June is one of only two months that is associated with three birthstones. It gives the lucky people who are born in June a choice of three gemstones i.e. pearl, alexandrite, and moonstone. June’s birthstones can start from creamy-colored opalescent pearl and moonstone to the rare color-changing alexandrite i.e. one of the most valuable gemstones on earth.
These three June birthstones are very different from one another in their appearance, composition, rarity, and natural formation. Pearl is known for its organic origin and elegant luster, Moonstone is admired for its distinctive bluish-white sheen, while Alexandrite is especially valued for its remarkable color-changing effect.
Pearl – The First June Birthstone
Pearls have an organic origin. These beautiful white stones are created inside the shells of the oysters and clams. Some pearls are found naturally inside the mollusks that live in freshwater settings such as rivers and sea. Pearls are mostly made of aragonite, a soft carbonate mineral that makes up the shells of mollusks.
Pearls possess delicate translucence and luster that makes them more superior than other gemstones. The color of the pearl depends on the species of the mollusks that produced it. However, pearls are also found in the shades of black, lavender, green and mauve. Black pearls are found in the Gulf of Mexico.
Japan is famous for its cultured pearls. Everyone in Japan has heard of Mikimoto pearls, which is named after the creator of the industry, kokichi Mikimoto. The cultured pearls are bred in large numbers in Japan.
The largest pearl in the world is about three inches long and two inches across, weighing one-third of a pound. It is called the Pearl of Asia and it was a gift from Shah Jahan of India to his favorite wife, Mumtaz, for whom he also built the Taj Mahal.
As a June birthstone, Pearl is traditionally appreciated for its soft appearance, natural luster, elegance, and timeless appeal. Its organic origin also makes it unique compared with mineral gemstones.
Moonstone – The Second June Birthstone
Moonstone is the second birthstone of June. Moonstones are named for the bluish-white spots within them. When the stone is moved back and forth, the brilliant silvery rays appear to move about, like moonbeams playing over water. This gemstone belongs to the feldspar, an important group of silicate minerals that are commonly found in rocks. Rare geologic conditions produce gem varieties of feldspar such as moonstone, labradorite, amazonite, and Sunstone. They appeared as large clean mineral grains, which are found in pegmatites (coarse-grained igneous rock) and ancient deep crustal rocks.
Moonstone is one of the most distinctive June birthstones, particularly because of its beautiful optical effect and soft, glowing appearance. The stone has been appreciated for centuries for its connection with the moon and its dreamy, luminous visual appeal.
Alexandrite – The Third June Birthstone
June’s is the third birthstone is the alexandrite. Alexandrite possesses an enchanting chameleon-like personality and in the daylight, it appears as a beautiful green and sometimes bluish or brownish in appearance. It belongs to the Chrysoberyl family, mineral beryllium oxide in chemistry jargon. It contains the element beryllium, aluminum, and oxygen.
Alexandrite is an uncommon stone and therefore is an expensive stone. Sri Lanka is the main source of alexandrite and stone is also found in Brazil, Madagascar, Zimbabwe, and Tanzania. Synthetic alexandrite is a reddish-hued amethyst with a tinge of green. It is manufactured but the color change can be seen from natural to artificial lighting.
The distinctive color-changing property of Alexandrite is one of the primary reasons it is considered such a fascinating and valuable gemstone. Depending on the lighting conditions, the gemstone can display noticeably different colors, adding to its rarity and desirability.
Why Does June Have Three Birthstones?
Unlike many months that are traditionally associated with one or two birthstones, June offers three choices: Pearl, Moonstone, and Alexandrite. This gives people born in June a wider selection based on their preferred appearance, rarity, gemstone characteristics, and personal significance.
Pearl offers a classic and elegant look, Moonstone is recognized for its soft moon-like glow, and Alexandrite is valued for its rarity and remarkable color-changing appearance.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the three birthstones for June?
The three traditional birthstones associated with June are Pearl, Moonstone, and Alexandrite. Each gemstone has distinctive characteristics, appearance, origin, and level of rarity.
Which is the most valuable June birthstone?
Alexandrite is generally considered one of the most valuable June birthstones because natural Alexandrite is rare and is particularly prized for its distinctive color-changing effect.
Is Moonstone a June birthstone?
Yes, Moonstone is one of the three June birthstones. It is recognized for its bluish-white or silvery sheen, which can create a moonbeam-like appearance when the gemstone is viewed from different angles.
What is special about Pearl as a June birthstone?
Pearl is unique because it has an organic origin, unlike most gemstones that form as minerals within the earth. It is known for its delicate translucence, smooth appearance, and natural luster.
Can I choose any of the three June birthstones?
Yes. People born in June can choose between Pearl, Moonstone, and Alexandrite based on their preferred gemstone appearance, characteristics, rarity, and personal or astrological considerations.
