June brings sunny days, beach trips, and vibrant blooms—summer bliss in a nutshell. But with all the happiness and warmth June has, it also comes with its unique treasure! Wondering what June's birthstone is? June has not one but three captivating birthstones: pearl, alexandrite, and moonstone.

Each of these gems has enchanting properties and distinct beauty, so June babies are lucky! From the timeless elegance of pearls to the astonishing color-changing alexandrite and the ethereal glow of moonstone, there is so much to discover! Learn what the meanings and stories are behind the three beautiful birthstones for the month of June.

WHY DOES JUNE HAVE THREE BIRTHSTONES?

June and December are the only months of the year with multiple gemstones associated with them, giving them plenty to choose from! In 1912, the National Association of Jewelers of America standardized birthstones and designated  pearls and moonstones as June birthstones.

The initial list of birthstones took into account different customs and associations with each gem and month. In 1925, the Jewelry Industry Council of America expanded the list of birthstones and added alexandrite as a third birthstone.

JUNE BIRTHSTONE #1: THE PEARL

THE PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS OF PEARLS

Our first June birthstone is the pearl, which has its own unique set of traits.  Natural pearls organically grow in the tissues of an oyster or a mollusk. Technicians in pearl farms implant tissue into mollusks to initiate the pearl-forming process and create cultured pearls.

Pearl birthstones are the only gemstone produced by a living creature, and they do not require any cutting or polishing. What you see is truly what you get with a pearl!

Their natural beauty also means that pearl jewelry is quite delicate, mainly when set in jewelry like rings. If you're wearing pearls, you'll need to take extra care to ensure their safety and protect their beautiful organic form.

THE SPIRITUAL MEANING OF PEARLS

Over the centuries, many different cultures have coveted pearls, seeing them as a symbol of status and wealth. For example, Tudor England was deemed the 'Pearl Age' due to their popularity; pearl necklaces and earrings are part of many outfits in portraits and paintings from that era.

In China, people associate pearls with the Moon and consider them a symbol of purity and luck. In both Western and Eastern cultures, people associate pearls with numerous spiritual properties, such as purity, humility, and innocence. Pearl gemstones symbolize a sense of "sweet simplicity," and people traditionally give them as gifts for wedding anniversaries.

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JUNE BIRTHSTONE #2: MOONSTONE

THE PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS OF MOONSTONE

Moonstone is one of the most enchanting gemstones, with a celestial, otherworldly glow that immediately captures your attention. It belongs to the feldspar group of minerals. Moonstone occurs in various locations worldwide, including the United States, India, Sri Lanka, and Madagascar.

Moonstone (very fittingly!) is characterized by its white or colorless hue and its adularescent effect. The latter is the term for the shimmering, floating full moon type light that seems to emanate from the gemstone in the light.

THE SPIRITUAL MEANING OF MOONSTONE

Moonstones have a long and fabled history. In Greek and Roman times, moonstones were considered a favorite stone for lunar deities and helped create a stronger connection to the gods.

In Hindu mythology, it is believed that the moonstone has solidified moonbeams infused into it, granting it otherworldly powers.

Across cultures, moonstones symbolize love, passion, and fertility. Plus, moonstone is said to bring about great luck to their owners, making it a perfect choice as a June birthstone for good fortune ahead!

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JUNE BIRTHSTONE #3: ALEXANDRITE

THE PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS OF ALEXANDRITE

Alexandrite is an incredibly rare gemstone in the chrysoberyl family of minerals. Compared to the other June birthstones, alexandrite is a more recent discovery. It was discovered in Russia in 1834 and named after Russian Czar Alexander II.

One of the more distinct properties of alexandrite is its changing shades. It is known for its fantastic color effect, like a chameleon! Many describe the gem as ' emerald by day, ruby by night' because of the way it looks in different light.

Alexandrite can show both red and green colors depending on the light. When it is in incandescent light, alexandrite can appear red or purple; when placed in sunlight, it can appear green or bluish green.

Alexandrite is typically found in Russia, but mines have also been discovered in Brazil, Sri Lanka, East Africa, India, and Burma. It's considered extremely rare due to its color characteristics and its formation. Many different types of chrysoberyl need to come together for its formulation, contributing to its rarity. However, similar to diamonds, lab grown alexandrite is also available.

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THE SPIRITUAL CHARACTERISTICS OF ALEXANDRITE

As a June birthstone, alexandrite is a bit of a lucky charm! It's believed to be a magnet for good fortune and love and is a bridge between the physical and the spiritual world. Alexandrite is also thought to bring about qualities such as creativity, imagination, and intuition in people.

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HOW TO KNOW WHICH JUNE BIRTHSTONE IS RIGHT FOR YOU?

For those born in June, you're genuinely spoiled for choice, you've got three gorgeous gemstones to choose from! Choosing the right birthstone, whether for yourself or as a gift, is all about thinking about the person it is for. Each birthstone comes with its own set of associations, history, and tradition, so there is a lot to tap into!

Think about the person who will wear the gemstone when selecting one, whether that's you or someone you love. What traits do you want to celebrate? What do they value, and what should the gemstone communicate about them? It should ultimately be the gemstone you feel most called to and that feels most reflective of the person who will wear it.

WHATEVER JUNE BIRTHSTONE YOU CHOOSE, FIND IT AT OLIVIA EWING JEWELRY

As we move into June, it's all about enjoying long evenings, sunlit skies, and seeing the Earth in full bloom. Whether you're looking for your very own June birthstone or a gift for someone special, our collection at Olivia Ewing Jewelry has something for you. Our collection of rings with June birthstones takes inspiration from nature and the beauty surrounding us. Enjoy sunny days and blue skies with a gorgeous keepsake from Olivia Ewing!

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Meet the Author: Olivia Ewing