June Birthstones, Their Meanings and Significance

June Birthstones, Their Meanings and Significance

Uncover the enchanting world of Birthstones, their meanings and significance. Follow our website blog posts to learn about the birthstones for June. 

June is a unique month in the. birthstone world. The trifecta month.

June; Pearls, Alexandrite and Moonstone. June is a month of opalescence rich in symbolism and deep in color variations.

 

Let's start with Pearls. Probably most commonly associated with wealth and status. Pearls have adorned the clothes, bodies and crowns of world powers from the most ancient of civilizations. The oldest known Pearl jewelry dates back to 520BC which was discovered in the sarcophagus of a Parisian princess. Pearls are often passed down through generations, retaining their luster and carrying their stories. Pearls historically were found in the Persian Gulf, the waters around modern day Sri Lanka, Chinese lakes and rivers, European rivers and even in America. The over harvesting of pearls lead to a decline in natural sources. However, in the 1920's cultured Pearls were introduced into the market making Pearls attainable at almost any budget and almost completely replacing natural pearls.

Many cultures link Pearls to the moon, attributing mystical qualities to them. They have symbolized a wide range of things from protection from dragons 🐉 and fire to purity, chastity and modesty.

The timeless beauty of Pearls make them a popular gift for wedding celebrations. Gifts to the bridesmaids, heirloom passing to the bride 👰, new piece for the bride to start her adult journey with 🎁.

Pearls are also thought to have healing properties, long life, lasting prosperity, and the ability to alleviate various ailments. Because of all of these things and the long lasting beauty of Pearls, they continue to be treasured and revered.

Care of Pearls is different than any other gemstone because it does not belong to a mineral species. Pearls are a biogenic product produced by several species of mollusks. Due to this they are not as durable as most gemstones. Their rank at a 2.45-4 on the Mohs (hardness scale) and a toughness rating of fair to good. They should not be exposed to chemicals, heat or intense light and should never be cleaned in an ultrasonic or steam cleaner. This said they are still most commonly passed down through many generations.

 

Next is the Alexandrite.

 

This color changer was first found in 1830 in Russia's Ural Mountains. It was named after...you guessed it  Czar Alexander II😉

It gained popularity very quickly due to its color changing appearance. If viewed with incandescent light, it's colors show to be reddish purple, in natural or flouresent light it shows off lovely green colors.

Physical beauty aside, Alexandrite is often associated, because of its dramatic color changing show, duality and balance. Alexandrite is also believed to enhance intuition and creativity, bringing harmony between the physical and spiritual worlds. In the greek understanding of metaphysical sense, it is thought to promote emotional resilience and self-confidence, making it a powerful talisman for transformation and growth.

Newly mined Alexandrite comes primarily from Brazil, Sri Lanka, and East Africa, the finest quality stones with the most beautiful color display come from 19th century Russia.

Care of your Alexandrite is as follows; Alexandrite is a member of the chrysoberyl species of minerals. It ranks at an 8.5 on the Mohs hardness scale and possesses a toughness rating of excellent. Due to these factors as well as Alexandrite being generally stable around heat and chemicals, Alexandrite is an ideal gemstone for daily wear. When cleaning, it is also usually safe with ultrasonic and steam cleaners.

 

And Moonstone~   

Known for its adularescence, a captivating light effect that appears to glide across the stone. Moonstone has been cherished for its unique glow🌟. The finest Moonstone exhibits a blue sheen against a colorless background. Throughout history, Moonstone has been featured in the works of great designers from the Art Nouveau era , the “flower child” 🌸 movement of the 1960's and the New Age designs of the 1990s. Major sources of Moonstone include India, Sri Lanka, Brazil, Madagascar, Myanmar, Tanzania, and parts of the United States like New Mexico, North Carolina, and Virginia.

Some cultures have associated this gemstone with moonlight 🌓, attributing its adularescence to the mystical glow of the moon. In Hindu mythology, it is believed to be made of solidified moonbeams, and it is often linked with love, passion, fertility, and good fortune. Legends suggest that holding a Moonstone in one’s mouth during a full moon can reveal the future. Historically called adularia after Mt. Adular in Switzerland — one of the first sources of high-quality Moonstone — this gemstone has long been a symbol of ethereal beauty and mystical powers.

Car of your Moonstones entails the following; As a member of the orthoclase feldspar species, Moonstone has certain care considerations that should be kept in mind. It has a Mohs hardness rating of 6–6.5 and a toughness rating of poor. It is stable with light, however, it should avoid exposure to heat and chemicals. Never use Moonstone with an ultrasonic or steam cleaner. If taken care of properly, no one should be concerned about the safety of their Moonstone.

Back to blog