Everything You Should Know About June Birthstones
May 29,2024 | Juyoyo
Did you know? June has not one, not two, but three birthstones: the classic pearl, the ethereal moonstone, and the rare, color-changing alexandrite! People born in June are fortunate to have three beautiful birthstones, each with its own unique history, legend, and symbolism. This article will give you everything you need to know to appreciate and choose the June birthstone that speaks to you. Let's dive in!
What are the June Birthstones?
Pearl, moonstone, and alexandrite are the birthstones for June, each with distinct beauty and symbolism.
June Birthstone Pearl: Miracle of the Ocean
The most traditional June birthstone, Pearls are natural wonders formed inside mollusks. They are the only gemstones created by living organisms. The formation process typically takes several years, and their smooth surface and lustrous sheen make them one of the most classic gemstones.
June Birthstone Moonstone: Gift of the Night Sky
Moonstone are famous for its ethereal shimmer called adularescence. Its name derives from the blue glow reflected on their surface, resembling the effect of moonlight on water. Moonstone is associated with intuition, dreams, and the feminine spirit.
June Birthstone Alexandrite: Miracle of Changing Colors
Alexandrite is rare and relatively modern gemstone discovered in Russia. It is a precious gemstone known for its unique color-changing effect. It appears green or bluish-green in daylight and shifts to red or purplish-red under incandescent light.
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June Birthstone Colors
The three June birthstones offer a spectrum of captivating colors, each with unique optical properties:
Pearl Birthstone Color
While most commonly known for their classic white and creamy hues, pearls actually come in a wide range of colors. These include black, gray, blue, green, pink, lavender, gold, and even multicolored varieties.
Moonstone Birthstone Color
The defining color characteristic of moonstone is its adularescence, the milky, bluish-white sheen that seems to float within the stone. However, moonstones themselves can exhibit a range of body colors, including colorless, white, gray, peach, pink, yellow, green, and brown. Some varieties, such as rainbow moonstone (a type of labradorite), display a spectrum of colors.
Alexandrite Birthstone Color
The most remarkable aspect of alexandrite color is its variability, known as the "alexandrite effect. In daylight or fluorescent light, it typically appears green, often with blue or yellow undertones. Under incandescent light (such as from an old-fashioned light bulb or candlelight), it shifts to red or purple. Strong, dramatic color changes (Russian alexandrite is most prized).
History and Legends of June Birthstones
Pearls, moonstones and alexandrites, the birthstones of June, each have a rich history as well as a moving legend.
Pearl History and Legends
Pearls are the most traditional June birthstone and have been symbols of purity and wisdom since ancient times. In the past, pearls were often used in royal jewelry, symbolizing nobility and purity. It is said that Cleopatra once dissolved a pearl in wine to demonstrate her wealth and power.
Moonstone History and Legends
In ancient Roman and Indian cultures, the mystical moonstone was believed to be solidified moonlight, symbolizing the moon goddess's blessings. It was said that wearing moonstone could enhance intuition and spirituality, bringing good luck.
Alexandrite History and Legends
Alexandrite was first discovered in Russia in the 19th century and named after Tsar Alexander II due to its unique color-changing effect. It was considered the tsar's lucky stone, symbolizing good fortune and power.
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Where Can June Birthstones Be Found?
June birthstones from different regions globally.
- Pearl: Pearls can be divided into saltwater pearls and freshwater pearls. Major producers of saltwater pearls include Japan and Australia, while China is the main producer of freshwater pearls.
- Moonstone: Mainly sourced from India, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, and Tanzania.
- Alexandrite: Primarily found in Russia, Sri Lanka, Brazil, and Tanzania.
The Symbolism & Meaning of the June Birthstones
- Pearl: Symbolizes purity, loyalty, and wisdom. They are often used in wedding jewelry, representing the pure love and fidelity of newlyweds.
- Moonstone: Symbolizes hope, spirituality, and protection. It is believed to balance emotions and help people find inner peace and tranquility.
- Alexandrite: Symbolizes transformation, innovation, and creativity. It is thought to enhance the wearer's intuition and wisdom, helping them navigate changes and challenges in life.
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June Birthstone Durability
The durability of a gemstone is crucial to its longevity and suitability for different types of jewelry. Here's a breakdown of the durability of June's birthstones based on the Mohs Hardness Scale:
Pearl Hardness & Durability
Pearls are the softest of the June birthstones, ranging from 2.5 to 4.5 on the Mohs scale. This means they are relatively fragile and can be easily scratched by harder materials.
Moonstone Hardness & Durability
Moonstone has a moderate hardness, ranging from 6 to 6.5 on the Mohs scale. This makes it more durable than pearls but still susceptible to scratches and chipping, especially from harder gemstones or sharp impacts.
Alexandrite Hardness & Durability
Alexandrite is the most durable of the June birthstones, with a hardness of 8.5 on the Mohs scale. This high rating makes it quite scratch-resistant and suitable for everyday wear, including rings and necklaces.
Why Does June Have Three Birthstones?
The reasons for June having three birthstones are primarily related to the development history of birthstone traditions, the rarity and diversity of gemstones, and changing market demands.
1. Historical and Cultural Development: In ancient times, using gemstones to represent months and birthdays was a cultural tradition. Although there are no records detailing the specific birthstones for each month in these cultures, this tradition was recognized and continued. As knowledge of gemstones increased, the American Gem Society standardized the first official birthstone list in 1921, designating pearl and moonstone as June birthstones. Later, with the discovery of new gemstones and changes in market demand, alexandrite also became a June birthstone in the mid-19th century.
2. Diverse Demand: Different cultures have different preferred gemstones. To cater to various markets, having multiple birthstones for June satisfies diverse cultural beliefs and provides consumers with more flexible choices.
3. Rarity of Gemstones: The rarity of gemstones affects their price. Pearls and moonstones are relatively common and affordable, while alexandrite is rarer and more expensive. Offering multiple choices allows more people to afford and enjoy the birthstones of June.
How to Choose Your Perfect June Birthstone Jewelry
With three beautiful options to choose from, choosing the perfect June birthstone can be a delightful experience. Consider the following factors:
- Personal style: Do you prefer the classic elegance of pearls, the mystical glow of moonstones, or the dramatic transformation of alexandrite? Your personal style and the types of jewelry you typically wear can help guide your decision.
- Symbolism and meaning: Which gemstone resonates most with your personal values and aspirations? Consider the symbolism associated with each gemstone and choose the one whose meaning is meaningful to you.
- Color preference: While pearls offer a range of colors, moonstones are known for their soft, ethereal hues, and alexandrites for their striking green-to-red hues. Consider which color palette appeals to you the most.
- Budget: June birthstone prices can vary widely. Pearls and moonstones are generally more accessible, while natural alexandrite, especially in fine quality and larger sizes, can be quite expensive due to its rarity. Lab-grown alexandrite offers a more affordable alternative with the same captivating color change.
- Buy from Reputable jeweler: Always purchase June birthstone jewelry from trusted jewelers like Juyoyo, who offer certified gemstones, quality craftsmanship, and reliable warranties for authentic alexandrite, pearls, and moonstone pieces.
How to Care for Your June Birthstone Jewelry
Proper care is essential to maintaining the beauty and longevity of your June birthstone jewelry. Clean alexandrite with mild soap, avoid chemicals for pearls, and protect moonstone from impact. Store pearls flat to prevent drying, wrap the moonstone in cloth, and keep all jewelry away from cosmetics. Annual professional checks will prevent costly damage.
Pro Tip: Match care with durability - alexandrite can withstand daily use, while pearls require gentle handling for lifelong beauty.
Conclusion
June's birthstones—pearl, moonstone, and alexandrite—each have unique characteristics symbolizing purity, spirituality, and transformation. They hold profound historical and cultural significance and display unparalleled beauty and uniqueness in modern jewelry design. Whether as a birthday gift or a treat for oneself, these three gemstones are invaluable treasures worth cherishing and wearing.
Ready to find your perfect June birthstone ring? Explore now!
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