What Is June's Birthstone?
Welcome to the enchanting world of birthstones! Did you know that each month is associated with a specific gemstone? These precious stones have been revered for centuries and are believed to hold mystical powers and healing properties.
June, the month of summer and sunshine, has its very own unique birthstone – pearl. But wait, is it just one stone or are there others? You may be surprised to learn that June has three different gems associated with it: pearls, alexandrite, and moonstone.
In this blog post, we'll explore what is June's birthstone and the fascinating stories behind each one. So, let's dive in and discover the magical world of June's birthstones.
What Is June’s Birthstone?
First of all, let's clarify what we mean by "birthstone". Birthstones are gems that are traditionally associated with a specific month in the year. These stones may vary from culture to culture, but they have become widely accepted and celebrated around the world.
June's birthstones are pearl, alexandrite, and moonstone. Each of these gems has its unique characteristics, meaning, and significance. Let's take a closer look at each one below.
Jun's Birthstone: Pearl
To begin with, let's unravel the mysteries of the pearl – the main birthstone for June. Pearls are unique among gemstones because they are formed by living creatures – oysters.
History and Meaning
The allure of pearls dates back to ancient civilizations, where they were considered the ultimate symbol of wealth and sophistication. In Ancient Rome, pearls were so highly esteemed that Julius Caesar once enacted a law limiting the wearing of pearls exclusively to the ruling classes.
In many other cultures, they were associated with the moon and were believed to hold celestial powers. Throughout history, pearls have been worn by royalty, featured in religious ceremonies, and sought after by collectors.
Contrary to gemstones that require mining, pearls' formation by living organisms – primarily oysters – is a miracle that captivated humans for centuries. Their lustrous surface and subtle, iridescent glow have led them to be symbols of purity, humility, and innocence, often being gifted as tokens of love and commitment.
For those born in June, pearls are believed to bring good fortune and protection, adding to their charm and mystique.
Location to find
Pearls are primarily found in oyster beds scattered across oceans, seas, and freshwater bodies around the world. The most renowned sources of saltwater pearls are the warm waters of the Persian Gulf, the coasts of Australia, and Japan.
These regions are famous for producing the highly prized Akoya, Tahitian, and South Sea pearls. Freshwater pearls, on the other hand, are predominantly farmed in lakes and rivers, particularly in China, which is the largest producer of freshwater pearls today.
Each environment contributes to the unique characteristics and qualities of the pearls. Saltwater pearls are generally more lustrous and round, while freshwater pearls come in an array of shapes and sizes.
The location and conditions in which an oyster lives significantly impact the nacre's development, influencing the pearl's ultimate beauty and value.
Color
Pearls come in a stunning array of colors, each carrying its unique charm and appeal. The most traditional and commonly recognized color is white, often seen in classic pearl jewelry.
However, pearls can also exhibit shades of cream, pink, silver, and gold. The rarest and most exotic colors include black pearls from Tahiti, which display deep shades of blue, green, and purple.
The color of a pearl is influenced by several factors, including the species of the mollusk that produced it, the environment in which it grew, and the type of nucleus implanted during the culturing process. Some pearls exhibit overtones, which are secondary colors that add depth and complexity to the primary hue.
For instance, a white pearl with a pink overtone has a subtle hint of pink shimmering on its surface. The diversity of pearl colors allows for a wide range of jewelry designs, catering to varied tastes and preferences.
Care and Cleaning
Caring for pearls requires gentle handling and thoughtful maintenance to preserve their luster and integrity. Unlike harder gemstones, pearls are delicate and can be easily damaged by improper care.
It is essential to avoid exposing pearls to extreme temperatures, acidic substances, or harsh chemicals, which can erode their nacre. When not being worn, pearls should be stored in a soft, cushioned pouch away from other jewelry to prevent scratches.
Regular cleaning is also crucial; this should be done using a soft, damp cloth to wipe away any oil, sweat, or dirt. For a more thorough cleaning, soaking pearls in lukewarm, mild soapy water is recommended, followed by gentle drying with a soft cloth.
Professional cleaning and restringing services can be sought for pearl necklaces to ensure they remain secure and pristine over time.
Jun's Birthstone: Alexandrite
Move over pearls; it's time to meet June's other birthstone – alexandrite.
History and Meaning
Alexandrite is a remarkable gemstone with a unique characteristic that sets it apart from all other gems; it changes color based on the lighting conditions. Discovered in the Ural Mountains of Russia in the 1830s, alexandrite exhibits a stunning green hue in natural daylight and transforms into a deep red or purplish red under incandescent light.
This intriguing phenomenon is due to the mineral's complex chemical composition, primarily chrysoberyl-containing chromium. Named after the Russian Tsar Alexander II, alexandrite quickly became a symbol of royal prestige and rarity.
Location to find
Alexandrite is a rare gemstone primarily found in Russia, Sri Lanka, East Africa, Brazil, India, and Madagascar. However, most of these deposits have been depleted over time due to its high demand and limited supply.
The quality and value of alexandrite are determined by the intensity of its color change – from red under incandescent light to green or blue-green under natural or fluorescent light. The most valuable alexandrite is those that have a strong and distinct color change, with high clarity and little to no visible inclusions.
Color
The most distinctive feature of alexandrite is its color-changing ability. Its primary colors are green, yellow-green, and blue-green in daylight and purplish-red under incandescent light. The intensity of the color change varies depending on the size and quality of the gemstone.
Larger alexandrite stones tend to exhibit a more pronounced color shift compared to smaller ones. The rarity and uniqueness of alexandrite's color-changing properties make it a highly sought-after gemstone for collectors and connoisseurs alike.
Care and Cleaning
Alexandrite ranks 8.5 on the Mohs scale of hardness, making it durable for everyday wear. However, its natural rarity and value require proper care to preserve its beauty and brilliance.
Like other gemstones, alexandrite should be kept away from extreme heat and chemicals that can damage or alter its color-changing properties. It is also best to avoid exposing alexandrite to prolonged periods of intense sunlight as this can impact its color change over time.
Regular cleaning with warm soapy water and a soft cloth is recommended to keep alexandrite looking its best.
Jun's Birthstone: Moonstone
Last but certainly not least, the third birthstone for June is the moonstone.
History and Meaning
Moonstone, the third birthstone for June, has a rich history entwined with mythology and symbolism. Revered since ancient times, moonstone has been associated with lunar deities and revered for its ethereal, otherworldly glow.
In Roman mythology, it was believed to be formed from solidified rays of the moon, thus bestowing it the name 'moonstone.' Similarly, in Hindu lore, it was thought to contain a living spirit within, reflecting the moon's celestial light.
Throughout the ages, moonstone has been attributed with various mystical properties. It was believed to bring good fortune, enhance intuition, and provide protection during travel, particularly by night.
The gemstone's connection to the feminine and the moon cycles made it a favorite among artisans and spiritual practitioners, who lauded it for its calming, stabilizing energies.
Location to find
Moonstone can be found in various parts of the world, including India, Sri Lanka, Burma (Myanmar), Brazil, Tanzania, Madagascar, Australia, Mexico, Norway, Switzerland, and the United States. It is typically found in shades of white, gray, peach, and blue with a distinctive sheen known as "adularescence."
This shimmering effect is caused by light reflecting off layers of feldspar within the stone. The highest quality moonstones exhibit a strong billowy adularescence, making them highly desirable for jewelry.
Color
Moonstone is known for its subtle and dreamy colors, often described as milky and ethereal. The most valuable moonstones have a translucent white body color with a strong blue adularescence.
However, it can also exhibit a wide range of colors such as peach, gray, green, and even rainbow hues in rare cases. Moonstone's unique color properties make it a versatile gemstone for jewelry design, adding a touch of mystery and enchantment to any piece.
Care and Cleaning
Moonstone ranks 6-6.5 on the Mohs scale of hardness, making it relatively soft and susceptible to scratches. As such, it should be stored separately from other gemstones to prevent damage.
Moonstone should also be protected from harsh chemicals and extreme temperatures. Gentle cleaning with warm water and a mild soap solution is recommended to maintain its beauty.
As with other birthstones, there is no right or wrong choice between pearls, alexandrite, or moonstone; all of them hold their significance and beauty, making them meaningful birthstones for those born in June.
Conclusion
In conclusion, “what is June's birthstone” - depends on personal preference and individual style.
For those who prefer classic elegance and simplicity, pearls are the perfect choice. For those seeking a more unique and mystical gemstone, alexandrite or moonstone may be the ideal birthstone for June babies.
Whichever birthstone you choose, it is sure to hold special meaning and significance as a symbolic representation of your birth month.