June Birthstones
The official June birthstones are pearl, alexandrite, and moonstone. June is one of three months with three birthstones, offering distinct options that vary in appearance, symbolism, and durability.
Pearl is the traditional June birthstone, known for its soft luster and association with purity and wisdom. Alexandrite is prized for its rare color-changing properties, while moonstone is recognized for its glowing, moonlight-like sheen.
June Birthstone | Description | History | Meaning & Symbolism | Color | Hardness | Care |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Pearl | Traditional June birthstone; organic gem formed inside mollusks. | Prized for thousands of years; associated with royalty and traditional wedding gifts. | Purity, innocence, humility, wisdom, and prosperity. | White, cream, pink, black, gold, and other hues. | 2.5–4 Mohs; relatively soft and easily scratched. | Wipe with a soft, damp cloth. Avoid chemicals and store separately. |
Alexandrite | Rare variety of chrysoberyl known for changing color under different lighting. | Discovered in Russia's Ural Mountains in 1830 and named after Alexander II. | Good luck, intellect, transformation, and adaptability. | Green to bluish green in daylight; red to purplish red in incandescent light. | 8.5 Mohs; excellent toughness and suitable for daily wear. | Clean with warm, soapy water. Ultrasonic and steam cleaning are usually safe. |
Moonstone | Feldspar gemstone known for its floating, moonlight-like sheen, called adularescence. | Associated with ancient lunar deities and featured in Art Nouveau jewelry. | Love, passion, fertility, and good luck. | Colorless to various body colors, often with a white or blue sheen. | 6–6.5 Mohs; requires protection from impacts and heat. | Clean with warm, soapy water and a soft brush. Avoid ultrasonic and steam cleaning. |
Popular June Birthstone Jewelry
Pearl Birthstone
Pearl is the traditional June birthstone and is an organic gemstone formed inside freshwater or saltwater mollusks. Unlike mineral gemstones, pearls develop when a mollusk deposits layers of nacre around an irritant or implanted material. Natural pearls form without human intervention, while cultured pearls develop with human assistance.
History of the Pearl Birthstone
Pearls have been treasured for thousands of years. Natural pearls were collected from the Arabian Gulf at least 5,000 years ago, and pearl diving in the Red Sea dates back to at least 300 BCE.
Throughout history, pearls have inspired myths and traditions across cultures. Ancient Chinese folklore described pearls as originating from a dragon's brain, while some ancient Middle Eastern cultures believed they were tears from heaven.
Pearls were also associated with royalty and wealth. One famous example is La Peregrina, a natural pearl discovered in the Gulf of Panama during the 1500s that later belonged to European royalty and Elizabeth Taylor.
Today, most pearls used in jewelry are cultured rather than naturally occurring.
Pearl Birthstone Meaning & Symbolism
Pearls traditionally symbolize purity, innocence, humility, and wisdom. Their association with purity has made them a customary wedding gift and a symbol of new beginnings.
Pearl Birthstone Color
Pearls are most associated with white, but they occur in a wide variety of colors, including cream, pink, gold, black, blue, and purple.
Their appearance is distinguished by luster, the way light reflects from the pearl's surface and creates its characteristic glow.
Pearl Birthstone Hardness
Pearls rank 2.5 to 4 on the Mohs hardness scale, making them the softest of June's three birthstones. Their relatively low hardness means they can scratch more easily than alexandrite or moonstone.
Pearl jewelry requires gentle handling, particularly when worn alongside harder gemstones or metal jewelry.
Pearl Birthstone Care
Pearls require gentle cleaning and careful storage to preserve their surface and luster.
- Cleaning: Wipe pearls with a soft, damp cloth, ideally after each wear.
- Storage: Store pearls separately from other gemstones and metal jewelry to prevent scratches.
- Chemicals: Apply perfumes, hair products, and cosmetics before putting on pearl jewelry.
- What to Avoid: Do not store pearls in plastic bags, which may release chemicals that damage their surfaces.
Alexandrite Birthstone
Alexandrite is a variety of the mineral chrysoberyl and one of June's modern birthstones. It is best known for its remarkable ability to change color under different lighting conditions, typically appearing green in daylight and red under incandescent light. Natural alexandrite is exceptionally rare, particularly in larger sizes with a strong color change.
History of the Alexandrite Birthstone
Alexandrite was first discovered in the Ural Mountains in 1830. Initially mistaken for emerald, the gemstone attracted attention when its unusual color-changing properties became apparent.
Although the original deposits were eventually depleted, alexandrite has since been discovered in Brazil, Sri Lanka, and East Africa.
Alexandrite Birthstone Meaning & Symbolism
Alexandrite traditionally symbolizes good luck, intellect, transformation, and adaptability.
Its ability to shift between green and red under different lighting conditions has made it a symbol of balance and change.
Alexandrite Birthstone Color
Alexandrite is known for its color-changing effect, appearing green to bluish green in daylight or fluorescent light and red to purplish red under incandescent lighting.
The most prized alexandrite displays a strong, distinct color change with vivid hues in both lighting conditions. Some stones exhibit less dramatic color changes or more muted colors.
Alexandrite Birthstone Hardness
Alexandrite ranks 8.5 on the Mohs hardness scale, making it the hardest of June's three birthstones.
In addition to its hardness, alexandrite has excellent toughness and lacks cleavage, meaning it is less likely to split along structural planes when struck. These properties make alexandrite well-suited for everyday jewelry, including rings.
Alexandrite Birthstone Care
Regular cleaning and careful handling helps Alexandrite maintain its appearance.
- Cleaning: Use warm, soapy water to clean alexandrite jewelry.
- Ultrasonic Cleaning: Usually safe for alexandrite.
- Steam Cleaning: Generally safe for alexandrite.
- Daily Wear: Alexandrite's hardness and toughness make it suitable for frequently worn jewelry.
Moonstone Birthstone
Moonstone is one of June's modern birthstones and a gemstone belonging to the feldspar mineral group. It is best known for adularescence, an optical effect that creates a soft, floating glow across the gemstone's surface.
History of the Moonstone Birthstone
Moonstone has been associated with celestial traditions for centuries. In ancient Greek and Roman cultures, moonstone was connected to lunar deities, while Hindu mythology described the gemstone as being formed from solidified moonbeams.
Moonstone later became a prominent feature of Art Nouveau jewelry during the late 19th and early 20th centuries and experienced renewed popularity during the 1960s and again among New Age jewelry designers in the 1990s.
Moonstone Birthstone Meaning & Symbolism
Moonstone traditionally symbolizes love, passion, fertility, and good luck.
Its connection to lunar mythology has also contributed to beliefs surrounding emotional balance, intuition, and protection. Throughout history, moonstone was considered a gemstone of positive energy and good fortune.
Moonstone Birthstone Color
Moonstone is most recognized for its adularescence, a soft glow that appears to move across the gemstone as it is viewed from different angles.
The finest moonstones display a blue sheen against a colorless background. Other moonstones may exhibit different body colors and lighter, whitish optical effects.
Moonstone Birthstone Hardness
Moonstone ranks 6 to 6.5 on the Mohs hardness scale. It is harder than a pearl, but softer than alexandrite. Moonstone jewelry should be worn and handled with care.
Moonstone Birthstone Care
Moonstone requires gentle cleaning to protect its surface and structure.
- Cleaning: Use warm, soapy water and a soft brush.
- Ultrasonic Cleaning: Avoid ultrasonic cleaners, which may damage the gemstone.
- Steam Cleaning: Do not use steam cleaners on moonstone.
- Heat: Protect moonstone from high temperatures, which may cause cracking.
- Daily Wear: Handle moonstone carefully and protect it from hard impacts.
*Brilliant Earth does not carry moonstone.
June Birthstone FAQ
What color is the June birthstone?
June birthstones come in several colors. Pearls are commonly white but can also be cream, pink, gold, or black. Alexandrite changes from green to red tones under different lighting, while moonstone is best known for its blue or white sheen.
How many birthstones does June have?
June has three official birthstones: pearl, alexandrite, and moonstone. Each offers a distinct appearance, symbolism, and level of durability.
Why does June have three birthstones?
June has three birthstones because traditional birthstone lists have evolved to include additional gemstones. Pearl is the traditional June birthstone, while alexandrite and moonstone are recognized modern alternatives that offer different appearances and characteristics.
What is the traditional birthstone for June?
Pearl is the traditional birthstone for June. It has been associated with the month for generations and traditionally symbolizes purity, innocence, and wisdom.
What does the June birthstone symbolize?
June's birthstones symbolize different qualities. Pearls represent purity, innocence, and wisdom. Alexandrite is associated with good luck and transformation, while moonstone traditionally symbolizes love, passion, fertility, and good fortune.
Which June birthstone is best for everyday wear?
Alexandrite is generally the best June birthstone for everyday wear because it ranks 8.5 on the Mohs hardness scale and has excellent toughness. Moonstone and pearl are softer and require more careful handling, particularly when worn in rings.
What does the June birthstone look like?
June's birthstones have three distinct appearances. Pearls typically have a smooth, rounded shape with a soft luster. Alexandrite is a transparent gemstone that changes color under different lighting, while moonstone displays a floating, moonlight-like glow.
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