones carries its own set of symbolic meanings and metaphysical properties, which have been attributed to them across different cultures and time periods.
Pearl
Pearls have long been associated with purity, innocence, and femininity. In many cultures, pearls are seen as symbols of wisdom and self-cultivation, as they are formed through a slow, natural process that requires patience and care. Pearls are often given as gifts to mark significant life events such as births, weddings, and anniversaries, particularly in the 60th year, known as the pearl anniversary.
In some traditions, pearls are believed to bring good fortune and protection. They are also associated with inner peace and emotional balance, making them a popular choice for those seeking a calming presence in their jewelry. In Chinese culture, pearls are considered a symbol of longevity and immortality, while in Japanese culture, they are seen as a representation of the moon and are often used in Shinto rituals.
Moonstone
Moonstone is often associated with intuition, emotional balance, and spiritual growth. It is believed to enhance inner calm and promote harmony, especially during times of stress or uncertainty. Moonstone is also linked to feminine energy and the lunar cycle, and it is often used in witchcraft and spiritual practices to connect with the moon's energy.
In Hindu mythology, moonstone is believed to be the stone of the moon goddess Chandra, and it is thought to bring good luck and prosperity. In Western esoteric traditions, moonstone is used to enhance psychic abilities and promote emotional healing. It is also believed to aid in sleep and dream work, making it a popular stone for those who seek mental clarity and emotional stability.
Alexandrite
Alexandrite is known for its magical color change, which has led to many mythological and metaphysical associations. In Russian folklore, it was believed that alexandrite could bring good luck and protect its wearer from harm. Because of its color change, it is also associated with duality, transformation, and adaptability.
In modern metaphysical beliefs, alexandrite is thought to enhance creativity and intuition, while also promoting balance and harmony in relationships. It is also believed to help with decision-making and problem-solving, as its ability to shift between different colors is seen as a symbol of flexibility and change. Due to its rarity and unique properties, alexandrite is often considered a stone of opportunity and success.
Care and Cleaning
Each of June’s three birthstones requires special care due to their unique properties and relative softness.
Pearl
Pearls are delicate and require gentle handling and cleaning. Because they are organic gemstones, they can be damaged by harsh chemicals, perfumes, lotions, and heat. To clean pearls, use a soft, damp cloth to gently wipe away dirt and oils. Avoid using ultrasonic cleaners or steamers, as these can damage the nacre layer and cause the pearl to crack or lose its luster.
When storing pearls, keep them separate from other gemstones to prevent scratches. Store pearls in a **soft pouch or jewelry box, and avoid exposing them to extreme temperatures or humidity. Regular cleaning and proper storage will help maintain their beauty and longevity.
Moonstone
Moonstone is relatively soft, with a hardness of 6 to 6.5 on the Mohs scale, so it requires careful handling to avoid scratches and damage. Avoid exposing moonstone to harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners, as these can dull its adularescence and damage its surface.
To clean moonstone, use a soft, damp cloth and mild soap. Avoid using ultrasonic cleaners, as the vibrations can damage the internal structure of the stone and reduce its luster. After cleaning, dry the stone with a soft cloth to prevent water spots.
When storing moonstone, keep it in a soft pouch or jewelry box, away from harder gemstones that could scratch its surface. Avoid exposing it to direct sunlight for prolonged periods, as this can fade its color over time.
Alexandrite
Alexandrite is relatively durable, with a hardness of 8.5 on the Mohs scale, making it suitable for daily wear in jewelry. However, it is still important to handle it with care, as it can be damaged by hard impacts or extreme temperatures.
To clean alexandrite, use warm, soapy water and a soft cloth or brush. Ultrasonic cleaners can be used for alexandrite, but it is important to check with a professional jeweler first, as some inclusions or treatments may be sensitive to ultrasonic vibrations.
Store alexandrite in a soft pouch or jewelry box, away from other gemstones that could scratch its surface. Avoid exposing it to extreme temperatures or sudden temperature changes, as this can cause thermal shock and damage the stone.
Conclusion
June is one of the few months to have three official birthstones: pearl, moonstone, and alexandrite. This selection reflects a rich history of cultural, symbolic, and economic influences on the evolution of birthstone traditions. Pearls, with their organic origin and timeless beauty, have been associated with June for centuries, symbolizing purity, wisdom, and femininity. Moonstone, with its iridescent glow and mystical energy, adds a spiritual and emotional dimension to June’s birthstone selection. Alexandrite, with its dramatic color change and rarity, brings a sense of magic and transformation to the list.
The inclusion of three birthstones for June was driven by the desire to offer a variety of choices that cater to different tastes, budgets, and symbolic preferences. Pearls are classic and elegant, moonstone is mystical and soothing, and alexandrite is rare and magical. This diversity allows individuals born in June to choose a birthstone that best reflects their personality and style.
Whether you are drawn to the luminous glow of a pearl, the ethereal shimmer of a moonstone, or the enchanting color change of an alexandrite, June’s birthstones offer a rich tapestry of beauty, meaning, and tradition. These gemstones not only serve as personal symbols but also connect us to ancient traditions, natural processes, and cultural stories that have shaped our understanding of gemstones for centuries.