June is one of only three months in the year that can claim three official birthstones, offering a remarkable diversity of choice for those born in this midsummer month. The June birthstones—pearl, alexandrite, and moonstone—present a unique spectrum of origin, appearance, and value. From the organic luster of the pearl, formed within living creatures, to the dramatic color-changing properties of the rare alexandrite, and the ethereal adularescence of moonstone, this trio provides options for every taste and budget. This guide delves into the rich history, geological origins, distinct gemological properties, and cultural symbolism of each of these captivating gems, providing a comprehensive resource for enthusiasts, collectors, and anyone seeking to understand the significance of the June birthstones.
History and Lore of the June Birthstones
The history of the June birthstones is as varied as the gems themselves, spanning ancient mythology, modern discovery, and centuries of mystical belief.
The Pearl: A Gem of Ancient Myth The pearl has been associated with June since ancient times. Its history is steeped in legend, with early civilizations offering imaginative explanations for its origin. Ancients from the Middle East believed pearls were celestial teardrops that had fallen from heaven. The Chinese developed a myth that the gemstone was formed from the brain of a dragon. In the era of Christopher Columbus, his contemporaries posited that mollusks created pearls from dewdrops. This fascination with the pearl’s origin underscores its long-standing status as a treasure. The connection to June is also ancient; Roman sources linked the pearl to the goddess Venus, who was believed to have been born in June, associating the gem with love and beauty. Pearls and moonstone were officially standardized as June birthstones in 1912 by the National Association of Jewelers of America, a decision that formalized their long-held place in cultural tradition.
Alexandrite: A Modern Addition with Imperial Roots Alexandrite is a much more recent addition to the list of June birthstones. It was added to the official list in 1952, reflecting its status as a modern favorite. The gem’s history, however, dates back to the early 19th century. It was first discovered in the Ural Mountains of Russia in 1830 and was named after the future Tsar Alexander II. The stone’s unique color-changing ability—appearing green in daylight and red under incandescent light—was said to mirror the imperial Russian military colors, enhancing its appeal to the Russian court. Its rarity and striking optical phenomenon quickly established it as a gem of high esteem.
Moonstone: The Mystical Companion While the provided sources do not offer an extensive history for moonstone, its inclusion alongside pearl in the 1912 standardization confirms its long-standing connection to the month. Known for its captivating shimmer, moonstone has long been associated with the moon and its cycles, imbuing it with an air of mystery and magic. Its soft glow has made it a favorite in bohemian and modern jewelry styles alike, offering a mystical counterpoint to the classic pearl and the dramatic alexandrite.
Geological Formation and Sources
The origins of the June birthstones could not be more different, highlighting the diverse ways in which nature creates beauty. Two are minerals formed deep within the earth, while one is an organic gem created by living organisms.
The Organic Origin of Pearl Unlike other gemstones, the pearl is not mined from the earth. It is an organic gem that grows inside the tissue of a living mollusk, either a saltwater oyster or a freshwater mussel. The formation process begins when an irritant, such as a grain of sand or a parasite, becomes lodged inside the mollusk's shell. In response, the mollusk secretes a substance called nacre, which is composed of microscopic crystals of calcium carbonate. This nacre builds up in concentric layers around the irritant, eventually forming a pearl. This process can occur naturally, but the vast majority of pearls on the market today are cultured, meaning they are the result of human intervention where a technician intentionally introduces an irritant into the mollusk. Pearls are sourced from oceans, lakes, and rivers around the world.
The Mineral Formation of Alexandrite and Moonstone Alexandrite and moonstone are both minerals that form within the earth’s crust. Alexandrite is a variety of the mineral chrysoberyl. Its formation requires a unique geological environment, which is why it is so rare. The discovery of the first alexandrite was in the Ural Mountains of Russia, a source that historically produced the finest quality stones. Modern sources for alexandrite include Sri Lanka, Brazil, and parts of Africa, though the color-changing quality of these stones often differs from the classic Russian examples.
Moonstone is a member of the feldspar mineral group, specifically an orthoclase or plagioclase feldspar. Its characteristic shimmer, known as adularescence, is caused by the intergrowth of two different feldspar minerals (orthoclase and albite) in microscopic, alternating layers. When light enters the stone, it is scattered by these layers, creating the moving, billowy light effect. While the provided sources do not specify modern mining locations for moonstone, it is known to be sourced from places like India, Sri Lanka, and Madagascar.
Gemological Properties
The physical and optical properties of the June birthstones define their beauty, durability, and value.
| Property | Pearl | Alexandrite | Moonstone |
|---|---|---|---|
| Species | Organic Gem (not a mineral) | Chrysoberyl | Feldspar |
| Hardness (Mohs Scale) | 2.5 to 4.5 | 8.5 | 6 to 6.5 |
| Chemical Composition | Calcium Carbonate (CaCO₃) | Beryllium Aluminum Oxide (BeAl₂O₄) | Potassium Aluminum Silicate (KAlSi₃O₈) |
| Key Feature | Nacreous Luster | Strong Color Change (Pleochroism) | Adularescence (Schiller) |
Pearl Properties As an organic gem, the pearl is defined by its luster rather than crystalline structure. Its hardness on the Mohs scale is relatively low, ranging from 2.5 to 4.5, making it susceptible to scratches and requiring careful handling. Its chemical composition is calcium carbonate. The value of a pearl is determined by the quality of its nacre, its luster, its shape (with perfectly round being the rarest and most valuable), and its surface quality.
Alexandrite Properties Alexandrite is a highly durable gemstone, with a hardness of 8.5 on the Mohs scale, making it excellent for all types of jewelry. It is a member of the chrysoberyl family and its chemical formula is beryllium aluminum oxide. Its most celebrated property is its strong pleochroism, which manifests as the dramatic color change from green in daylight or fluorescent light to red in incandescent light. This phenomenon is the primary driver of its value and rarity. Fine-quality alexandrite with a vivid color change is exceptionally rare and commands high prices.
Moonstone Properties Moonstone possesses a softer beauty with a hardness of 6 to 6.5 on the Mohs scale. Its chemical makeup is potassium aluminum silicate. Its defining characteristic is adularescence, the billowy, bluish light that seems to float across the surface of the stone as it is moved. The finest moonstones exhibit a clear, transparent body with a strong, blue adularescence.
Symbolism and Metaphysical Beliefs
Each of the June birthstones carries a distinct set of symbolic meanings and metaphysical beliefs that have been attributed to it over time.
- Pearl: The pearl is a powerful symbol of purity and innocence. It has also been treasured for centuries as a symbol of wisdom gained through experience, much like the way a pearl grows from a tiny irritant into a thing of beauty. In modern interpretations, pearls also symbolize friendship and loyalty.
- Alexandrite: This gem is associated with balance, creativity, and self-esteem. Its ability to change color is seen as a metaphor for transformation, leading to its symbolism of transformation and good fortune.
- Moonstone: Moonstone is linked to emotional harmony. Its connection to the moon lends it an aura of mystique and it is often believed to enhance intuition and calm emotional responses.
Care and Cleaning
Given their differing physical properties, the June birthstones require distinct care regimens to maintain their beauty.
Caring for Pearl Due to its low hardness and organic nature, the pearl is the most delicate of the three. The nacre that gives a pearl its luster can be damaged by acids found in cosmetics, hairspray, and perfume. It is advisable to put on pearl jewelry last when getting ready. To clean pearls, simply wipe them with a soft, damp cloth after wearing. They should never be cleaned with ultrasonic cleaners or harsh chemicals.
Caring for Alexandrite As a very hard and durable gemstone, alexandrite is relatively easy to care for. It can be safely cleaned with warm water, a mild soap, and a soft brush. Its durability makes it an excellent choice for rings and other jewelry that is worn daily.
Caring for Moonstone With a moderate hardness of 6 to 6.5, moonstone requires more care than alexandrite but is more durable than pearl. It should be protected from hard knocks. It is best cleaned with warm, soapy water and a soft brush. Avoid ultrasonic cleaners and extreme temperature changes, as these can damage the stone.
Value and Market Considerations
The three June birthstones occupy different price points, offering options across a wide financial spectrum. The provided sources offer some insight into their relative value.
Alexandrite is positioned as the most valuable of the trio. It is described as "typically the most rare and valuable," especially for high-quality specimens that exhibit a strong and distinct color change. This rarity places it in a high-value category. One source categorizes alexandrite as a "semi-precious gemstone" alongside aquamarine, peridot, and garnet, noting that this group ranges from $400 to $3,000 per carat. This indicates that fine alexandrite can be a significant investment.
Pearls and moonstone are not assigned specific price ranges in the provided materials. However, the sources note that the variety of June birthstones allows individuals to "have a birthstone that fits [their] mood or budget." This suggests that while high-end pearls (such as Hanadama Pearls) and fine moonstones can be quite valuable, there are also abundant options available at more accessible price points, making these gems widely available to consumers.
Conclusion
The June birthstones offer a unique and compelling trio of choices. Pearl, with its ancient history and classic elegance, represents purity and wisdom. Alexandrite, the rare and modern addition, captivates with its dramatic color change and symbolizes transformation. Moonstone provides a touch of ethereal beauty and emotional balance. Each gem possesses a distinct character, from their geological origins and physical properties to their cultural symbolism and value. This diversity ensures that anyone born in June can find a gemstone that not only represents their birth month but also perfectly aligns with their personal style, budget, and story.