What is June Birthstone?

June Birthstones

June is a special month, uniquely graced with three captivating birthstones: Pearl, Alexandrite, and Moonstone. Each carries its own charm, rich history, and deep cultural symbolism. For those born in June, having such diverse options is truly a gift. Whether you're drawn to the classic sheen of pearls, enchanted by Alexandrite's color-shifting magic, or captivated by the mysterious glow of moonstone, June birthstones beautifully express your personality and style.

 

Pearl: A Gift from the Ocean  

Pearls are perhaps the most classic of June birthstones and the only gems naturally formed by living creatures — mollusks. The word "pearl" comes from the Old French "perle" and Latin "perna" (meaning "leg"), evocatively describing the shape of an opened mollusk shell, hinting at pearls' natural origins.

Pearls form through a natural miracle: when a tiny irritant like a grain of sand enters a mollusk's shell — such as an oyster or mussel — the animal secretes layers of calcium carbonate (pearl layers) around it to protect itself, eventually creating the pearl we admire. While many shelled mollusks can produce pearls, only certain bivalves create the iridescent layers needed for gem-quality pearls.

Today, about 99% of pearls on the market are cultured. This process involves human intervention, implanting beads or tissue inside oysters or freshwater mussels to encourage pearl formation similar to natural pearls. True natural pearls are extremely rare, taking years or even decades to form, making them priceless treasures.

Alexandrite: The Magic of Light  

Alexandrite, a rare variety of chrysoberyl, is one of the most precious and unique June birthstones. Discovered in 1834 during the coming-of-age of Russia's Tsar Alexander II, this gem takes its name from him.

What makes Alexandrite gem truly astonishing is its color-changing ability: it shifts dramatically from blue-green in daylight to purplish-red under incandescent light, much like a chameleon of the mineral world. This remarkable effect comes from trace amounts of chromium — the same element that colors emerald stones — and because these elements rarely combine just right in nature, Alexandrite is among the rarest gems on Earth.

Even more fascinating, when thin inclusions within the stone line up, Alexandrite gemstone can display a "cat's eye" effect, adding a layer of enchantment. Traditionally, Alexandrite gem is also the perfect gift for a 55th wedding anniversary, symbolizing unwavering love.

Moonstone: Moonlight Solidified  

The third birthstone for June, moonstone, is the most famed gem in the feldspar family, celebrated for its enchanting milky glow. Named after descriptions by Pliny the Elder, the ancient Roman naturalist, moonstone's shimmering appearance was likened to the changing phases of the moon.

Its surface reflects light in a way that mimics moonlight dancing on water, offering a dreamlike visual experience. This glow shifts with the angle of light, casting a soft, ethereal blue-white sheen that perfectly captures the spirit of June's summer nights, creating a scene as poetic as a moonlit dream.

Why Are Pearl, Alexandrite and Moonstone the Birthstones for June?

The selection of June’s birthstones reflects both a continuation of historical tradition and a deep connection between the gems' qualities and human culture. Pearls, alexandrite, and moonstone each carry special meanings tied to June, for these key reasons:

1. Cultural Symbols  

Pearls form in ocean or freshwater and naturally connect to June's water element—summer rains and abundant rivers. Symbolizing purity and elegance, pearls have long been favored as wedding jewelry, especially meaningful since June is a popular wedding month in Western countries, strengthening their association.

Alexandrite birthstone, rarer than diamonds, perfectly embodies the idea of uniqueness and good fortune for those born in June. Its shifting colors represent life's diversity and the energy of change.

Moonstone, tied to the moon goddesses Artemis and Selene in ancient Roman and Greek lore, reflects the full moons around the June solstice — considered a peak time of energy. In the 1990s, moonstone birthstone became popular among spiritual seekers as a symbol of intuition and balance, matching June's reputation as a season of transition and growth.

2. Modern Birthstone System  

In 1912, the National Association of Jewelers of America created the first standardized modern birthstone list. They chose pearls for their universal appeal and elegance, and moonstone for its harmony with June's summer moonlit nights, making both official birthstones for June.

By 1952, the Jewelers Industry Council of America expanded the list to include alexandrite stone as a June birthstone. This addition filled a color gap — while pearls and moonstones are mainly white or pale, alexandrite brings a magical, ever-changing spectrum, offering June-born individuals more vibrant options to express themselves.

June Birthstone Color

The World of Pearl Colors  

The finest pearls boast a natural reflective luster, usually creamy white, with a subtle rainbow-like glow. Thanks to modern cultivation techniques, pearls now come in a variety of colors: yellow, green, blue, brown, pink, purple, and even black. So-called "black pearls" — rare in nature and mostly farmed — aren't pure black but show deep shades of green, purple, blue, or silver.

The Color-Shifting Magic of Alexandrite  

Alexandrite gemstone is famous for its enchanting ability to change color depending on the light. In natural daylight, it glows blue-green, similar to an emerald gem, while under incandescent light, it shifts to a purplish-red, close to ruby gem. This dramatic change has earned it the poetic nickname "emerald by day, ruby by night". This unique trait comes from its rare chemical makeup, especially trace amounts of chromium — the same element that colors emerald birthstones. Because of these rare natural conditions, alexandrite remains one of the rarest and most valuable gemstones on Earth.

The Shimmering Charm of Moonstone  

Moonstone, a prized member of the feldspar family, features tiny layered structures that scatter light, creating a distinctive shimmering effect called "adularescence". The thickness of these layers affects the glow: thinner layers give off a blue sheen, while thicker layers appear white.  

Moonstone gems display a rich spectrum of colors, including yellow, gray, green, blue, peach, and pink, sometimes showing star-like or cat's eye optical effects. Gem experts agree that the most treasured moonstones are those with a blue glow on a colorless base, as they are rarer than other varieties.

June Birthstones History

The Royal Legend of Pearls  

Pearls have been cherished as decorative gems for thousands of years. In ancient Greece, they were romantically believed to be the tears of the gods. The oldest known pearl jewelry was uncovered in the tomb of a Persian princess dating back to 520 BCE, highlighting their long and storied past.

Because natural pearls were exceptionally rare in ancient times, only the wealthiest nobles could possess them. During the Byzantine Empire, laws even decreed that only the emperor could wear these precious gems. Ancient Egyptians often buried pearls with the deceased to accompany them into the afterlife.

The Tudor era in 16th-century England is often called the "Pearl Age" because pearls were highly sought after by the upper class. Many royal portraits from this period depict nobility adorned with pearl jewelry and dressed in garments embroidered with pearls to showcase their status.

One of the most famous natural pearls in history is the "La Peregrina", a 50.56-carat drop-shaped gem roughly the size of a pigeon's egg. Discovered in the 16th century in Panama Bay, it became a prized possession of European royalty. In 1969, Richard Burton gifted it to Elizabeth Taylor; later, in 2011, Christie's in New York auctioned its Cartier necklace setting for $11.8 million.

In the early 20th century, the commercial cultivation of saltwater cultured pearls in Asia made pearls more accessible. Since the 1920s, cultured pearls have almost entirely replaced natural pearls in the market, making this timeless gem affordable for a wide range of budgets.

The Tsar Connection of Alexandrite

The fascinating history of Alexandrite dates back to Tsarist Russia. It was first discovered around 1830 by a Finnish miner near the emerald mines along the Tokovaya River in the Ural Mountains. Initially mistaken for emerald, this gem's unique color-changing property under different lighting soon became apparent.

Legend has it the stone was named after Tsar Alexander II (1818–1881), as it was supposedly found on his birthday in 1834. The red and green hues of Alexandrite matched the Russian imperial flag, earning it the title of “National Stone” and imbuing it with noble and mysterious significance.

In the 19th century, Russian jewelers were captivated by this rare color-changing gem. American gemologist George Frederick Kunz of Tiffany & Co. also adored it, crafting a series of Alexandrite rings from the late 1800s to early 1900s. In Victorian England, Alexandrite occasionally appeared in fine jewelry.

Today, natural Alexandrite birthstone is even rarer than diamonds. Its scarcity makes high-quality stones a luxury only affordable to the very wealthy. Even lower-grade Alexandrite commands a steep price and is hard to find.

Since the 1960s, labs have produced synthetic Alexandrite. However, the complex and costly manufacturing process means even lab-grown versions remain expensive.

The Renaissance of Moonstone  

Moonstone has long been admired both as a beautiful ornament and a mysterious talisman. The ancient Romans deeply revered moonstone, believing it formed from crystallized moonlight. In Greco-Roman culture, moonstone is closely associated with the moon goddesses Diana (Roman) and Artemis (Greek).

Between 1890 and 1910, during the Art Nouveau movement, designers like René Lalique and Louis Comfort Tiffany featured moonstones in their high-end jewelry. In the late 19th century’s Arts and Crafts period, moonstones were also popular in fine handcrafted silverware. The 1960s hippie movement brought moonstone’s mystical appeal back into vogue, with a resurgence during the 1990s New Age spiritual trend.

In 1970, Florida designated moonstone as its state gem to honor the Apollo 11 moon landing and other space missions launched from Florida — though moonstone is neither found there nor on the moon’s surface.

The charm and value of moonstone birthstones have been treasured for centuries and remain popular and relatively accessible today. In parts of Europe, such as Germany and Scandinavia, moonstone is the preferred June birthstone, often favored even over pearl and Alexandrite.

June Birthstones Meanings

Pearl Birthstone Meaning

A Symbol of Purity and Love  

For a long time, pearls have been closely associated with purity, humility, and love. In Western traditions, pearls are often given as wedding gifts, making them one of the most popular birthstones in June worldwide. Their connection to purity likely stems from their aquatic origin — they come from the sea and are the only gemstones created by living organisms.

In ancient times, pearls were also believed to have healing powers. In the ancient Sanskrit text, the Atharvaveda, pearls were thought to promote longevity and prosperity. In Asian cultures, pearls were believed to aid digestion and stop bleeding. Some 19th-century Arab physicians even claimed that pearl powder could improve eyesight, calm nerve tremors, and ease depression.

Alexandrite Birthstone Meaning

The Stone of Change and Wisdom  

Known for its rarity and color-changing magic, alexandrite embodies qualities of mystery, creativity, and vitality. Folk beliefs hold that it brings good luck and boosts intelligence and creativity. Its shifting colors symbolize transformation and growth, reflecting the ever-changing journey of life.

In some cultures, alexandrite is also believed to balance the nervous system and soothe anxiety, helping wearers stay calm and wise through life's changes.

Moonstone Birthstone Meaning

A Vessel of Feminine Energy and Spirituality  

Moonstone’s name says it all — it radiates a mystical, rainbow-like glow reminiscent of moonlight shining over mysterious realms. Traditionally, moonstone represents feminine energy and has long been linked to the spiritual world and intuitive power.

Across many cultures, moonstone is connected with love, passion, and fertility and is seen as a protective stone that brings good fortune and abundance. Today, moonstone remains one of the most beloved June birthstones in Europe, admired as a symbol of strength and balance.

Long before moonstone was officially recognized as a June birthstone, ancient civilizations regarded it as sacred, believing it granted extraordinary insight and understanding. Some legends even say it could make one invisible or reveal the future.

Where to Find Junes Birthstones?

Pearl  Birthstones

Historically, natural pearls were found in seas around the world, but today, natural pearl harvesting is very limited, mainly confined to the Persian Gulf near Bahrain. Australia still maintains one of the few pearl-diving fleets, gathering natural pearls from the Indian Ocean.

Today, 99% of pearls on the market are cultured. China has become the world’s leading producer of freshwater cultured pearls. Akoya pearls are primarily farmed along the coastal areas of Japan and China, especially the southern coastal regions of Guangdong and Guangxi provinces. South Sea pearls are cultured across a wide area from northern Australia through Indonesia to Southeast Asia’s southern coasts, with large farms also in the Philippines.

The Gambier and Tuamotu Islands in French Polynesia are famous for their vividly colored black Tahitian pearls, prized for their unique dark hues and luster, making them gems treasured by collectors.

Alexandrite  Birthstones

Alexandrite, a relatively modern gemstone, was first discovered in the emerald mines of Russia’s Ural Mountains. Alexandrites from this historic Russian source set the gold standard for quality and value.

As the Ural deposits have been depleted, today’s Alexandrite birthstones mainly come from Sri Lanka, Brazil, and East Africa. While these newer sources produce fine stones, their colors tend to be less vivid and their color-change effect less dramatic compared to original Russian gems.

Moonstone  Birthstones

Moonstones come from a wide range of locations. The most common moonstones, made of feldspar, were named after an early mine near Switzerland’s Adula Mountains. The term "adularescence," describing the stone’s milky shimmer like moonlight dancing on water, comes from this place.

The finest traditional blue moonstones mostly come from Sri Lanka. These stones are colorless and transparent, glowing with a captivating blue sheen. Since the primary sources of high-quality blue moonstones are nearly exhausted, their market prices have soared in recent years.

Moonstones are also found in India, Australia, Myanmar, Madagascar, and the United States. Indian moonstones offer a wider color range — from brown to green to orange — more colorful and affordable than the classic blue moonstones.

In addition, Brazil and Tanzania have moonstone deposits, providing diverse sources for the global jewelry market.

June Birthstone Cleaning and Care

Pearl Birthstones

Pearls have a Mohs hardness of just 2.5 to 3.0, making them relatively soft gems that require gentle care. Always store pearl jewelry separately from other gemstones and metal pieces to prevent scratches. Never keep pearls in plastic bags, as plastics can release chemicals that harm their surface.

Most importantly, pearls are highly sensitive to heat and acidic environments. Avoid contact with perfumes, cosmetics, vinegar, or lemon juice, and don’t wear or store them in hot conditions for long periods. Experts recommend that pearls be the “last thing you put on and the first thing you take off” and suggest wearing them often to maintain their natural oils and moisture.

Alexandrite Birthstones  

Alexandrite has a relatively high Mohs hardness of 8.5—slightly softer than sapphire gemstone but much harder than garnet gemstone — making it a great choice for daily wear in rings and other jewelry. While gentle soap and water are best for cleaning, ultrasonic and steam cleaners are usually safe and won’t damage the gem.

However, be careful to avoid strong impacts and extreme temperature changes, as these can cause internal stress and cracks. It’s also wise to have a professional jeweler regularly check the setting.

Moonstone Birthstones  

Moonstone rates 6 to 6.5 on the Mohs scale and is relatively fragile, prone to stress cracks and cleavage under heat. Extra care is needed when wearing moonstone rings or bracelets. Many people prefer moonstones set in pins or pendants, where there’s less chance of damage.

Avoid ultrasonic and steam cleaners for moonstones—instead, use mild soapy water and a soft cloth to gently clean them. Store moonstones separately from other gems, ideally in a soft pouch or jewelry box.

How to Clean June Birthstones at Home:  

1. Prepare a bowl of warm water with a small amount of gentle, chemical-free soap.  

2. Use an ultra-soft brush (like a baby toothbrush) to gently clean the gemstone’s surface.  

3. Rinse thoroughly with clean water to remove all soap residue.  

4. Dry gently with a soft, lint-free cloth.  

Note: If cleaning in a sink instead of a bowl, always put a stopper in the drain to prevent the stone from slipping away by accident.

How to Buy June Birthstone Jewelry?

Pearl Birthstone Jewelry

Most pearls on today’s market are cultured, offering consumers a wide variety of choices. If you want to tell natural pearls from cultured ones, a professional gemologist can use X-rays to check: natural pearls are made entirely of concentric growth rings, while cultured pearls have a solid nucleus implanted inside, surrounded by layers of pearl.

Pearls are among the few gems not weighed in carats but judged mainly by size and quality. When choosing pearl jewelry, luster is the key factor. The finest pearls have a metallic shine that reflects light like a mirror.

Beware of imitation or shell pearls, often made from conch shells or glass, coated with a special fish-scale solution to mimic pearl luster. A simple test is rubbing two pearls together: smooth and frictionless may indicate fakes, while a slight gritty texture suggests real pearls, as genuine pearls’ surface layers create subtle friction.

Pearl sizes typically range from 3mm to 13mm. Since pearls don’t require cutting or polishing like most gems, finding a pair perfectly matched in size, color, and luster is harder and more costly. A strand of high-quality natural pearls can cost tens of thousands to millions of dollars. So, if you dream of flawless, round natural pearls, be patient and budget accordingly.

Alexandrite  Birthstone Jewelry

Like most gemstones, alexandrite is measured in carats. But unlike other colored stones, the strength of color change is more important than clarity — in fact, higher clarity can sometimes lessen the color-shifting effect.

Alexandrite’s extreme rarity, especially large, high-quality stones, makes it more valuable than most gems, including sapphires, rubies, emeralds, and diamonds. Top-tier Russian alexandrite can fetch over $10,000 per carat. Most Russian stones now reside in museums or private collections, with only the most discerning collectors able to afford the few available on the market.

Moonstone  Birthstone Jewelry

Moonstones are evaluated using the same 4Cs as diamonds: Color, Clarity, Cut, and Carat weight.

Traditionally, moonstones are cut into cabochons — smooth, high-domed shapes — to showcase their signature blue-white sheen. Large blue moonstones over 15 carats are rare, but moonstones with silvery-blue adularescence can weigh several hundred carats.

Generally, the clearer the moonstone and the stronger its blue sheen, the more valuable it is. Historically, the finest moonstones came from Sri Lanka, but as these sources dwindle, prices for classic blue moonstones have risen sharply. Indian moonstones offer a wider range of colors — brown, orange, green — and are more accessible and affordable. This variety ensures there’s a moonstone birthstone for every budget and taste.

It’s worth noting that there are no synthetic moonstones on the market. While materials like chalcedony and synthetic spinel may mimic moonstone's appearance, experts can easily spot these imitators.

June is a season of celebration — be it weddings, anniversaries, graduations, or birthdays — making June birthstone jewelry a meaningful way to mark these special moments. At LUO Jewelry, you’ll find these three unique and stunning birthstones, all exclusively designed by professional jewelers and crafted from genuine, precious natural gems.

LUO Jewelry’s pearl jewelry carry the ocean’s gift and symbolize purity; alexandrite jewelry tells a story of light’s magic and power; moonstone jewelry captures the poetry and spiritual allure of moonlight. Whichever June birthstone you favor, each conveys deep emotion in its own way, becoming a treasured gift and timeless keepsake.