The world of birthstones is a captivating intersection of geology, history, and culture, where ancient traditions meet modern designation. While each month is often associated with a single gemstone, several months, including June and February, boast multiple options, reflecting evolving traditions and discoveries. For June, the primary modern birthstone is Alexandrite, with Pearl and Moonstone also holding significant historical and alternative status. For February, the singular and iconic birthstone is Amethyst. This article delves into the fascinating origins, properties, and cultural significance of these gemstones, providing a comprehensive guide for gemstone enthusiasts, jewelry buyers, and students of gemology.
The practice of associating specific gemstones with months of the year has ancient roots, though the modern list is a relatively recent development. Ancient traditions often linked gemstones to zodiac signs rather than calendar months. The current system largely stems from the 1912 standardization by the American National Retail Jewelers Association, now known as Jewelers of America. However, even after this standardization, additions and modifications have continued. Alexandrite was added to June’s list in 1952, while Tanzanite joined December’s stones in 2002, and Spinel became an August birthstone in 2016. This demonstrates a dynamic evolution in birthstone designations, influenced by both historical precedent and contemporary preferences.
History and Lore
June: Alexandrite, Pearl, and Moonstone
Alexandrite is a relatively modern addition to the birthstone list, yet its history is steeped in imperial Russian lore. Discovered in the Ural Mountains of Russia in the 1830s, this gemstone was named after the future Tsar Alexander II. Its most celebrated characteristic is its dramatic color change, shifting from green in daylight to red or purplish-red under incandescent light. This phenomenon made it a symbol of imperial Russia, and its discovery on the future tsar’s birthday was seen as a national omen. While its historical use is limited to the 19th century, its inclusion as a June birthstone in 1952 solidified its place in modern gemology.
Pearl, in contrast, has been treasured for millennia. Its name originates from the Latin word ‘Perna,’ referring to the leg-of-mutton shape of an open mollusk shell. Pearls have appeared in ancient Greek and Roman artifacts and continue to be a symbol of elegance and purity. Unlike other gemstones, pearls are organic, formed within the soft tissue of a living mollusk. For most of history, pearls were harvested from wild oysters, making them exceptionally rare and valuable. The advent of cultured pearls in the early 20th century made this gemstone more accessible, though natural pearls remain among the most coveted gems in the world. Pearl has been a traditional June birthstone for centuries and remains a primary choice.
Moonstone, the third June birthstone, is celebrated for its adularescence – a shimmering, ethereal light that appears to stream across the gemstone. Pliny the Elder, a Roman historian, named it “moonstone” due to its resemblance to the phases of the moon. Associated with Roman and Greek lunar deities and Hindu mythology, Moonstone is believed by some to be made of solidified moonbeams. It is a form of the mineral feldspar, producing a pearl-like luster when light penetrates the stone. Moonstone is often milky white or gray with a white or silvery glow, and can also be found in pink, orange, or multicolored varieties. It is often referred to as “The Traveller’s Stone” and was used as a protective charm for nighttime journeys.
February: Amethyst
February is represented by Amethyst, a gemstone with a long and storied past. Records of Amethyst’s use extend back to ancient Greece and Rome, where it was fashioned into vessels for beverages. The ancient Greeks believed that Amethyst could prevent intoxication; the name itself derives from the Greek word amethystos, meaning "not drunken." This belief was so pervasive that wine goblets were carved from the stone. Amethyst is a naturally occurring variety of quartz, contrasting sharply with Alexandrite, which is a chrysoberyl. For much of history, Amethyst was considered a rare and valuable gemstone, comparable to Ruby, Sapphire, and Emerald. However, large deposits discovered in Brazil in the 19th century made it more abundant and affordable, though it has never lost its regal purple allure.
Geological Formation and Sources
Alexandrite
Alexandrite is a variety of the mineral chrysoberyl, with the chemical formula BeAl₂O₄. Its distinctive color change is caused by trace amounts of chromium substituting for aluminum in its crystal structure. The gemstone forms in pegmatites and metamorphic rocks under specific geological conditions. The original and most famous source is the Ural Mountains in Russia, particularly the emerald mines near the Tokovaya River. While these mines still produce some Alexandrite, the material is extremely rare and often commands astronomical prices. Significant commercial deposits have also been found in Brazil (in the states of Minas Gerais and Bahia), Sri Lanka, and East Africa (Tanzania and Kenya). Brazilian Alexandrite often exhibits a different color-change range, typically from bluish-green to brownish-red, compared to the Russian material's emerald-green to ruby-red shift.
Pearl
Pearls are unique among gemstones as they are not mined from the earth but are harvested from living organisms. They form when an irritant, such as a grain of sand or a parasite, enters a mollusk (an oyster or mussel). The mollusk secretes layers of nacre (a combination of aragonite and conchiolin) around the irritant, eventually forming a pearl. Natural pearls are exceptionally rare and are now primarily found in antique jewelry or museums. The vast majority of pearls on the market today are cultured pearls, a process pioneered by Kokichi Mikimoto in Japan in the early 1900s. Major sources for both natural and cultured pearls include the Persian Gulf (for natural pearls), Japan, China, Australia (for South Sea pearls), French Polynesia (for Tahitian pearls), and various regions in the Indian Ocean and the Caribbean.
Moonstone
Moonstone is a variety of the feldspar group, specifically orthoclase or albite. Its characteristic adularescence is the result of light scattering between microscopic, alternating layers of these two feldspar minerals. The finest quality moonstone, known for its blue sheen, traditionally comes from Sri Lanka. Other significant sources include India (particularly for rainbow moonstone, which exhibits a play of multiple colors), Myanmar, Brazil, Madagascar, and the United States (North Carolina and Virginia). The quality of moonstone is judged by the clarity of its body color and the intensity, evenness, and visibility of its adularescence.
Amethyst
Amethyst is a variety of quartz, with the chemical formula SiO₂. Its purple coloration is due to the presence of iron impurities and natural irradiation within the crystal lattice. Amethyst forms in geodes and hollow cavities within volcanic rock. It is one of the most widespread and abundant gemstones in the quartz family. Major global sources include Brazil (the world's largest producer), Uruguay, Bolivia, and Zambia. In the United States, amethyst is found in Arizona and North Carolina. The color of amethyst can range from a pale lilac to a deep, saturated purple. The most valued shades are typically the deep Siberian purple with red and blue flashes, though much of the commercial amethyst is lighter in tone.
Gemological Properties
The gemological properties of these birthstones vary significantly, which influences their durability, care, and suitability for different types of jewelry.
| Gemstone | Chemical Composition | Crystal System | Hardness (Mohs) | Refractive Index | Specific Gravity | Key Characteristics |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alexandrite | BeAl₂O₄ (with Cr) | Orthorhombic | 8.5 | 1.746 - 1.755 | 3.70 - 3.78 | Color Change (green to red), exceptional hardness |
| Pearl | CaCO₃ (Aragonite) & Organic Matrix | Amorphous (Organic) | 2.5 - 4.5 | ~1.53 - 1.68 (variable) | 2.72 - 2.78 | Luster (orient), formed organically, soft surface |
| Moonstone | KAlSi₃O₈ (Feldspar) | Monoclinic | 6.0 - 6.5 | 1.518 - 1.526 (Orthoclase) | 2.56 - 2.58 | Adularescence (shimmering light), cleavage present |
| Amethyst | SiO₂ (Quartz) | Trigonal | 7.0 | 1.544 - 1.553 | 2.65 | Color (purple), durability, abundance |
Alexandrite is exceptionally durable, with a hardness of 8.5 on the Mohs scale, making it suitable for all types of jewelry, including rings and bracelets. Its lack of cleavage and strong toughness add to its resilience. The color change is its most defining gemological property and is a key factor in its value.
Pearl is the softest of these gemstones, with a hardness of only 2.5 to 4.5. Its surface is delicate and can be scratched or damaged by acids, cosmetics, and perspiration. Pearls are graded on a complex system that considers luster (the intensity and sharpness of light reflection), surface quality, shape, color, and size. Their organic nature makes them unique in the gemological world.
Moonstone has a moderate hardness of 6 to 6.5, making it somewhat durable but susceptible to scratching and impact. It possesses perfect cleavage in one direction, meaning it can split if struck with force. This property requires careful handling and setting in protective jewelry, such as pendants or earrings, rather than rings that are prone to knocks. The quality of its adularescence is the primary value determinant.
Amethyst is a relatively hard and durable gemstone with a hardness of 7 on the Mohs scale, good toughness, and no cleavage. This makes it an excellent choice for all jewelry types, including rings and daily-wear pieces. Its color can fade if exposed to prolonged strong sunlight or heat, a consideration for long-term care. The value of amethyst is primarily based on the depth and uniformity of its purple color, with deeper, more saturated hues generally being more valuable.
Symbolism and Metaphysical Beliefs
Beyond their physical properties, these gemstones are rich in symbolism and metaphysical lore, which has contributed to their enduring popularity.
Alexandrite is often associated with joy, optimism, and balance. Its dramatic color change is said to symbolize the balance between the material and spiritual worlds. In Russia, it was considered a stone of good fortune and a harbinger of a happy future. Modern crystal healing practices sometimes attribute to it the ability to boost intuition and creativity.
Pearl has universally symbolized purity, innocence, and faith across cultures. In ancient China, pearls were believed to be formed from moonlight inside the mollusk, linking them to lunar energy and feminine power. They are often associated with wisdom gained through experience and are traditionally given as gifts to mark a milestone or celebrate a marriage, symbolizing tears of joy and the purity of love.
Moonstone, as its name suggests, is deeply connected to the moon and its cycles. It is considered a stone of new beginnings, inner growth, and strength. It is believed to soothe emotional instability and stress, providing calmness. Its association with the "Traveller's Stone" comes from the belief that it protects travelers at night and under the light of the moon. It is also linked to enhancing intuition and promoting inspiration.
Amethyst is widely regarded as a stone of spirituality, peace, and clarity. Historically, it was believed to ward off drunkenness and promote a clear mind. In many metaphysical traditions, it is used to calm the mind, relieve stress, and facilitate meditation. Its purple color has long been associated with royalty, nobility, and power, and it was a favorite gemstone of Catherine the Great and other European monarchs. It is also linked to the crown chakra, representing a connection to higher consciousness.
Care and Cleaning
Proper care is essential to maintain the beauty and longevity of these gemstones, given their varied physical properties.
Alexandrite, with its high hardness and toughness, is relatively easy to care for. It can be cleaned with warm, soapy water and a soft brush. Ultrasonic and steam cleaners are generally safe, but it is always advisable to check with a professional jeweler first, especially if the stone has any fractures or inclusions.
Pearl requires the most meticulous care. It should be the last item put on and the first taken off to avoid exposure to cosmetics, hairspray, and perfumes. Clean pearls with a soft, damp cloth after each wear. Avoid ultrasonic cleaners, steam cleaners, and harsh chemicals, as they can damage the nacre. Store pearls separately from other jewelry to prevent scratching.
Moonstone needs gentle handling due to its cleavage and moderate hardness. It is best cleaned with a soft brush, mild soap, and lukewarm water. Avoid sudden temperature changes and harsh chemicals. Given its cleavage, it should be protected from hard blows and not worn in high-impact settings like rings if it will be subjected to frequent knocks.
Amethyst is durable and can be cleaned with warm, soapy water and a soft brush. It is generally safe for ultrasonic cleaners, but caution is advised with steam cleaners due to potential thermal shock. To prevent color fading, avoid prolonged exposure to direct sunlight and high heat. Store it away from harder gemstones like diamonds and sapphires to prevent scratching.
Conclusion
The birthstones of June and February—Alexandrite, Pearl, Moonstone, and Amethyst—represent a captivating blend of history, geology, and symbolism. From the color-changing magic of Alexandrite to the timeless elegance of Pearls, the ethereal glow of Moonstone, and the calming violet hues of Amethyst, each gemstone holds a unique allure. Understanding their origins, properties, and cultural significance allows for a deeper appreciation of these beautiful gifts from the earth and their enduring place in the world of gemstones. Whether chosen for their historical significance, aesthetic beauty, or metaphysical properties, these gems continue to be cherished by people around the world, connecting them to a rich tapestry of human culture and the wonders of the natural world.