June Birthstone Guide: Pearl, Alexandrite, and Moonstone

Introduction

Birthstones hold a special place in jewelry, connecting wearers to their birth month through history, culture, and symbolism. June stands out as one of only three months (alongside August and December) with three official birthstones: pearl, alexandrite, and moonstone. Each gemstone offers unique characteristics, from the organic luster of pearls to the color-shifting magic of alexandrite and the ethereal glow of moonstone. This comprehensive guide delves into the history, properties, symbolism, care, and jewelry applications of these gems, making it easier to choose the perfect piece for a June birthday or a meaningful gift.

Pearl: The Classic June Birthstone

History and Origin

Pearls are unique as the only gemstones formed by living creatures. They are created when mollusks, such as oysters or mussels, coat an irritant—often a tiny particle—with layers of nacre, a calcium carbonate substance, over years. This process results in a gem with a soft, iridescent glow. While natural pearls are rare and highly prized, most pearls today are cultured, grown on pearl farms by inserting a nucleus to stimulate nacre production. Cultured pearls are equally beautiful and more accessible, available in several types:

A famous example is La Peregrina, a 50.56-carat natural pearl found in the Gulf of Panama in the 1500s, once owned by royalty and sold for $11.8 million in 2011.

（Designed by Mike Stillwell）

Symbolism and Meaning

Pearls have been cherished across cultures for their elegance and symbolism:

• Purity, humility, and innocence: Often called the gem of “sweet simplicity.”

• Love and marriage: Traditionally given as wedding gifts to symbolize fidelity.

• Prosperity and health: Ancient texts like the Atharvaveda link pearls to long life and wealth, while some cultures believed they alleviated ailments like indigestion or depression.

Care and Maintenance

With a Mohs hardness of 2.5–3.0, pearls are soft and require careful handling:

• Store separately to prevent scratches from harder gems.

• Avoid plastic bags, as pearls need air to maintain luster.

• Clean with a soft, damp cloth after wearing, and apply cosmetics before putting on pearl jewelry to avoid chemical damage.

Popular Uses in Jewelry

Pearls are a timeless choice for:

• Necklaces: Classic strands or modern layered designs.

• Earrings: Studs or drops for versatile elegance.

• Bracelets: Often paired with gemstones for contrast.

• Rings: Ideal for special occasions due to their softness.

Alexandrite: The Color-Changing Gem

Discovery and Naming

Discovered in 1834 in Russia’s Ural Mountains, alexandrite was named after future Czar Alexander II. Its red and green hues mirrored imperial Russia’s military colors, adding to its historical allure.

Unique Properties

Alexandrite, a variety of chrysoberyl, is renowned for its color-changing ability, known as the “alexandrite effect”:

• Daylight/Fluorescent Light: Vivid green to bluish-green.

• Incandescent Light: Intense red to purplish-red. This effect is due to chromium traces in its structure. With a Mohs hardness of 8.5, it’s durable for daily wear.

Rarity and Value

One of the rarest gemstones, alexandrite’s value often surpasses rubies and diamonds. Originally mined in Russia (now depleted), it’s now sourced from:

• Sri Lanka: High-quality stones.

• Brazil: Major producer.

• East Africa: Including Tanzania and Madagascar. Larger stones, like a 7.19-carat alexandrite from Tunduru, Tanzania, are exceptionally scarce and expensive.

Symbolism and Meaning

Alexandrite is associated with:

• Good fortune and luck: Its rarity makes it a talisman of prosperity.

• Love and passion: The color shift symbolizes emotional depth.

• Creativity and joy: Its unique properties inspire wonder.

Care and Maintenance

Alexandrite’s durability (no cleavage, excellent toughness) makes it ideal for jewelry:

• Clean with warm, soapy water and a soft brush.

• Ultrasonic and steam cleaners are generally safe, but avoid extreme heat.

Popular Uses in Jewelry

Alexandrite shines in:

• Rings: Often set as a solitaire or with diamonds, like a 5.16-carat oval alexandrite ring in platinum.

• Pendants: Highlights its color-changing magic.

• Earrings: Bold, statement-making pieces.

Moonstone: The Stone of Mystery

Origin and Formation

Moonstone, a feldspar mineral, is prized for its adularescence, a glowing effect caused by light scattering through microscopic feldspar layers. Thinner layers produce a blue sheen, while thicker ones create a white glow. Colors include yellow, gray, green, blue, peach, and pink, with some stones showing star or cat’s-eye effects.

Where It’s Found

The finest moonstones, with a blue sheen on a colorless background, come from Sri Lanka, though these are mostly mined out, increasing prices. Other sources include:

• India: Abundant in brown, green, and orange hues.

• Australia, Myanmar, Madagascar, USA (New Mexico, North Carolina, Virginia).

Symbolism and Meaning

Moonstone’s mystical allure is tied to:

• The moon: Linked to intuition, femininity, and emotional balance.

• Hindu mythology: Believed to be solidified moonbeams.

• Love and fertility: A token of affection and prosperity.

• Historical significance: Used in a 7th-century Frankish brooch and popular in Art Nouveau (1890s–1910s) and 1960s “flower child” designs.

Care and Maintenance

With a Mohs hardness of 6–6.5, moonstone is prone to cracking:

• Avoid high heat and ultrasonic/steam cleaners.

• Clean with warm, soapy water and a soft brush.

• Prefer pendants and brooches over rings for durability.

Popular Uses in Jewelry

Moonstone’s glow enhances:

• Pendants: Romantic, often set in silver or gold.

• Brooches: Vintage-inspired designs.

• Earrings: Dainty studs or drops.

• Rings: Best for occasional wear due to delicacy.、

（bonhams .Centering a bezel-set moonstone intaglio depicting a Classical figure, framed by blue enamel and seed pearls, the shoulders with enamel flowers, and engraved gold accents, size 6.）

Conclusion

June’s birthstones—pearl, alexandrite, and moonstone—offer a stunning array of choices for those born in this special month. Pearls provide timeless elegance, alexandrite captivates with its rare color-changing magic, and moonstone enchants with its mystical glow. When choosing, consider durability (alexandrite for daily wear, pearls and moonstone for occasional use) and personal style. These gems make thoughtful gifts for June birthdays, anniversaries, or anyone drawn to their beauty and symbolism.