The Ultimate Guide for June Birthstones

June is the month for celebrations such as weddings, anniversaries, graduations, or birthdays. And what better way to celebrate than with a June birthstone. Those who are born in June are lucky to have three fabulous birthstones to choose from.  June is one of the only three months (the others are August and December) with three birthstones, giving you various enchanting birthstone choices.

The June birthstones are pearl, alexandrite, and moonstone. With these fantastic choices, individuals with June birthdays can have a birthstone that fits their mood and personality due to the different colors these gems have to offer.

Alexandrite

Alexandrite is a rare variety of chrysoberyl mineral groups known for its spectacular capability to change color in different lighting. The most popular Alexandrite birthstones show a vivid green to bluish-green hue in daylight or fluorescent lighting and an intense red to purplish-red in incandescent lighting. Because of this, most people describe this June birthstone as Emerald by day and Ruby by night. It is also a traditional wedding anniversary gift to celebrate their 55th year together.

Name

Alexandrite was named after the young Alexander II (1818 - 1881), the heir apparent to the throne. This June birthstone's red and green colors mirrored the national military colors of imperial Russia, which turn out to be the official gemstone of Imperial Russia's Tsardom.

Location

Alexandrite's first primary source location is the Emeral mines in the Ural Mountain, Russia, since its discovery in 1880. Unfortunately, today it is already mined out. Alexandrite comes from Brazil, Zimbabwe, Burma, Madagascar, Tanzania, Sri Lanka, and East Africa, but these deposits display less-precise color change capabilities than the 19th-century Russian alexandrite. Additionally, Russian alexandrites set the standard for the quality of this stone. Because of its scarcity, fine-quality alexandrite is now one of the most expensive colored gems in the market.

History

Alexandrite's controversial history can be traced back to Imperial Russia's period wherein the person who discovered this gemstone thought of it at first as an Emerald. As soon as he viewed it under different light sources, the color changes. Russian jewelers were then intrigued by this chameleon-like gemstone and George Frederick Kunz, a master gemologist who immediately produced Alexandrite ring pieces in the late 19th and early 20th century.

Russia's mine deposit of Alexandrite was eventually exhausted over time. Popularity for alexandrite risen once more when new supplies were discovered in Brazil in 1987. Today, the leading producer of Alexandrite in the market are East Africa, Sri Lanka, and Brazil, although they do not possess the same vivid colors as the original Russian alexandrite.

Symbolism

Alexandrite is attributed with good omens and good luck. In practice, Alexandrite is regarded to reinforce the instinct and ingenuity of the wearer and generates a sense of balance between the physical and spiritual world. For some, they believed that this June birthstone possesses a psychic power that will provide its wearer the ability to predict an event.

Moonstone

Moonstone is the famous gemstone belonging to the feldspar group of minerals prized for its adularescence, the light that seems to billow across the gem, giving it a special glow.

Name

Moonstone was named by a Roman natural historian, Pliny, who wrote that this stone's brilliant shimmery appearances change with the moon's phases.

The most widespread type of Moonstone comes from the mining site near Mt. Adular in Switzerland. This is where the term adularescence came from, which means the Moonstone's beautiful milky glow described a moonlight floating in the water.

Appearance and Composition

Moonstone is made up of microscopic feldspar layers responsible for the billowy effect known as adularescence. Thinner feldspar layers found in this June birthstone produce a bluish sheen, while the thicker layers have white color tones.

This June birthstone appears in various colors such as pink, peach, blue, green, gray, yellow, and champagne hues.

Location

The most essential source locations for Moonstone are India and Sri Lanka. Still, it can also be sourced through other places such as Brazil, India, Sri Lanka, Madagascar, Myanmar, Tanzania, and United States (in New Mexico, North Carolina, and Virginia).

The most delicate Moonstones have transparent and colorless hues with a blue sheen mined in Sri Lanka. These moonstones have been mined out already. That is why this type of Moonstone is the most expensive one of its kind.

Indian moonstone, on the other hand, has an orange, green or brown color. This variant is more affordable and abundant than the blue-colored moonstone.

History and Myths

Moonstone has been used as a powerful talisman and personal adornment since ancient times. Many cultures worldwide believed that this June birthstone can be in harmony with the moon's natural rhythms. 

Ancient Romans adored Moonstones, and they believed they came out of moonbeams. Because of this, they associate it with their lunar deity.

According to Indian mythology, Moonstone was formed from the ethereal light of the moon. Ancient Hindu people believed this June birthstone was a revered and magical dream stone that can stimulate beautiful dreams at night. In addition to that, this June birthstone is prized as a sacred stone often displayed on a yellow cloth. They believed it to bring good fortune, bestowed upon by a spirit that lives within the stone.

Moonstone has been adopted as the official state gemstone of Florida, USA, in 1970 to honor the Apollo 11 moon landing and commemorate other space missions launched in Florida.

Symbolism

Moonstone is a known talisman for safe travel and became an emblem representing long life and good health. Many believe that this June birthstone protects, heals, and empowers anyone who holds it. It is a common belief that it will help awaken your feminine energies and guide you throughout your life's journey as a reflection of the moon itself. In addition to that, Moonstone is said to bring prosperity, encourage passion, and balance the negative and positive sides of the mind.

Pearl

Pearls are the single gemstones in the world created by living organisms, which are often referred to as the organic gems that grow inside the tissue of living saltwater or freshwater mollusk (either oyster or a mussel).

This marvelous June birthstone originates from oceans, lakes, and rivers around the world. Aside from being the June birthstone, it is also the birthstone for the Zodiac signs Cancer and Gemini. In addition to that, pearls are often given as wedding anniversary presents for the first, third, twelfth, and thirtieth year.

Name

Pearl was derived from the Old French word 'perle' and the Latin word 'perna,' which means 'leg,' referring to the leg-of-mutton shape of an open mollusk shell.

Different types of Pearls

As mentioned before, pearl came from pearl-bearing mollusk. That is why pearl farms are usually located in places far from civilization and more often than that in a breathtaking environment such as your favorite beach vacation spot.

By Nature

• Cultured Freshwater Pearls are often dyed in various colors such as black, purple, pink, brown, blue, green, or yellow/
• Black pearls, on the other than are also cultured pearls, but these variants are considered rare and are not actually black in color. Instead, these pearls are in color blue, purple, silver, or green.
• Natural pearls are produced naturally through natural pearling without human interference and can be found in many parts of the world. This variety of pearls are the most expensive and unique kind that does not require any polishing to reveal its natural luster.

By Location

• Saltwater cultured pearls can be found in many areas around the world.
• Akoya cultured pearls are primarily located in Japan and China, specifically along the southern coasts of Guangdong and Guangxi provinces.
• South Sea cultured pearls are farmed from the northern coast of Australia, Indonesia, and the Philippines.
• Black Tahitian pearls can be found in French Polynesia on the Gambier Islands and the Tuamotu Archipelago.
• Freshwater cultured pearls are dominantly farmed in China.
• Natural pearls have been in existence for at least 5,000 years in the Arabian Gulf. It was also discovered in the Strait of Mannar in 2,000 BCE. Likewise, natural pearls are being harvested in Australia in the Indian Ocean, with the only remaining Pearl diving fleets.

Since the 19th century, large quantities of pearls were recovered from the waters of Mexico, Central America, and Venezuela. Most of the pearls available today are farmed or cultured, which is done by embedding a piece of grafted shell into freshwater pearl mussels or Pearl oysters.

History and World Culture

Pearls have been used as adornments and pieces of jewelry for centuries now.

• Ancient Greeks, for instance, thought that Pearls were the tears of the gods.
• The oldest discovered Pearl jewelry was found in the sarcophagus of a Persian princess who died around 520 BC.
• As written on the ancient Sanskrit text, Atharvaveda, the pearls were said to bestow long life and prosperity.
• In Asian culture, pearls are known for their healing properties to alleviate indigestion and hemorrhages. For centuries, traditional Chinese medicine has been using pearls as a cure for mental problems and to enhance positivity in one's life.
• Arab physicians in the 19th century believed that pearl powder can improve eyesight and help to ease depression.
• According to some Ancient Japanese folktales, pearls are from the tears of mermaids and nymphs.
• Contrary to this, Ancient Chinese believed that pearls came from and were carried by dragons. A dragon must be killed to obtain a pearl. That is why it became a symbolic representation of wisdom.
• On the other hand, Hindu folklore told stories of pearl's origin and said that dewdrops fell from the moon toward the sea, and the Hindu God, Krishna plucked one dewdrop for his favorite daughter on her wedding day.
• During the reign of the Byzantine empire, emperors were the only people who are allowed to wear these beautiful gemstones. In addition to that, Ancient Egyptians were buried with their precious Pearl jewelry.
• Tudor England in the 16th century was referred to as the Pearl Age. Due to the gem's popularity with the upper-class echelon of society. Most portraits of royals often showed them wearing various Pearl jewelry or clothing adorned with pearls.
• In the early 1900s, pearls became more available in the market due to the first commercial culturing of saltwater Pearls that started in Asia. Since the 1920s, natural Pearls have been commercially replaced by cultured pearls worldwide, making this beautiful jewel affordable and budget-wise for all.

Symbolism

Pearl is commonly referred to as the "Stone of Sincerity." This June birthstone became the symbol of purity, honesty, and modesty. Additionally, gifting pearl signifies faithfulness, friendship, and loyalty. In fact, the pearl symbolizes beauty because it does not need to polish to bring out its natural brilliance.

Important Note: To learn more about Pearl, check out our post, What is Pearl: Its History and Symbolism

Pearl Sterling Silver Jewelry

Pearls are an exceptional gemstone that can be incorporated into practically any kind of jewelry piece.

Pearl Sterling Silver Necklace

A pearl sterling silver necklace is a timeless and chic look that screams sophistication.

Like, our Mother of Pearl Oriental Fan Necklace.

As history narrates it, Mother of Pearl and Oriental Fan both show royalty and power. Combining these two represents sophistication and royalty—a perfect representation for our Mother of Pearl Oriental Fan Necklace.

A piece of jewelry that shows the sophisticated and artistic side of a woman.  It is handcrafted with love and made of sterling silver – a remarkable representation of a woman's personality: powerful and beautiful.

Like, our Studded Pearl Necklace.

The Studded Pearl Necklace is actually made out of Mother of Pearl and Sterling Silver. The necklace's design on the crown of the pearl-shaped shell is an absolute marvel. 

Pearl Sterling Silver Earring

A pearl stud earring allows people who were born in June to flaunt their birthstone in a subtle manner

Like, our Rose Petals Earring.

Rose Petal Earrings will bring the elegance and femininity of women out there. With its asymmetrical design and muted color hues, it can be used by women of a wide age range.

The unequal length of the earrings' chains gives off a refreshing vibe to the wearers and onlookers. While the pink rose made out of mother of pearl gives the earrings a refined look.

Like, our Pearl in a Circle Earring.

The Pearl in a Circle Earring is a minimalist piece of sterling silver jewelry. This is a piece of unique handmade jewelry made of sterling silver, or 18k gold plated combined with natural Mother of Pearl. The mother of pearl, a natural gemstone, gives this earring a color and accent that makes it a classic and timeless masterpiece. This pair of earrings is the best accessory for any kind of fashionwear. Since it is a piece of sterling silver jewelry, you can wear it every day.

Final Thoughts

There are infinite ways to wear pearls, and fortunately, these June birthstones are outstanding enough to complement your entire wardrobe. Plus, pearls work well with both casual and formal wear, so you can genuinely wear this June birthstone everywhere regardless of the dress code!

There is no surprise that anyone would be ecstatic to have pearls as their birthstone. Pearl, the June birthstone, boasts a rich history, a mythological background, and a unique position as an organic gemstone that comes from the animal kingdom.

If you were born in June, wear your pearl jewelry with pride! Check out our tremendous collection of nature-inspired Pearl sterling silver jewelry in our online store, Lotus Fun! Happy shopping!