June Birthstone - The Definitive Guide (2025)
by Suzanne Sachs • 5 min read
THE BASICS --
Alexandrite, along with pearl and moonstone, are the official June birthstones, each a stunning gemstone with alluring magic and symbolism that extend beyond their association with one particular month. The more you understand the depths of these gemstones, the better you can truly appreciate the June birthstone and what it represents.
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW--
In this guide, we will explain the following:
- About the June Birthstones
- About Alexandrite
- Color Variations
- Meaning and Symbolism
- Crystal Uses
- Alexandrite Healing Properties
- About Pearl
- Color Variations
- Meaning and Symbolism
- Crystal Uses
- Pearl Healing Properties
- About Moonstone
- Color Variations
- Meaning and Symbolism
- Crystal Uses
- Moonstone Healing Properties
- Frequently Asked Questions
- What the June Birthstone Can Mean to You
About the June Birthstones
About Alexandrite
The precious gemstone alexandrite is a rare variety of chrysoberyl known for its extraordinary color-changing ability, shifting from green or bluish-green in daylight to reddish-purple under incandescent light. This phenomenon, caused by trace amounts of chromium, makes alexandrite highly unique and sought after. Alexandrite has a rating of 8.5 on the Mohs Hardness Scale, giving it excellent durability for everyday wear, though care should still be taken to avoid harsh impacts.
Alexandrite is primarily mined in Russia, where it was first discovered in the Ural Mountains in the 1830s. Today, additional sources include Sri Lanka, Brazil, and Tanzania, though high-quality stones remain incredibly rare. Its combination of rarity, beauty, and fascinating optical properties makes alexandrite one of the most coveted gemstones in the world.
Color Variations
Alexandrite is renowned for its remarkable color-changing ability, shifting from green or bluish-green in daylight to reddish-purple under incandescent light. This unique phenomenon is caused by trace amounts of chromium in its crystal structure, which absorb and reflect different wavelengths of light. The intensity of the color shift can vary depending on the stone's origin and chemical composition, with stronger, more distinct shifts being highly prized.
In some alexandrites, the green hues may exhibit a slightly bluish or yellowish tone, while the red can lean toward purple or brown under certain lighting conditions. The most valuable alexandrites display a vivid green-to-red shift with strong saturation and minimal secondary tones, making them exceptionally rare and highly sought after by collectors and gem enthusiasts alike.
Meaning and Symbolism
Alexandrite is a gemstone of transformation and balance, celebrated for its unique ability to change color. This rare quality symbolizes adaptability and resilience, encouraging wearers to embrace change and navigate life's transitions with grace. Alexandrite's green hues are often associated with growth, renewal, and prosperity, while its red tones symbolize passion, love, and energy, creating a harmonious blend of meanings.
This duality makes alexandrite a powerful symbol of balance between the heart and mind, making it a meaningful choice for those seeking strength and emotional clarity. It is also considered a stone of good fortune and intuition, often gifted as a token of lasting commitment and deep connection in both romantic and platonic relationships.
Crystal Uses
Alexandrite is highly regarded in metaphysical and alternative practices for its unique energy and transformative properties. Often associated with balance and emotional resilience, alexandrite is used to harmonize the heart and third-eye chakras, fostering a deeper connection between intuition and emotional well-being. Its ability to change color is believed to symbolize adaptability and inspire personal growth, making it a valuable stone for meditation and spiritual transformation.
Practitioners use alexandrite to promote clarity, creativity, and self-confidence, making it a powerful tool for decision-making and overcoming challenges. It is often included in meditation spaces or reflective rituals to encourage balance and adaptability in times of change. To fully experience its metaphysical properties, alexandrite is best used in environments where its natural color shifts can be observed, enhancing its connection to light and transformation.
Alexandrite Healing Properties
In addition to its metaphysical significance, alexandrite is believed to possess powerful healing properties. Its transformative energy is thought to help balance emotions, alleviate stress, and promote inner harmony, making it an excellent stone for reducing anxiety and enhancing emotional resilience. Alexandrite is often associated with boosting self-esteem and encouraging joy, helping individuals embrace change with confidence and optimism.
About Pearl
Pearls are unique among gemstones as they are created by living organisms, primarily oysters and mussels. Formed when these mollusks secrete layers of nacre around an irritant, pearls are prized for their natural luster and smooth, rounded shapes. Unlike other gems, pearls are harvested rather than mined, with major sources including Japan, China, Australia, and French Polynesia.
Saltwater pearls, such as Akoya, South Sea, and Tahitian varieties, are celebrated for their exceptional quality and vibrant colors, while freshwater pearls offer a more affordable and diverse range of shapes and sizes. This organic origin and natural beauty make pearls timeless symbols of purity, elegance, and sophistication.
Color Variations
Pearls are celebrated for their wide range of natural colors, which are influenced by the type of mollusk, water conditions, and the layers of nacre. The most traditional and iconic pearl color is white, often with a soft pink or silver overtone. Golden pearls, primarily from South Sea oysters, are highly sought after for their warm, luxurious hues.
Tahitian pearls, on the other hand, are famous for their exotic dark colors, ranging from black to green, peacock, and even aubergine tones. Freshwater pearls can appear in pastel shades like lavender, peach, and pink, adding variety and charm. These color variations make pearls a versatile and elegant choice, appealing to a wide range of personal styles and preferences.
Meaning and Symbolism
Pearls are timeless symbols of purity, wisdom, and elegance, celebrated for their natural beauty and organic origins. Associated with the moon and water, pearls are believed to embody serenity, balance, and emotional clarity, making them a meaningful choice for fostering harmony and inner peace. Their gentle luster is often linked to nurturing energy and the deep bonds of love and commitment.
In many cultures, pearls represent new beginnings and enduring relationships, making them a popular choice for bridal jewelry and gifts of celebration. Whether symbolizing innocence, strength, or timeless sophistication, pearls continue to hold a cherished place in both personal and cultural traditions.
Crystal Uses
Pearls are highly valued in metaphysical and holistic practices for their calming energy and nurturing properties. Associated with the crown and heart chakras, pearls are believed to promote emotional balance, enhance intuition, and encourage inner wisdom. Their soothing energy is thought to alleviate stress and foster feelings of peace and tranquility, making them ideal for meditation and reflective practices.
Practitioners often use pearls to strengthen relationships, attract prosperity, and inspire purity of thought and action. They are also said to help in releasing negative energy and enhancing self-awareness. Whether worn as jewelry or placed in sacred spaces, pearls are cherished for their ability to harmonize mind, body, and spirit.
Pearl Healing Properties
Pearls are believed to possess soothing and healing properties that promote emotional balance and overall well-being. Known for their calming energy, pearls are thought to reduce stress, ease anxiety, and encourage a sense of inner peace. They are often associated with nurturing and compassion, making them powerful tools for enhancing self-care and emotional resilience.
In addition to their emotional benefits, pearls are said to support physical healing, particularly in areas related to the digestive system and skin health. Their gentle energy is believed to promote harmony and restore balance, making pearls a cherished choice for both emotional and physical rejuvenation.
About Moonstone
Moonstone is a captivating gemstone prized for its ethereal glow, known as adularescence, which shimmers across its surface like moonlight. This phenomenon is caused by light scattering within the stone’s layered feldspar structure, giving moonstone its signature mystical appearance. Found in a variety of colors, including white, peach, gray, and even rainbow hues, moonstone is valued for its unique beauty and celestial connection.
Unlike pearls, moonstones are mined from the earth, with significant sources including Sri Lanka, India, Madagascar, and Myanmar. Highly regarded in both ancient and modern cultures, moonstone has long been associated with intuition, femininity, and emotional balance, making it a cherished choice for jewelry and metaphysical practices alike.
Color Variations
Moonstones are cherished for their enchanting adularescence and come in a variety of captivating colors. The most classic moonstones are white or translucent, with a soft, glowing sheen of blue that dances across their surface. Rainbow moonstones exhibit a spectrum of iridescent colors, including flashes of blue, yellow, pink, and purple, making them particularly striking.
Other variations include peach and gray moonstones, which have a subtle warmth or smoky elegance. Rare green or brown moonstones add to the stone’s diversity, offering unique options for those seeking something unconventional. These diverse hues and their luminous quality make moonstones a timeless and versatile choice for jewelry.
Meaning and Symbolism
Moonstone is a timeless symbol of intuition, balance, and new beginnings, celebrated for its ethereal glow and connection to the moon. Often associated with feminine energy and the cycles of life, moonstone embodies serenity, emotional clarity, and spiritual growth. Its soft, radiant adularescence symbolizes the light of hope and the guiding power of intuition.
In many cultures, moonstone is seen as a talisman of protection and love, often gifted to strengthen bonds and promote harmony in relationships. Whether symbolizing renewal, emotional balance, or inner wisdom, moonstone continues to hold a cherished place in both spiritual practices and jewelry traditions, offering a sense of calm and inspiration.
Crystal Uses
Moonstone is highly regarded in metaphysical and holistic practices for its nurturing and intuitive energy. Associated with the third-eye and crown chakras, moonstone is believed to enhance intuition, deepen emotional understanding, and connect the wearer to higher realms of consciousness. Its calming properties make it ideal for meditation, fostering inner peace and mental clarity.
Practitioners often use moonstone to inspire personal growth, support new beginnings, and balance emotional energy. It is said to harmonize the cycles of life, encouraging adaptability and resilience during times of change. Whether worn as jewelry or placed in sacred spaces, moonstone is cherished for its ability to align mind, body, and spirit with the natural rhythms of the universe.
Moonstone Healing Properties
Moonstone is celebrated for its calming and nurturing energy, believed to promote emotional balance and inner peace. Often associated with intuition and femininity, moonstone is thought to help ease stress, reduce anxiety, and enhance self-compassion, making it a powerful tool for emotional healing and resilience. Its soothing energy is said to align with the rhythms of nature, encouraging a sense of harmony and renewal.
In addition to its emotional benefits, moonstone is also believed to support physical healing, particularly in areas related to hormonal balance and reproductive health. Many consider it a stone of new beginnings, ideal for those undergoing personal transformation or seeking spiritual growth. With its gentle, harmonious energy, moonstone is a cherished choice for both emotional and physical well-being.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the birthstones for June?
June has three birthstones: pearl, moonstone, and alexandrite. Each gem offers unique beauty and symbolism, from the soft luster of pearls to the mystical glow of moonstone and the rare color-changing alexandrite.
What is the significance of June's birthstones?
These gems are associated with purity, love, and intuition. Pearls symbolize wisdom and serenity, moonstone represents new beginnings and emotional balance, and alexandrite is known for its transformative energy and adaptability.
Which June birthstone is the most valuable?
Alexandrite is the rarest and most valuable of June’s birthstones due to its striking color-change property and limited availability. High-quality pearls and moonstones are also highly prized for their elegance and unique characteristics.
What the June Birthstone Can Mean to You
Ultimately, because alexandrite, pearl, and moonstone have so many different meanings, they can represent whatever you want. Even more significant, these gemstones can have multiple meanings, allowing for greater symbolism and connection. Whether as the June birthstones or as signature pieces of jewelry, alexandrite, pearl, and moonstone are versatile and meaningful, making them perfect to wear any month of the year.
Vintage Engagement Rings For Everyone:
No matter which era is your favorite, these time-honored rings have a rich history and individualized character and will continue to have a timeless beauty and elegant appeal that is part of a legacy to pass on to future generations.
Find The Perfect Engagement Ring:
Vintage rings are prized not only for their beauty but also for their exquisite attention to detailing and faceting. If you're looking for a ring with a sense of glamour, sophistication and vintage charm, explore our collection of June Birthstone Rings today!
Suzanne Sachs
Suzanne has always believed vintage rings can change lives. She's been in the jewelry industry for over 35 years, working with vintage jewelers, diamond dealers, diamond cutters, and gemologists. Suzanne started Artdecodiamonds in 2000 and understood the demand for vintage rings throughout the world. She ultimately started VintageDiamondRing.com in 2014, and understands each vintage ring is a reflection of you — your history, your relationships, your style, your elegance and is honored to have the opportunity to help you showcase your flair in a unique and exquisite way.
Contact Suzanne
If you love vintage or eco-friendly jewelry please feel free to contact Suzanne or browse our collection of eco-friendly vintage engagement rings.
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