The tradition of birthstones, assigning specific gemstones to each month of the year, has a rich and evolving history. While the concept dates back to ancient times, the modern birthstone list solidified in the early 20th century. Today, several months boast multiple birthstones, offering a wider range of choices for those seeking a personalized connection to their birth month. This article will delve into the gemstones associated with June and November, exploring their historical context, gemological properties, and cultural significance, based on available information.
June’s Trio of Gemstones
June is uniquely represented by three birthstones: Alexandrite, Pearl, and Moonstone. Historically, Pearl was the sole birthstone for June, holding this position for centuries. However, in 1952, Alexandrite was added to the list by the Jewelry Industry Council of America, and Moonstone joined the selection as a popular alternative. Each of these gemstones possesses distinct characteristics and a fascinating history.
Alexandrite: Emerald by Day, Ruby by Night
Alexandrite is considered the most modern of June’s birthstones. Its most remarkable feature is its color-changing ability, a phenomenon known as pleochroism. Under normal lighting conditions, Alexandrite appears as a transparent yellow-green to greenish-blue stone. However, when exposed to polarized light, such as sunlight, it dramatically shifts color, displaying shades of red, dark purple, or orange depending on the viewing angle. This unique characteristic has led to the descriptive phrase, “Emerald by day, ruby by night.”
Alexandrite is a valued form of the mineral chrysoberyl, and the intensity of the color change is a key factor in determining its value. The most prized Alexandrite exhibits a vivid green to bluish-green hue in daylight or fluorescent light and transforms into a deep red to purplish shade under incandescent light. This rare display of color is often likened to the complexities of love, symbolizing a gemstone that reveals different facets depending on the perspective.
Pearl: A Classic Symbol of Purity
For centuries, Pearl was the traditional birthstone for June. Pearls have been revered across cultures for their beauty and symbolism. Their formation within oysters and mollusks has long been associated with purity, innocence, and tears.
Moonstone: Solidified Moonbeams
Moonstone, another June birthstone, is famed for its adularescence – a shimmering, ethereal light that appears to stream across the gemstone. This effect gives Moonstone a special glow, reminiscent of the moon’s phases. The Roman historian Pliny the Elder attributed the name “moonstone” to this characteristic, linking the gemstone’s appearance to the lunar cycle.
Highly valued Moonstones exhibit a blue sheen when viewed against a white background. Throughout history, Moonstone has been interwoven with mythology, appearing in the lore of Roman and Greek lunar deities and Hindu traditions, where it was believed to be formed from solidified moonbeams. Moonstone is often associated with love, passion, and fertility, and is considered a symbol of good luck. Some cultures believed it could cure insomnia and sleepwalking, earning it the nickname “The Traveller’s Stone” and using it as a protective charm for nighttime journeys. Chemically, Moonstone is a form of the mineral feldspar, and its pearly luster is created when light penetrates the stone and is reflected by its internal layers. Moonstones can appear milky white, gray, pink, orange, or even multicolored.
November’s Dual Representation: Topaz and Citrine
November is represented by two birthstones: Topaz and Citrine. While both are popular gemstones, their histories and properties differ significantly.
Topaz: A Spectrum of Natural Colors
Topaz, the primary November birthstone, is known for its wide range of natural colors, including yellows, pinks, oranges, browns, and even colorless varieties. Historically, natural blue Topaz was mined in Russia, but the blue Topaz commonly found in the market today is often irradiated in a laboratory to achieve its vibrant blue hue.
Topaz is a relatively hard gemstone, registering an 8 on the Mohs hardness scale. However, it possesses a cleavage plane, meaning it can shear or split if struck with sufficient force. Skilled gem cutters position this cleavage plane at an angle during cutting to minimize this risk. Topaz crystals often grow to large sizes, and the price per carat does not increase significantly with size. Well-proportioned Topaz gems command a premium price.
Citrine: Often Mistaken for Golden Topaz
Citrine, a yellow variety of quartz, is often associated with November as a secondary birthstone. However, it is sometimes incorrectly referred to as “golden Topaz,” a misnomer that should be avoided. Citrine’s vibrant yellow color makes it a popular and affordable alternative to Topaz.
Gemological Properties at a Glance
The following table summarizes key gemological properties of the discussed birthstones:
| Gemstone | Chemical Composition | Hardness (Mohs) | Notable Properties |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alexandrite | BeAl₂O₄ | 8.5 | Color-changing (pleochroism) |
| Pearl | CaCO₃ | 2.5 - 4.5 | Organic gemstone, nacreous luster |
| Moonstone | (K,Na)AlSi₃O₈ | 6 - 6.5 | Adularescence (shimmering light) |
| Topaz | Al₂SiO₄(OH,F)₂ | 8 | Wide range of colors, perfect cleavage |
| Citrine | SiO₂ | 7 | Yellow variety of quartz |
Historical Context and Modern Additions
The list of birthstones has evolved over time. Originally, ancient cultures associated gemstones with zodiac signs, planets, and other celestial bodies. Traditional birthstone lists emerged over centuries, and the modern birthstone list began to take shape in the early 20th century. The American National Retail Jewelers Association (now Jewelers of America) established the official birthstone list in 1912.
Subsequent additions were made in 1952 by the Jewelry Industry Council of America, which included Alexandrite for June, Citrine for November, pink tourmaline for October, and zircon for December. In 2002, Tanzanite was added to December’s selection, and in 2016, spinel became the birthstone for August. Today, individuals often draw from both traditional and modern lists, selecting the stones that resonate with them personally.
Conclusion
The birthstones associated with June and November – Alexandrite, Pearl, Moonstone, Topaz, and Citrine – each possess unique gemological properties, historical significance, and cultural symbolism. From the color-changing magic of Alexandrite to the timeless elegance of Pearls and the ethereal glow of Moonstone, and the vibrant hues of Topaz and Citrine, these gemstones offer a diverse range of options for those seeking a meaningful connection to their birth month. The evolution of the birthstone list reflects a continuing fascination with the beauty and mystique of gemstones, and their enduring appeal as symbols of personal identity and celebration.