The June Birthstones: Pearl, Alexandrite & Moonstone

処理...

There are only two months with three official birthstones, and June is one of them! What are the 3 gemstones for June? The official June birthstones are moonstone, pearl, and alexandrite.

June was called Junius or lunius in ancient Rome, named after the goddess of marriage, Juno, or the Latin iuniores meaning "youth.”

Ancient celebrations in June included the Rosalia (festival of roses), Vestalia (honoring goddess of the hearth Vesta and re-purifying Rome), and the summer solstice (first day of summer).

The summer solstice is still celebrated today, along with modern June holidays like Father’s Day, LGBTQ+ Pride Month, and International Children’s Day.

June represents excitement, balance, and rejuvenation. It’s also associated with marriage, with wedding season peaking in June.

Reflecting these ideals are the three June birthstones: alexandrite, pearl, and moonstone. Today, we’ll go over the history, properties, and allure of these June birthstones.

Pictured above: Moonstone ring

Historical & Cultural Significance of June Birthstones

You’re probably wondering: why are there 3 birthstones for June? Well, there weren't always three.

June Birthstone Changes Over Time

Early birthstone lists derived from Biblical texts interpreted June birthstones as agate or emerald, now May birthstones.

Kicking off formalized modern birthstone lists, Tiffany & Co. published a pamphlet of “Gregorian Birthstone Poems” in 1870, credited to an “unknown author,” with pearl for June.

The first official standardized list, created by the National Association of Jewellers (now the Jewellers of America) in 1912, listed pearl first with moonstone as the alternative. This listing was also reflected in the 1937 UK list from the National Association of Goldsmiths.

The Jewelry Industry Council of America modified the 1912 list in the 1950s to add alexandrite for June.

Why did June’s birthstone change? Alexandrite was a relatively new gem, and one theory is that jewelers believed alexandrite was more abundant than pearl, which is not true today.

Next, let’s look at each semi-precious gemstone’s individual history.

Pictured above: 3rd-century ancient Roman gold hair ornament set with pearls, emeralds, and sapphires; Displayed at British Museum | Image credit: Vassil, Public domain

Pearls in Ancient Civilizations and Mythology

The oldest written record of pearls dates back to 2206 BC, when freshwater pearls were gifted to Chinese royalty. The oldest known pearl jewelry dated around 420 BC is the “Susa Pearls” necklace. Archeological evidence also points to prehistoric mother of pearl uses in the Indus Valley and Sri Lanka.

Ancient Greeks associated pearls with grandeur, believing the birthstones formed from the tears of Aphrodite, the goddess of love who was similarly born from the sea according to myths. Similarly, ancient Japanese legends claimed pearls originated from the tears of mermaids or nymphs.

Ancient Romans called pearls margaritae or unio. They used pearls as status symbols, only worn by the wealthy and noble.

In ancient Egypt, pearls were linked to Isis, goddess of healing, and placed in tombs. One famous story is that Cleopatra won a bet with Marc Antony by putting one of her pearl earrings in vinegar and drinking it!

One Hindu legend says that pearls were fallen lunar dewdrops that fell from the moon. Another Hindu myth about the pearl’s origin is that the god Krishna found the first pearl and gave it to his daughter as a wedding gift to protect her from becoming a widow and ensure a successful, long marriage.

Additionally, pearl origins in Vedic texts were that Earth’s waters and divine energy conceived the pearl, then fertilized it with lightning.

In Islam, the Quran describes pearls as adorning Paradise as fruits and crowns given to those entering heaven.

Other interpretations of this June birthstone’s meaning included protection from fire in ancient China and representation of purity in Europe.

Pictured above: Chinese gold ornament with moonstones, dated 960-1279 Song Dynasty; Displayed at Metropolitan Museum of Art | Image credit: Met Museum, Public domain

Ancient to Modern Moonstone History

Moonstone’s name is inspired by its adularescence, appearing to glow from within like soft moonlight.

Ancient Roman legends say moonstone formed when beams of moonlight hardened and was gifted by moon goddess Diana. They gazed into the stone to see Diana and receive her love and wisdom.

Ancient Greeks called the stone Aphroselene, a portmanteau of Aphrodite and moon goddess Selene. They also associated moonstone with Hecate, goddess of magic, and Artemis, goddess of the hunt and chastity.

In ancient India, moonstones were said to glow or dim from the forehead of the moon goddess Chandra (or moon god Ganesh) with the moon’s waxing or waning phases.

According to an Asian myth, blue moonstones wash to shore every 21 years. Ancient East Asians hung moonstones in trees to promote bountiful harvests and believed the gem’s shifting internal light indicated a spirit living inside.

Travelers also used moonstone talismans for protection, inspiring the June birthstone’s nickname “traveler’s stone.”

Pictured above: An excellent, classic reference example of alexandrite from Urals Region, Russia, with stout form, some edge wear, internal gemminess, but nevertheless shows color change; Included with label dated to 1850 | Image credit: Rob Lavinsky, iRocks.com – CC-BY-SA-3.0

Alexandrite's Journey from Russia to the World

Alexandrite is the most recently discovered June birthstone. The color-changing red and green gem was discovered in Russia’s Ural Mountains in 1834 and named after Alexander II, the soon-to-be Czar upon his upcoming 16th birthday.

Stories differ on who discovered and named alexandrite first. It was either Finnish mineralogist Nils Gustaf Nordenskiöld, Ural Mine manager Vasilevich Kokovin, German mineralogy professor Gustav Rose, or Russian mineralogist Count L.A. Perovskii. Regardless, Count L.A. Perovskii gave Alexander II the gem for his birthday on April 29.

Russia was the only source, although their mines were nearly empty by the 1890s. Brazil became another source in 1987, followed by Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe.

Russian alexandrite became a symbol of prestige and national pride, coincidentally reflecting Russian military colors. Alexander II was reported to wear an alexandrite ring talisman daily.

Other cultures interpreted the June birthstone’s color changes as indicators of danger.

History? Check. Now we’ll look closer at these birthstone’s colors and unique traits.

Pictured above: Pink akoya pearls

Pearls: The Gems of the Sea

Arguably the “classic” June birthstone, pearls are inarguably unique. For one, they’re mineraloids (not minerals) and one of few organic gemstones, meaning gems made by a living organism.

In this case, pearls are made inside mollusks when an irritant like sand gets into the creature’s shell. The mollusk secretes layers of nacre around the irritant. The nacre is composed of calcium carbonate (calcite, aragonite, or both). The built-up nacre layers create the signature “pearlescent” luster.

The rarity of this June birthstone is exclusive to natural pearls, which grow in the wild without human intervention. Most pearl gemstones today are cultured pearls, which grow the same way but the irritants are inserted by humans on pearl farms.

Natural pearls are typically small and irregularly shaped, while cultured pearls are often round or close to round. You can always verify your pearl birthstone’s origin by sending it to a lab like the GIA.

Pearl Types & Value

Some of the most popular types of pearls are:

Akoya: First and usually highest-quality cultured pearl; Slower nacre layer build-up, meaning better luster and rounder shape; Often bleached & dyed white with rose overtones
Freshwater: Formed by freshwater mollusks, usually cultivated; Typically thicker nacre, more irregularly shaped, and lower luster but fancier colors than saltwater pearls
Saltwater: Formed by saltwater mollusks, usually cultivated; Historical standard for beautiful pearls
South Sea: Cultured from silver- or gold-lipped saltwater oysters; Thicker nacre & larger than Akoyas; Usually white, cream, or golden color
Tahitian: Cultured from black-lipped saltwater oysters mainly in French Polynesia; Only naturally black pearls, but but often dark green or gray; Can be white, blue, silver, purple, or yellow; Display iridescence called “orient”

The biggest value factor is natural vs. cultured — natural pearl June birthstones are significantly pricier.

Alexandrite: The Chameleon Gem

Alexandrite is a chrysoberyl variety where some of the aluminum is replaced by chromium. It’s known for being color-changing, caused by those chromium impurities.

What is this June birthstone’s color? The best alexandrites are emerald-green in daylight and reddish-purple under incandescence, inspiring the moniker “Emerald by day, ruby by night.” Most of these are Russian.

Other color-changes include yellow or peach to hot pink or blue-green to magenta. Sri Lankan alexandrite is often olive-green, while Brazilian alexandrite is often paler.

The main part of alexandrite’s value is the purity, degree, and proportion of color-change.

Cat's eye alexandrites are especially rare and valuable.

Moonstone: Luminous Beauty & Colors

Among the three June birthstones, moonstone is most accessible but no less stunning.

Moonstone has alternating, thin layers of feldspars albite and oligoclase or orthoclase. When light enters these layers, it causes moonstone’s signature floating, internal glow called “adularescence.”

The best moonstones are colorless with pure blue adularescence. But the June birthstone’s color also includes shades like peach, green, and orange.

Most moonstones are cut into cabochons, but faceting moonstones can hide flaws and enhance sparkle. Other moonstone cuts include beads and carvings.

That covers mineralogy and appearance, so it’s time to examine June birthstones and their meanings.

Pictured above: Tahitian pearl necklace

Pearls: Symbolism and Significance

Throughout history, pearls have been associated with femininity, wisdom, and transformation.

Femininity

The pearl’s ethereal appearance and aquatic origins have inspired associations with the moon, femininity, and water. The moon and tides are tied to traditionally feminine ideals of tapping into one’s changing emotions.

Pearls’ lunar side is believed to enhance intuition and connect you to spiritual realms. Additionally, pearl healing stones are traditionally used for fertility, hormone imbalance, and easier childbirth.

Wisdom

The attachment between pearls and knowledge is exemplified in the phrases “pearls of wisdom” meaning sage advice or “do not cast pearls before swine” meaning wisely not offering something valuable to those who won’t appreciate it.

In the Bible, pearls usually represent the value of wisdom. Hindu, Taoist, and Buddhist philosophies mention “flaming pearls” as symbolizing spiritual wisdom. Some ancients believed pearls contained life’s lessons and guided the dead through the afterlife.

The June birthstone’s “hiddenness” and formation also represents wisdom gained from experience.

Transformation

Pearls take years to form, usually starting from a grain of sand and developing into a gorgeous gemstone. Unsurprisingly, these June birthstones represent transformation.

Quoting motivational speaker Susan C. Young: “The oyster has taken what was at first an irritation and intrusion and uses it to enrich its value.”

Ancient Asians believed pearls symbolized a soul’s journey to perfection. Tarot readers connect the pearl to The Fool’s journey as a path of self-discovery.

Alexandrite's Mystique and Metaphysical Properties

Alexandrite doesn’t have as much lore, but it’s still become meaningful.

Like pearl, alexandrite symbolizes transformation. The June stone is said to be rejuvenating, helping you embrace the changes of life.

The color-changing stone also represents balance, be it emotional balance, physical and spiritual balance, or simply remaining grounded.

Other associations with alexandrite include good fortune, success, and creativity.

Moonstone Meanings & Powers

Moonstone shares metaphysical properties with pearls, with ties to femininity, wisdom, and the moon.

Historically, magicians strategically used moonstones for spells based on the moon’s current phase. Many mystics use moonstone as a focus tool during meditation. Crystal healers recommend moonstone for treating insomnia.

Moonstone is also indicative of love and marriage.

One Indian tradition involves couples putting the June birthstone in their mouth during a full moon to see their future. Both ancient Greeks and Indians held beliefs that moonstones facilitated foresight.

For those without a partner, one legend said you could attract your true love by setting the intention with a moonstone during a full moon and keeping it with you until the next full moon.

Celebrating Life's Moments with June Birthstones

Wondering what the most popular June birthstone is?

For most jewelry, pearls are queen. However, alexandrite is more common for June birthstone rings, and moonstone is the most widely available.

Astrologically, what is the birthstone for June and Gemini? Alexandrite is the best June-born Gemini birthstone, fulfilling their craving for balance.

For June-born Cancers, moonstone and pearl tie perfectly to Cancer’s ruling planetary body (the moon) and enhance the sign’s natural intuition.

Gifting a June birthstone is a meaningful gesture for celebrating a loved one.

Options range from June birthstone jewelry to birthstone-encrusted rose decor (the June flower) to a painting of the giftee’s favorite June crystal.

Pictured above: Cultured saltwater pearl necklace

Which June Jewel is Your Favorite?

June represents love, excitement, and balance, which are exemplified by alexandrite, moonstone, and pearl. These gems each have their own appeal, plus their varied appearances and price points mean there’s a perfect June birthstone for any budget!

Find traditional and alternative June birthstones from our hundreds of gemstones available!

Moonstone

Pearls

Alexandrite

6月に生まれた場合は、幸運にも3つの誕生石を楽しむ2か月のうちの1つで生まれることができます。 6月と12月の両方で生まれた人は、複数の誕生石の中から選ぶことができます。あなたが幸福、成功、幸運、そして知恵を切望するなら、あなたはこれらの宝石で健康の世界にいます！

6月の誕生石とは何ですか？

6月の誕生石は、パール、アレキサンドライト、ムーンストーンです。

それぞれの石には独自の歴史があり、意味や象徴性もあります。この記事では、3つの誕生石すべてについて説明しますので、読み続けて詳細を確認してください。

video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v2PJNAbPgU8

6月の誕生石＃1：パール

私たちの最初の6月の誕生石である真珠は、有機宝石であるため、本当にユニークです。つまり、生き物の殻の中で形成されます。

軟体動物は海や川の海岸線や海底に生息し、砂粒や小石などの刺激物が軟体動物の殻に入ると、その周りに層を分泌して身を守ります。

刺激を止めるために、軟体動物は炭酸カルシウムで刺激物を覆います。刺激物を1、2年覆った後、かつては厄介だった砂粒が、きらきらと輝く乳白色の真珠になりました。

歴史と起源

有機宝石として、真珠の起源について言うことはあまりありません。それらはカキで形成され、人間によって収集されます。

歴史を通して、真珠に対する私たちの認識は変化しました。以前は、真珠は周りで最も価値のある石のいくつかと考えられていました。

それらは1900年代には非常にまれであり、したがって社会の最も裕福なメンバーだけがそれらを身に着けているのを見ただけの価格を命じました。しかし今日では、真珠は非常に一般的であり、ネックレスなどのジュエリーのアクセサリーとして使用されています。

意味と象徴性

真珠を育てる退屈なプロセスは、この6月の誕生石が経験を通じて得られた知恵を表す理由を説明しています。真珠は静けさも表しており、人々は心を落ち着かせる効果のために真珠に引き寄せられます。

歴史を通して、人々は胃のむかつきや消化管の問題を治療するために真珠を身につけることで癒しを見つけてきました。古代エジプトの文化と中国の文化では、真珠粉は炎症を起こした肌やにきびを和らげるための強力な強壮剤として機能しました。

真珠が女性らしさを呼び起こすことに気づいたことがありますか？その明るい外観のために、人々は自然に真珠を月に例えます。それらの水っぽい起源は、海、美しさ、そして純粋さ、すべて伝統的に女性中心の特徴を思い起こさせます。これらの信念が、パールジュエリーが人気のブライダルギフトである理由です。

お手入れ

有機宝石として、真珠はたくさんの新鮮な空気を必要とします。ですので、お好きなだけ着ていただくことをお勧めします。

ただし、この誕生石の欠点の1つは、吸収性があることです。これは、日焼け止めなど、肌に塗った可能性のあるパーソナルケア製品を吸収する可能性が高いことを意味します。そのため、肌に何か他のものがある場合は、真珠を着用する前に約30分待つことをお勧めします。

6月の誕生石を着用した後は、湿らせた柔らかい布で拭き取り、乾いた布で手で乾かすことをお勧めします。また、他のジュエリーと一緒に真珠を着用することは避けてください。傷がつく可能性があります。

パールについてもっと知る

6月の誕生石＃2：アレキサンドライト

6月の3つの誕生石の中で、アレキサンドライトは、6月の占星術の兆候であるふたご座の星座と最も一致しています。

ふたご座のシンボルは双子です。ふたご座は性格特性に顕著な二重性を持っていることが多いからです。同様に、アレキサンドライトは、光の中で色を変える能力があるため、カメレオンストーンと呼ばれています。

日光の下では、アレキサンドライトは鮮やかな緑または青緑色に見えます。日暮れに来て、石の色は鮮やかな赤または紫に深まります。ご覧のとおり、このカラーシフトの二重の性質は、アレキサンドライトとジェミニスの対照的な品質を照らしています。

歴史と起源

1830年にロシアのエメラルド鉱山で発見されたアレキサンドライトは、すぐにロシア貴族のお気に入りの石になりました。その人気のために、ロシアのアレキサンドライトの事実上すべてが19世紀に採掘されました。運や宇宙の介入によって、アレキサンドライトは、鉱夫がスリランカに大量の鉱床を発見するまで、ほとんど絶滅しました。

意味と象徴性

このように、アレキサンドライトの誕生石は幸運と幸運を象徴しています。一度に2色になることができるため、アレキサンドライトはストレスの多い状況をバランスよく中和すると多くの人が信じています。多くの場合、クラウンチャクラに関連付けられている、この神秘的な6月の誕生石は、直感、想像力、創造性を活用するために、宇宙とのライフラインを形成します。

アレキサンドライトが印象的な宝石であることは簡単にわかりますが、それが多くの強力な癒しの特性を持っていることをご存知ですか？内面の強さと身体的エネルギーを回復する能力があるため、多くの人が手術や病気から回復した人にそれらを与えます。クリスタルヒーリングの多くの施術者は、アレキサンドライトを使用して、膵臓、脾臓、および神経学的問題を支援します。