June Birthstone - Pearl & Alexandrite

The timeless pearl and color-changing alexandrite symbolizing purity, longevity, and good fortune

About June's Birthstones

June is one of the few months blessed with two birthstones: the classic pearl and the rare alexandrite. Pearls have been treasured for thousands of years and are the only gemstones created by living organisms. Alexandrite, discovered in 1830s Russia, is prized for its remarkable color-changing properties, appearing green in daylight and red in incandescent light.

Pearls form when an irritant, such as a grain of sand, enters an oyster, mussel, or clam. The mollusk secretes layers of nacre (mother-of-pearl) around the irritant as a defense mechanism, eventually forming a pearl. Unlike most gemstones that are mined from the earth, pearls are harvested from bodies of water, both salt and fresh.

As the June birthstones, pearls symbolize purity, innocence, and wisdom gained through experience, while alexandrite represents luck, prosperity, and intellect. Pearls are traditionally given as gifts for the 1st, 3rd, 12th, and 30th wedding anniversaries, while alexandrite is associated with the 55th anniversary.

June Birthstone - Pearl and Alexandrite

Pearl & Alexandrite Properties

Physical Properties

  • Pearl:
  • Composition: Calcium carbonate (CaCO₃)
  • Color: White, cream, pink, black, gold, blue, green
  • Hardness: 2.5-4.5 on Mohs scale
  • Alexandrite:
  • Mineral: Chrysoberyl (BeAl₂O₄)
  • Color: Green in daylight, red in incandescent light
  • Hardness: 8.5 on Mohs scale
  • Crystal System: Orthorhombic

Symbolic Meaning

  • Pearl:
  • Purity: Symbolizes innocence and purity of heart
  • Wisdom: Represents wisdom gained through experience
  • Integrity: Associated with sincerity and integrity
  • Alexandrite:
  • Balance: Represents balance between physical and spiritual realms
  • Prosperity: Believed to bring good fortune and success
  • Creativity: Enhances imagination and creativity

Sources & Origins

  • Pearl:
  • Natural Sources: Persian Gulf, South Pacific, Japan, Australia
  • Cultured Sources: China, Japan, Australia, Indonesia
  • Freshwater Sources: China, United States, Japan
  • Alexandrite:
  • Major Sources: Russia (Ural Mountains), Brazil, Sri Lanka
  • Other Sources: India, Tanzania, Madagascar
  • Historical Source: Russia (original discovery)

Care & Maintenance

  • Pearl:
  • Cleaning: Wipe with soft, damp cloth after wearing
  • Storage: Store separately in soft cloth or pouch
  • Avoid: Chemicals, perfumes, hairspray, heat, direct sunlight
  • Alexandrite:
  • Cleaning: Warm, soapy water and soft brush
  • Ultrasonic: Generally safe but not recommended for treated stones
  • Durability: Suitable for everyday wear in protective settings

The Rich History of June's Birthstones

Pearls have one of the richest histories of any gemstone, with evidence of pearl fishing dating back to at least 6,000 years ago. Ancient civilizations in China, India, Egypt, Rome, and Persia all prized pearls for their beauty and rarity. In ancient Rome, pearls were considered the ultimate symbol of wealth and social standing. According to legend, Cleopatra dissolved a pearl in vinegar and drank it to win a bet with Mark Antony that she could consume a fortune in a single meal.

Throughout history, pearls have been associated with purity and were often worn by brides. In the 1500s, the discovery of pearl beds in Central and South America led to the "Pearl Age" in Europe, where pearls adorned the clothing of royalty and nobility. The development of cultured pearls in the early 20th century by Kokichi Mikimoto revolutionized the pearl industry, making these gems more accessible while preserving natural pearl beds.

Alexandrite has a much shorter but equally fascinating history. Discovered in the Ural Mountains of Russia in 1830, it was named after Czar Alexander II because it was found on his birthday. The stone's red and green colors matched the imperial colors of Russia, making it especially popular with Russian aristocracy. Due to its rarity and unique color-changing properties, alexandrite quickly became one of the most valuable gemstones in the world.

Historical Pearl and Alexandrite

Pearl & Alexandrite Varieties

Both pearls and alexandrite come in various forms and varieties, each with unique characteristics that make them special:

Akoya Pearls

Cultivated primarily in Japan and China, Akoya pearls are known for their perfectly round shape, high luster, and classic white or cream color. These are the pearls most people think of when imagining a traditional pearl necklace.

South Sea Pearls

Produced by the Pinctada maxima oyster, South Sea pearls are among the largest cultured pearls available. They come in white, cream, and golden colors and are cultivated primarily in Australia, Indonesia, and the Philippines.

Tahitian Pearls

Often called "black pearls," Tahitian pearls are cultivated in French Polynesia. They display a wide range of dark colors including black, gray, green, blue, and purple, often with peacock, eggplant, or pistachio overtones.

Freshwater Pearls

Primarily cultivated in China's lakes and rivers, freshwater pearls come in a wide variety of shapes, sizes, and colors. They are more affordable than saltwater pearls and can be found in white, cream, pink, lavender, and other pastel shades.

Natural Alexandrite

Original Russian alexandrite from the Ural Mountains is considered the standard for quality, displaying a vivid green to bluish-green in daylight and a rich raspberry red in incandescent light. These stones are extremely rare and valuable.

Brazilian Alexandrite

Discovered in the 1980s, Brazilian alexandrite often shows a brownish-green to blue-green color in daylight and purplish-red in incandescent light. While not as dramatic as Russian material, fine Brazilian specimens can be exceptional.

Sri Lankan Alexandrite

Sri Lankan (Ceylon) alexandrite typically displays more pastel colors than Russian material, often showing a teal blue-green in daylight and a raspberry purple-red in incandescent light. These stones can be larger than those from other sources.

Synthetic Alexandrite

Due to the extreme rarity of natural alexandrite, lab-created versions are common in the market. These stones have the same chemical composition and properties as natural alexandrite but are more affordable and often show more dramatic color changes.

Fascinating Facts About June's Birthstones

Living Gems

Pearls are the only gemstones formed by a living organism, making them unique in the gemstone world. They are also the only gems that don't require cutting or polishing to reveal their beauty.

Chameleon Stone

Alexandrite is often called "emerald by day, ruby by night" due to its remarkable color-changing properties. This phenomenon, known as the "alexandrite effect," is caused by the way the stone absorbs light.

La Peregrina

One of the most famous pearls in history, La Peregrina ("The Wanderer"), was discovered in the 16th century and owned by Spanish royalty before being purchased by Richard Burton for Elizabeth Taylor in 1969.

Rarer Than Diamonds

Fine-quality alexandrite is actually rarer than diamond and can command higher per-carat prices than most other gemstones. A top-quality alexandrite over one carat is among the most expensive gemstones in the world.

Pearl & Alexandrite in Jewelry

June's birthstones offer versatile options for jewelry, from classic pearl strands to color-changing alexandrite pieces:

Popular Settings

  • Pearl Jewelry:
  • Strands and necklaces are the most iconic pearl jewelry, ranging from classic single strands to multi-layered designs.
  • Pearl stud earrings are timeless accessories that complement any outfit.
  • Pearl rings, often set in gold or platinum with diamond accents, make elegant statement pieces.
  • Alexandrite Jewelry:
  • Due to its rarity and value, alexandrite is often used in fine jewelry as center stones in rings.
  • Alexandrite earrings and pendants showcase the stone's color-changing properties.
  • Smaller alexandrite stones are frequently used as accent stones in more elaborate designs.

Styling Tips

  • Pearls complement both casual and formal attire, making them incredibly versatile.
  • For a modern look, mix pearls with other gemstones or metals in contemporary designs.
  • Alexandrite jewelry is best appreciated in settings that allow light to pass through the stone to showcase its color change.
  • When wearing alexandrite, consider environments where you'll experience different lighting to enjoy the full effect of the color change.

Care Tips for June Birthstone Jewelry

  • Pearl Care:
  • Always put pearls on last and take them off first when dressing.
  • Wipe pearls with a soft, damp cloth after wearing to remove oils and perspiration.
  • Store pearls separately in a soft pouch to prevent scratching.
  • Have pearl strands restrung every few years as the silk thread deteriorates over time.
  • Alexandrite Care:
  • Clean alexandrite jewelry with mild soap and warm water using a soft brush.
  • While alexandrite is durable, avoid harsh chemicals and prolonged exposure to extreme heat.
  • Store alexandrite jewelry separately to prevent scratching other gemstones.

Explore Other Birthstones

July Birthstone - Ruby

July: Ruby

 August Birthstone - Peridot

August: Peridot

 September Birthstone - Sapphire

September: Sapphire

 October Birthstone - Opal & Tourmaline

October: Opal & Tourmaline
View All Birthstones

Monthly Birthstone Chart

Looking for a quick reference to all birthstones? Check out our printable birthstone chart featuring all 12 months and their corresponding gemstones.

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Monthly Birthstone Chart