The Birthstones of June: Pearl, Alexandrite, and Moonstone
June is one of the few months that boast three unique birthstones, each with its own distinct beauty, energy, and properties. The trio—pearl, alexandrite, and moonstone—offers a fascinating range of colors, characteristics, and historical significance, making them cherished by gem enthusiasts and those born in this summer month alike.
Pearls
Beauty
Pearls are renowned for their timeless elegance and natural luster. Unlike most gemstones formed in the Earth's crust, pearls are organic, created within the soft tissue of living mollusks. Their beauty lies in their smooth, rounded surfaces and the captivating way they reflect light, displaying an iridescence known as orient. Pearls can range in color from the classic white and cream to shades of pink, blue, gold, and black.
Energy and Properties
Pearls are often associated with purity, serenity, and wisdom. Historically, they have been considered symbols of wealth and status. Their gentle energy is believed to enhance personal integrity and help provide a sense of calm and balance. Pearls are also said to promote faith, loyalty, truth, and purity, making them a popular choice for bridal jewelry and gifts to mark significant life events.
Care
Given their organic nature, pearls require special care to maintain their luster. They should be stored separately from other jewelry to prevent scratching and cleaned with a soft, damp cloth after being worn.
Alexandrite
Image credit: Copeland Jewelers.
Beauty
Alexandrite is a rare and captivating gemstone known for its remarkable color-changing ability. This chameleon-like gem appears green in daylight or fluorescent light and transforms to a purplish-red under incandescent light. This dramatic shift in color is due to the complex way alexandrite absorbs light, and it is often described as "emerald by day, ruby by night."
Energy and Properties
Alexandrite is associated with balance and transformation. Its ability to change color is thought to symbolize the dual nature of life and the necessity of balance between the physical and spiritual realms. Alexandrite is believed to bring good fortune, joy, and creativity to its wearer. It is also thought to aid in self-discipline, helping individuals to focus and achieve their goals.
Image credit: Copeland Jewelers.
Care
Alexandrite, being a durable gemstone, ranks 8.5 on the Mohs hardness scale. It can be cleaned using warm, soapy water and a soft brush. However, like all gemstones, it should be protected from hard knocks and extreme temperatures to maintain its beauty.
Moonstone
Image courtesy of: Geologyscience.com
Beauty
Moonstone is adored for its ethereal glow and mystical appearance. This gem exhibits a phenomenon known as adularescence, a soft, billowy light that seems to float just beneath the surface, reminiscent of moonlight on water. Moonstone can be found in a variety of colors, including blue, peach, gray, and rainbow, with the most prized specimens displaying a strong blue sheen.
Image courtesy of: Geologyscience.com
Energy and Properties
Moonstone is often linked to intuition, inspiration, and feminine energy. It is considered a stone of new beginnings and is thought to promote inner growth and strength. Moonstone's calming energy is said to soothe emotional instability and stress, enhancing emotional intelligence. It is also believed to attract good fortune and love, making it a popular choice for romantic gifts.
Image courtesy of: Geologyscience.com
Care
Moonstone is relatively soft, ranking between 6 and 6.5 on the Mohs hardness scale. It should be handled with care to avoid scratches and chips. Cleaning should be done with mild soap and water, and moonstone should be stored in a soft pouch away from harder gemstones.
Conclusion
June's birthstones—pearl, alexandrite, and moonstone—offer a captivating array of beauty and metaphysical properties. Pearls embody purity and serenity, alexandrite dazzles with its color-changing magic and symbolizes balance, and moonstone enchants with its mystical glow and emotional healing properties. Whether for their aesthetic appeal or their energetic qualities, these gemstones provide a rich tapestry of meaning and allure for those born in June and for gem lovers worldwide.