June Birthstone - The Definitive Guide

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 Alexandrite
  
• Color 
  
• Meaning and Symbolism
• Crystal Uses
• Healing Properties
• About Pearl
• Color 
  
• Meaning and Symbolism
• Crystal Uses
• Healing Properties
• About Moonstone
• Color 
  
• Meaning and Symbolism
• Crystal Uses
• Healing Properties
  
• What the June Birthstone Can Mean to You

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

Color

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.