June Actually Has 3 Birthstones—Here's What They Are and What They Symbolize

Gemstones

Calling most Geminis and some Cancers who might be wondering, "What is the birthstone for June?"

Well, the month of June means not one, not two, but three of the most gorgeous birthstones of the year: the classic pearl, the celestial moonstone and the ultra-rare alexandrite. These glam gems are each special in their own right—with exciting histories, mythologies, colors and symbolism to match.

Let's learn all about June's birthstones (traditional and modern) from expert jewelers.

Related: Here’s Exactly What Your Month's Birthstone Says About Your Personality

What Is June's Birthstone?

As Matt Harris, a certified pearl specialist at Matt Harris Designs, shares, "Pearls are the traditional birthstone for the month of June."

However, June babies actually have two other birthstones.

Sacha Jarmon, gemologist and founder of Love Saro, states, "June birthdays are very lucky in that they have two stunning and very different modern birthstones: moonstone and alexandrite."

June Birthstone Color

Pearls, June's traditional birthstone, come in a variety of colors—most notably, white, cream and light yellow-ish brown.

Moonstone, one of June's modern birthstones, can appear to be almost clear at times, but is "prized for its blue to white adularescence," according to the International Gem Society. 

And alexandrite, the second of June's modern birthstones, "can be yellowish, brownish, grayish, or blueish green in daylight and orangy or brownish red to purple red in incandescent light," according to Gemstones.com.

Related: What Is the Birthstone for March?

Is the June Birthstone Rare?

All of June's gemstone options are exceptionally rare and valuable. Jarmon explains their scarcity: "Alexandrite is very rare and very expensive—it is considered to be one of the rarest gemstones in the world...[and] high-quality blue-sheen or rainbow moonstone is rare, especially in larger cuts."

Harris provides context on the elusiveness of pearls, revealing, "In some areas of the sea, one might have to open 10,000 oysters just to find one pearl. Only a small fraction of those will be round or blemish-free."

Pearl Meaning and History

Beyond their mesmerizing beauty, June's birthstones carry profound symbolic and mythological significance.

Harris shares pearls' storied history: "The ancient Greeks believed they were formed by Aphrodite's tears of joy. The Romans associated them with their Goddess of love, Venus. As a matter of fact, in most paintings of Venus, you'll see her wearing pearls."

"Pearls have long been associated with purity, wisdom and wealth," Harris continues. "In biblical times, pearls were likened to Heaven itself. Pearls are mentioned in the bible more times than diamonds, emeralds, rubies and sapphires. Have you heard the term 'the pearly gates of heaven'?"

He quotes a biblical reference: "The twelve gates were twelve pearls, each gate made of a single pearl. The great street of the city was of pure gold, like transparent glass. Revelations 21:21"

Harris also shares an ancient story: "In 41 BC, Cleopatra was said to wager Marc Antony that she could host the most expensive banquet ever thrown. During the dinner, as Marc Antony challenged her on her claim that it was the most expensive ever, she took a large white drop-shaped pearl earring off of her ear. She had paid 10 million sesterces for it (approx $20 million today). She dropped it into a cup of vinegar where it dissolved and then drank the vinegar, thus making her banquet the most expensive in history."

Where Are Pearls Found?

While many associate pearls with the ocean, they can come from other places, as well. As Harris explains, "The majority of freshwater pearls come from China. However, pearls are found all over, including Japan, French Polynesia, Australia, and more."

Jarmon clarifies, "In freshwater rivers and ponds, mussels produce pearls, while in saltwater, they are made by oysters."

Related: What Is April's Birthstone?

Moonstone Meaning and History

The second June birthstone, moonstone, is equally fascinating. Jarmon describes it as "often referred to as the Stone of New Beginnings or the Stone of Divine Femininity."

Harris delves into its mythical roots: "The Romans believed it was formed from solidified beams of moonlight. Both the Romans and Greeks associated moonstone's ethereal glow with their lunar deities."

Jarmon adds, "For centuries, Moonstone has been used in many cultures to aid regulation of the hormonal body, whether related to infertility, PMS, PCOS, menopause, etc. As Moonstone reflects light, it has also been historically used to help the wearer uncover and observe hidden depths and unconscious truths."

Where Is Moonstone Found?

These gorgeous gems originate from all over the world, according to Jarmon, explaining, "The finest moonstones are found mainly in Sri Lanka and Southern India. Other varieties can be found in Australia, Armenia, Mexico, Brazil and the U.S."

Related: What Is May's Birthstone?

Alexandrite Meaning and History

"Alexandrite was discovered in 1830 in the Ural Mountains of Russia and named after Czar Alexander II," Jarmon shares. "Metaphysically, alexandrite is a Stone of Harmony and Balance as it brings both sun and moon energy—masculine and feminine. It is a powerful manifestation stone and also said to bring the wearer prosperity and confidence in addition to spiritual growth."

Where Is Alexandrite Found?

Jarmon adds, "The original locality for alexandrite is Russia; however, fine gems have also been found in Brazil, Sri Lanka, Tanzania, Madagascar, Zimbabwe, India and Burma."

Next: What Is Your Birth Flower? Find Out the Meaning Behind the Blooms for Each Month

Sources:

• Matt Harris, a certified pearl specialist at Matt Harris Designs

• Sacha Jarmon, gemologist and founder of Love Saro