Birthstones for June: Pearl, Alexandrite, and Moonstone
June rocks the spotlight among months with an array of three official birthstones – pearl, moonstone, and alexandrite, each boasting its unique charm and history. While pearls remain traditional favorites, moonstone and alexandrite offer intriguing alternatives for modern jewelry enthusiasts.
What's the dealio with June's birthstones?
June's birthstones symbolize a captivating mix of organic and mineral gems, each with its own incredible origins and allure. Pearls form within living creatures, while alexandrite dazzles with its color-shifting magic, and moonstone enchants with its mystical glow. These gems have graced jewelry boxes for centuries, from ancient royal collections to contemporary pieces.[1]
- Pearls grow in saltwater and freshwater mollusks and take anywhere from half a year to several years to mature. Their luster comes from nacre layers that give them their distinctive iridescence.[1][2][3]
- Alexandrite is one of the rarest gemstones due to its dramatic color change - it shifts from emerald green in daylight to raspberry red under incandescent light.[1][4]
- Moonstone belongs to the feldspar family and exhibits an enchanting adularescence - a flickering blue sheen that seems to float across the stone.[1][2][3]
These three magical gems give June-born individuals an exclusive range of options when selecting their birthstone jewelry.[1]
Got pearls?
Pearls are unique among gemstones because they're formed within living creatures. They represent nature's perfect marriage of beauty and patience.[1] Unlike other mined gemstones, pearls require no cutting or polishing to unveil their radiance. They come straight from the mollusk with their sheen already in place.[1]
Pearls have been treasured across cultures due to their historical significance and organic beauty. The earliest known pearl jewelry dates back to 420 BC, found in a Persian princess's sarcophagus.[1] In ancient Rome, pearls were synonymous with wealth and status.[1][2]
There are different types of pearls, such as natural, cultured, freshwater, and saltwater pearls. Natural pearls are extremely rare, while cultured pearls are formed through human intervention. Their colors range from white to black, with hues like cream, gold, green, blue, and pink.[1]
Quality factors for pearls include luster, surface quality, shape, size, and nacre thickness. Peerless pearls exhibit a mesmerizing surface shine, and a smooth surface, perfect roundness, larger size, and thicker nacre make them more valuable.[1]
Alexandrite: nature's chameleon
Alexandrite's most impressive feature is its color-change effect – it appears green in daylight and red under incandescent light.[1][4] This breathtaking transformation occurred when it was discovered in Russia's Ural Mountains in 1830, coinciding with future Tsar Alexander II's coming of age.[1][4]
The color-change effect happens due to the presence of chromium in the gem's crystal structure, which also gives rubies their red color.[1][4] Fine alexandrite ranks among the world's most expensive gemstones and is more valuable per carat than diamonds.[1][4]
Alexandrite is a durable gemstone, measuring 8.5 on the Mohs scale, and suitable for everyday wear in various settings.[1][4]
Shining like the moon with moonstone
Moonstone's hallmark quality is its adularescence – a mesmerizing blue sheen that dances across the surface of the stone, giving it an ethereal, otherworldly glow.[1][2] Moonstone belongs to the feldspar family of minerals.[2]
The finest moonstones originate from Sri Lanka and show a striking blue sheen, sometimes referred to as a "watery shine."[2] Moonstone enhances intuition, emotional balance, new beginnings, and inner growth.[2]
Moonstone measures 6 to 6.5 on the Mohs scale, making it relatively durable but requiring care to prevent scratches.[2]
Which gem makes you happiest?
With such a fascinating variety, choosing the perfect birthstone is a personal journey influenced by factors like your lifestyle, preferences, and budget. Whether you're drawn to the classic elegance of pearls, the rare sophistication of alexandrite, or the mystical allure of moonstone, June's birthstones provide a rich range of possibilities.[1]
Keep em' shiny, happy, and safe
To protect and preserve the unique beauty of your June birthstone, it's essential to handle them with care.[1] Pearls require gentle cleaning and should be stored separately to prevent scratching. Alexandrite is highly durable but should be cleaned with water and mild soap to maintain its brilliance. Moonstone needs protection from hard knocks and blows to prevent cracking.
Final thoughts
June's birthstones offer a rare opportunity to choose from among three captivating gems – pearl, moonstone, and alexandrite – each with its unique allure, origins, and meaning.[1] Whether you prefer the timeless elegance of pearls, the magical color-changing effect of alexandrite, or the ethereal glow of moonstone, you're sure to find a perfect match to celebrate your special month.[1]
- June-born individuals are presented with a unique assortment of birthstone choices, including pearls, moonstone, and alexandrite, each steeped in history and allure.
- Pearls are distinct among gemstones as they form within living mollusks, embodying nature's harmonious union of elegance and patience.
- Alexandrite, discovered in 1830, showcases an awe-inspiring color-change effect – transitioning from green in daylight to raspberry red under incandescent light, placing it among the world's most expensive gemstones.
- Moonstone, originating from the feldspar family, boasts an enchanting adularescence, displaying a mesmerizing blue sheen reminiscent of a "watery shine." This gem is believed to enhance intuition, emotional balance, new beginnings, and inner growth.
