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Pearl, alexandrite, and moonstone are the birthstones of June — making it one of only three months to have three birthstones, along with August and December.

What is the birthstone for June?

Each of June’s birthstones has its own charm, from the classic beauty of pearls and the colorful allure of alexandrite to the dreamy characteristics of moonstone.

Pearls are the only gemstones that can be made by living creatures. Natural pearls are made within mollusks and form when microscopic irritants get lodged in their shells. Cultured pearls are a popular alternative to natural pearls for their symmetry and their value. They are also formed in water but aren’t naturally occurring – they are cultivated in pearl sacs within laboratories and are carefully monitored for uniform size and shape.

Alexandrite was discovered in 1834 in Russian mines. It gets its name from a legend that claims that it was discovered on the same day that future Russian Czar Alexander II came of age. Natural versions of this June birthstone are now rarer than diamonds.

Moonstone was named by the Roman natural historian Pliny the Elder, whose writings claimed that the moonstone’s appearance shifted with the phases of the moon.

June Birthstone Color

June birthstones are characterized by a variety of colors, and, in some cases, hues that appear to change depending on the light.

• Pearl Birthstone Color:

  • Besides the distinctive white, pearls are naturally available in black, green, gold, silver, and various pastel colors, including blue, which is the rarest color.

• Alexandrite Birthstone Color:

  • Alexandrite gems can exhibit a vivid green to bluish green in daylight and an intense red to purplish red in lower light or during nighttime. This June birthstone can have chatoyancy, otherwise known as the cat’s-eye effect, from certain types of long, thin inclusions.

• Moonstone Birthstone Color:

  • Moonstones are known for their adularescence, the light that appears to billow across a gemstone. The most valuable moonstones have a blue hue against a colorless background.

June Birthstone History

June birthstones have rich and varied backstories, each with lore that adds to their appeal.

• Pearl Birthstone History:

  • Pearls have always been associated with the divine. Ancient Greek civilizations believed that pearls were teardrops from heaven, while the Chinese believed that the June birthstone came from the brain of a dragon. Long treasured by royalty, the oldest known pearl jewelry was discovered buried with a Persian princess who died in 520 BC. During the Byzantine Empire, only the emperor could wear these rare gems.

• Alexandrite Birthstone History:

  • Alexandrite was initially mistaken for an emerald in a mine in the Russian Ural Mountains upon its discovery in the 1800s, before the discoverer realized that it changed colors under different light sources.

• Moonstone Birthstone History:

  • Moonstone has historically been associated with celestial powers. In ancient Rome and Greece, the moonstone was associated with lunar deities and even used as a compass by Greek sailors. In the Hindu tradition, moonstone is believed to be made of solidified moonbeams. Moonstone fine jewelry emerged during the Art Nouveau era (1890s–1910s) and returned to popularity during the 1960s and again in the 1990s as part of trending New Age designs.

June Birthstone Meaning

The June birthstones each have special symbolism and meanings associated with their beauty.

• Pearl Birthstone Meaning:

  • Pearls are associated with purity, innocence, humility, honesty, and wisdom. According to ancient Vedic scriptures of Hinduism, pearls bestowed long life and prosperity. 19th-century Arab physicians held that pearl powder improved eyesight, calmed nervous tremors and aided depression. In Asian cultures of the past, pearls were believed to help alleviate indigestion and hemorrhages.

• Alexandrite Birthstone Meaning:

  • Alexandrite is thought to invite good luck and improve the intellect. The shifting colors of alexandrite are thought to symbolize transformation and change. Alexandrite is also thought to have healing properties that balance the nervous system and soothe tension.

• Moonstone Birthstone Meaning:

  • Moonstone is associated with love, passion, fertility, and luck. The healing properties of moonstone are thought to include soothing improving emotional stability and balancing hormonal issues.

Where are the June birthstones found?

June birthstones are found across the globe.

• Pearl Birthstone Origins:

  • Brilliant Earth’s cultured pearls are sourced from Australia, French Polynesia, China, or Japan. Though we don’t offer them, saltwater pearls are grown in many different areas around the world, including in the Persian Gulf and off the coasts of the Philippines, Indonesia and Australia. Small quantities of pearls are also found off the coasts of Mexico, Venezuela and Central America.

• Alexandrite Birthstone Origins:

  • Natural alexandrite is commonly sourced in very scarce quantities from Brazil, Sri Lanka, and East Africa. Lab alexandrite, which we do carry, offers the same look as its natural counterpart at a more accessible price point.

• Moonstone Birthstone Origins:

  • Moonstone is commonly found in certain parts of the Southern United States, including New Mexico, North Carolina and Virginia. Internationally, moonstone is sourced from Brazil, Tanzania, Madagascar, India, Sri Lanka, and Myanmar.
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June Birthstone Durability

Among the June birthstones, pearl is the most delicate, moonstone is moderately durable, and alexandrite is quite durable.

• Pearl Birthstone Durability:

  • Pearls are a comparatively soft gem (2.5 to 3.0 on the Mohs Scale of hardness) and require special care.

• Alexandrite Birthstone Durability:

  • Alexandrite is relatively hard and has almost no tendency to break when struck, with an 8.5 on the Mohs scale.

• Moonstone Birthstone Durability:

  • Moonstone is more durable at a 6–6.5 on the Mohs scale of hardness, but should be carefully handled.

June Birthstone Cleaning & Care

See below for cleaning and care tips for each of the June birthstones.

• Pearl Birthstone Cleaning & Care:

  • Store separately from other gemstones and jewelry to prevent scratching, and never within a plastic bag. Plastic can emit a chemical that will damage the pearl’s surface.
  • Always apply perfume, hair products and other cosmetics before putting on your pearl jewelry.
  • Clean pearls with a soft, damp cloth, ideally after each time the pearls are worn.

• Alexandrite Birthstone Cleaning & Care:

  • Because of its durability, alexandrite is a good choice for rings and other types of jewelry subject to daily wear.
  • Although it is best to clean alexandrite in warm, soapy water because it is more durable than a typical gemstone, ultrasonic and steam cleaners are usually safe as well.

• Moonstone Birthstone Cleaning & Care:

  • Ultrasonic and steam cleaners should not be used on moonstone as it may crack when exposed to high heat.
  • Clean moonstone with warm, soapy water with a soft brush.

June Birthstone Jewelry

To celebrate the arrival of summer, your birthday, or your favorite person born in June, browse a few of our June birthstone jewelry offerings below.

June Birthstone Necklaces

June Birthstone FAQs

How many birthstones does June have?

June has three birthstones: pearl, alexandrite, and moonstone.

Why does June have three birthstones?

The evolution of birthstone associations has led to some months having multiple birthstones based on the gemstone’s unique properties or meanings, such as June with three birthstones. This variety allows for more choices and interpretations based on personal preferences and beliefs.

What is the traditional June birthstone?

Pearl is the traditional birthstone associated with June.

What is June’s birthstone flower?

June’s birthstone flowers are roses and honeysuckles because both flowers peak during June.

What month is the pearl birthstone?

June is the month associated with the pearl birthstone.

What month is the alexandrite birthstone?

June is the month associated with the alexandrite birthstone.

What month is the moonstone birthstone?

June is the month associated with the moonstone birthstone.