June Birthstone: Pearl, Moonstone and Alexandrite

Three stones for one month

June is the month with the most birthstones in the current American list. Pearl and moonstone are in the 1912 list and the British list; alexandrite was added in 1952. The older list, for its part, offered cat’s eye, turquoise and agate.

These three stones have nothing in common, apart from an idea of moonlike clarity. Here is what you should know about them.

Pearl: a gem of animal origin

Pearl is not a stone: it is an organic gem, formed inside certain molluscs (pearl oysters, freshwater mussels) that coat an intruding particle with layers of nacre. It is made of calcium carbonate and an organic material. Its hardness (2.5 to 4.5) is low.

There are natural pearls, which are rare and very expensive, and cultured pearls, in which humans introduce the nucleus: this is the case for almost all pearls sold, since the Japanese Kokichi Mikimoto perfected cultivation at the end of the 19th century. Common types include Akoya, freshwater pearls, and Tahitian and South Sea pearls. A cultured pearl is a real pearl; it is an imitation only if it is made of glass or plastic.

Moonstone and alexandrite

Moonstone. It is a feldspar (orthoclase family), with a hardness of 6 to 6.5, which shows adularescence: a bluish or pearly white sheen that seems to float inside the stone as it is moved. It comes mainly from Sri Lanka, India and Madagascar. It cleaves easily and scratches more readily than quartz. The “rainbow moonstone” sold under that name is usually a white variety of labradorite.

Alexandrite. It is a variety of chrysoberyl (hardness 8.5) that changes colour: green in daylight, red-violet under incandescent lamp light. It was discovered in the Urals, in Russia, in the 1830s and, according to tradition, named after the future Tsar Alexander II. The Russian deposits are exhausted; it is found in Sri Lanka, Brazil and India. It is rare and expensive.

Traditional symbolism

Pearl, through its whiteness, evokes purity and wisdom in many cultures, which is why it is used in wedding jewellery. Moonstone is associated with the moon, with gentleness, cycles and intuition. Alexandrite, which changes colour, symbolises dual nature, the balance between shadow and light. These links are symbols of tradition and language, not facts.

A little history: why stones are added

The 1912 list kept pearl or moonstone for June. Why add alexandrite in 1952? The exact reasons are poorly documented. A commercial explanation is often put forward: to offer a wider choice, especially to those who could not afford a fine natural pearl. This is a hypothesis, not a certainty.

This development shows that lists move with the market: a rare stone, such as alexandrite, becomes a birthstone once it is available enough, and a stone that is no longer easy to find can disappear from a list. Birthstones are therefore a matter of taste as much as of history.

Other possible stones for June

• agate, from the older list;
• labradorite, for its bluish sheen close to that of moonstone;
• turquoise, from the older list (and a December stone);
• opal, with milky play of colour (an October stone).

Giving a June birthstone

Pearl is a classic piece of jewellery: a necklace, earrings or a ring. Freshwater pearls are very affordable. Moonstone is worn as a pendant or in a ring (better protected in a pendant), or kept as a tumbled stone. Genuine alexandrite is an exceptional gift; laboratory alexandrite is an honest alternative if it is presented as such.

See our necklaces, rings and gift ideas ranges.

Care, treatments and imitations

Pearl. It is vulnerable to acids (vinegar, lemon, acidic sweat), perfumes, hairspray, household products, dryness and knocks. Put it on last, after make-up and perfume; wipe it with a soft cloth after wearing; store it separately, in a soft pouch. No ultrasonic cleaning, no bathing. A pearl necklace should be restrung from time to time.

Moonstone. Lukewarm water and a soft cloth; no ultrasonic cleaning and no knocks (cleavage). Avoid storing it with harder stones.

Alexandrite. Sturdy and easy to care for (water, mild soap, cloth).

Imitations. “Pearls” made of glass with a pearly coating (known as Majorca pearls) or of plastic are common; a real cultured pearl feels slightly gritty when rubbed against the teeth. Bluish glass is sold under the name “opalite” or as moonstone; it is only glass. Finally, most cheap “alexandrites” are synthetic corundums or spinels that change colour: they are synthetics, not alexandrites. See our guide to choosing and caring for your stones.

Frequently asked questions

Also read

The meanings mentioned belong to tradition and symbolism. They are neither promises of results nor medical advice. Back to Guide to birthstones.