June Birthstones: Pearl, Moonstone and Alexandrite

June babies, you are spoilt for choice. The June birthstones are pearl, moonstone and alexandrite: a gem grown by a living creature, a stone with a soft glow that seems to float across its surface, and a gem that changes colour with the light. In this guide from Wanderlust Jewelry we look at each one, the beliefs around them, and how to care for them.

June birthstones at a glance

  • Pearl: organic, formed by molluscs; 2.5 to 4.5 on the Mohs scale, so very soft.
  • Moonstone: a feldspar with a floating glow called adularescence; 6 to 6.5 on the Mohs scale.
  • Alexandrite: a colour-change variety of chrysoberyl; 8.5 on the Mohs scale.

Pearl: a gem from the water

Unlike mined gems, pearls are made by molluscs. A natural pearl forms when the mollusc secretes layers of nacre around an irritant such as a grain of sand or a parasite, with no human involvement at all. Cultured pearls need human help: technicians implant tissue, and often a bead, into the host mollusc, which then coats it with nacre.

Freshwater cultured pearls are the most commonly produced pearls, usually grown in lakes and ponds, with China the leading source. Saltwater cultured pearls include akoya pearls, farmed mainly in Japan and China, and Tahitian pearls from French Polynesia. A pearl with an irregular shape is called baroque, which gives each one its own character.

Pearl beliefs: pearls have long been associated with purity, humility and innocence, and were traditionally given as a wedding gift. Many cultures linked their round shape with the moon, and in ancient Chinese folklore pearls were believed to guard against fire and fire-breathing dragons.

Pearl care: put pearls on after perfume, hairspray and make-up, and wipe them with a soft cloth after each wear. Never use ultrasonic or steam cleaners, and never store pearls in a plastic bag. For a deeper clean, use warm, soapy water and let strung pearls dry completely before wearing. Because pearls are so soft, necklaces and earrings are the easiest way to enjoy them; pearl rings and bracelets need protective settings or occasional wear.

Moonstone: moonlight you can wear

Moonstone is a feldspar, orthoclase with thin layers of albite, prized for adularescence: a soft glow that GIA describes as appearing to billow across the stone. Body colours range from colourless to grey, peach and brown. The most important sources are India and Sri Lanka, with others including Brazil, Madagascar, Myanmar and Tanzania.

Moonstone beliefs: Hindu mythology says moonstone is made of solidified moonbeams. It has long been associated with love, passion, fertility and good luck, and is sometimes called the Lover's Stone. Many people wear it as a calming focus for meditation.

Moonstone care: moonstone has poor toughness and can cleave or chip, so treat it gently, especially in rings. Clean it with warm, soapy water and a soft brush, and avoid ultrasonic and steam cleaners, as it may crack with high heat.

Alexandrite: emerald by day, ruby by night

Alexandrite is a variety of the mineral chrysoberyl, and its colour change is its claim to fame. It shows a vivid green to bluish green in daylight or fluorescent light, and an intense red to purplish red under incandescent light, which is why the International Gem Society quotes the nickname emerald by day, ruby by night.

Major alexandrite deposits were first discovered in 1830 in Russia's Ural Mountains, and the gem was named after the young Alexander II, heir to the Russian throne. Its red and green reportedly drew attention because they echoed the military colours of imperial Russia. Today most alexandrite comes from Sri Lanka, East Africa and Brazil, and GIA notes that the early Ural stones remain the quality standard. Because of its scarcity, especially in larger sizes, alexandrite is relatively expensive.

Alexandrite care: at 8.5 on the Mohs scale, with excellent toughness and no cleavage, alexandrite suits everyday rings. The International Gem Society notes it is still sensitive to hard knocks and extreme heat, so treat it with ordinary care.

Which June birthstone is right for you?

  • For classic elegance: pearl, ideally in earrings or a necklace.
  • For a soft, dreamy glow: moonstone, in a pendant, earrings or a ring worn with care.
  • For everyday durability: alexandrite, the toughest of the three.

These are traditional beliefs, not proven effects, and are no substitute for medical advice.

Shop the June birthstones

At Wanderlust Jewelry South Africa our founders hand-pick pieces from artisans in India, Thailand, Indonesia, Cambodia and Hong Kong, along with pieces made in South Africa. If you would like to see a piece before you buy, schedule a video call with one of our consultants (WhatsApp 068 613 6350).

Browse our June birthstone collection, or go straight to pearl jewellery and moonstone jewellery.

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