June boasts not one, but three recognized birthstones: pearl, moonstone, and alexandrite. While pearl has historically held the place of honor, moonstone and, more recently, alexandrite have gained acceptance as equally valid representations of this month. This article will delve into the history, geological origins, gemological properties, and symbolism of each of these captivating gemstones, providing a comprehensive overview for enthusiasts and those seeking to understand the significance of June’s birthstones.
History and Lore
For centuries, pearl reigned as the undisputed birthstone of June. Its history is deeply intertwined with mythology and adornment, dating back to ancient civilizations. The name “pearl” itself has an intriguing etymology, originating from the Old French word “perle,” which surprisingly derives from the Latin word for “leg,” referencing the shape of mollusk shells. This connection highlights the unique origin of pearls – unlike other gemstones, they are not mined from the earth but are formed within living creatures. Pearls symbolize purity and loyalty, and have long been believed to bestow peace, balance, and protection upon the wearer.
Moonstone also carries a rich history steeped in lore. Pliny the Elder, the Roman historian, named the gemstone “moonstone” due to its shimmering appearance, which he associated with the changing phases of the moon. In both Roman and Greek mythology, moonstone was linked to lunar deities, while Hindu mythology describes it as being formed from solidified moonbeams. This association with the moon imbued the stone with symbolism related to love, passion, and fertility, and it was believed to bring good luck and inspire beautiful dreams. Some cultures even utilized moonstone as a remedy for insomnia and sleepwalking, earning it the moniker “The Traveller’s Stone” and employing it as a protective charm for nighttime journeys.
Alexandrite, the most recent addition to June’s birthstone family, has a comparatively shorter, yet equally fascinating, history. Discovered in the Ural Mountains of Russia in the 19th century, its initial recognition stemmed from its remarkable color-changing ability. The story of its discovery is serendipitous, occurring while miners were actively searching for emeralds. It was initially believed to be more abundant than pearls, leading to its adoption as a birthstone, though this proved inaccurate as high-quality alexandrite remains exceptionally rare and costly.
Geological Formation and Sources
Pearls are formed within the soft tissue of a living mollusk – clams, oysters, and mussels. The process begins when an irritant, typically a parasite organism or a small piece of shell (though not necessarily a grain of sand as commonly believed), enters the shell. As a defense mechanism, the mollusk coats the irritant with layers of conchiolin and aragonite, substances that also form the mollusk’s shell, eventually creating a pearl. The color of the pearl is determined by the color of the shell in which it develops. Cultured pearls, now a significant part of the market, are created through a similar process, initiated by humans inserting an irritant into the mollusk. Historically, Japan dominated cultured pearl manufacturing, but American and Chinese producers have emerged as significant competitors.
Moonstone is a form of the mineral feldspar, characterized by its pearl-like luster resulting from light penetrating the stone and reflecting off internal layers. These layers create the adularescence, a shimmering effect that gives moonstone its distinctive glow. Moonstone is found in various locations, including Sri Lanka, India, and Madagascar. The most valued moonstones exhibit a blue sheen when viewed against a white background.
Alexandrite is a rare variety of the mineral chrysoberyl. Its unique color-changing property, known as pleochroism, is responsible for its allure. Under normal lighting conditions, alexandrite appears yellow-green to greenish-blue, but under different light sources – particularly sunlight – it transforms, displaying shades of red, dark purple, or orange. Alexandrite is found in Sri Lanka, India, Madagascar, Brazil, and the United States. The most prized alexandrite exhibits a vivid green to bluish-green hue in daylight or fluorescent light and a deep red to purplish hue under incandescent light.
Gemological Properties
The gemological properties of these three birthstones differ significantly, reflecting their distinct origins and compositions.
| Property | Pearl | Moonstone | Alexandrite |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chemical Formula | Carbonate | (K,Na)AlSi3O8 | BeAl2O4 |
| Mohs Hardness | 3 - 4 | 6 - 6.5 | 8.5 |
| Color | White, Pink, Black, Blue | Milky White, Gray, Pink, Orange, Blue | Yellow-Green to Greenish-Blue, Red to Purple |
| Luster | Nacreous | Pearly | Vitreous |
| Transparency | Opaque | Translucent | Transparent |
| Phenomenon | Orient | Adularescence | Color Change |
Pearls, being organic gemstones, are relatively soft, with a Mohs hardness of 3 to 4. This makes them susceptible to damage from hard impacts. Their luster is described as nacreous, referring to the iridescent quality of the layers of aragonite and conchiolin.
Moonstone, a feldspar mineral, has a Mohs hardness of 6 to 6.5, making it more durable than pearl but still requiring careful handling. Its defining characteristic is adularescence, the shimmering effect caused by light scattering within the stone’s layered structure.
Alexandrite, a chrysoberyl, is the most durable of the three, boasting a Mohs hardness of 8.5. Its most remarkable property is its color change, a phenomenon caused by the presence of chromium ions within its crystal structure. Alexandrite stones are typically small, with larger stones being exceptionally rare.
Symbolism and Metaphysical Beliefs
Beyond their aesthetic appeal, each of these June birthstones carries symbolic meaning. Pearls, as mentioned earlier, represent purity, loyalty, and are believed to bring peace and protection. Moonstone is associated with love, passion, fertility, and good fortune, and was historically used to promote restful sleep and protect travelers. Alexandrite, with its dynamic color change, is often likened to the complexities of love, representing adaptability and the ability to show different facets of oneself.
Care and Cleaning
Due to their differing hardness levels, each birthstone requires specific care. Pearls are delicate and should be protected from harsh chemicals, extreme temperatures, and abrasive materials. They should be cleaned with a soft cloth and mild soap and water. Moonstone, while more durable than pearl, is still susceptible to scratches and should be handled with care. It can be cleaned with a soft cloth and lukewarm water. Alexandrite, being the hardest of the three, is relatively durable but should still be protected from harsh impacts. It can be cleaned with warm soapy water and a soft brush.
Conclusion
June’s birthstones – pearl, moonstone, and alexandrite – offer a diverse range of beauty, history, and symbolism. From the organic origins of the pearl to the lunar mystique of moonstone and the captivating color change of alexandrite, each gemstone holds a unique appeal. Whether chosen for their aesthetic qualities, their historical significance, or their perceived metaphysical properties, these stones continue to captivate and inspire.