June Birthstone: Pearl
Pearl is June's unique natural birthstone and the only gemstone formed naturally from bivalve shells.
Throughout history, pearls have symbolized harmony and tranquility, purity, humility, elegance, wisdom, and the power of the moon.
Pearls, for their warm luster and natural, organic origin, have long been cherished and widely used in weddings and celebrations, making them a classic choice for June birthdays or anniversaries.
Pearl History and Symbolism
The history and symbolic meaning of pearls span thousands of years of civilization, and cultures of different eras have endowed them with different connotations.
Ancient civilization
Pearls were first seen in the Chinese Book of Documents (23rd century BC) and were listed as tributes to the nobility. They symbolized the connection between wisdom and dragons and were believed to be able to ward off fire dragons.
Ancient Rome associated pearls with the goddess of love Venus, representing wealth and status, and only the elite could wear them;
Persian mythology regarded pearls as rainbows, and their flaws came from thunder and lightning.
In the Vedic culture of India, pearls are called "daughters of the moon god", and their spherical shape and luster are regarded as the incarnation of the moon.
Middle Ages
In European Christian art, pearls symbolize the purity of the Virgin Mary and the perfection of Jesus. They are widely used in the decoration of holy vessels, and the royal family also uses them to highlight their status as religious guardians.
The Islamic world regards pearls as a symbol of divine perfection, and the adventures of pearl divers have become the theme of Sufi poetry.
In the Tang Dynasty of China, Hepu pearls were listed as tribute. The pearl digging industry was popular in the Ming and Qing Dynasties, but it was highly dangerous. There are records of "exchanging people for pearls".
The Age of Discovery
In 1492, Columbus sailed to America, recorded the indigenous people wearing pearls, and discovered new pearl sources in the waters of Venezuela, which triggered a surge in European demand.
Spain developed pearl resources in Central and South America (such as Panama), creating huge wealth for the royal family and ushering in the "Pearl Age", but overfishing caused the resources to decline within a hundred years.
Renaissance jewelers skillfully used Baroque pearls (irregular shapes) to design natural-themed pendants such as roosters and hens, reflecting artistic innovation.
From 19th to 20th century
The Gulf region entered the "Golden Age of Pearls" (1850-1920) due to the demand of the world's wealthy, but ecological unsustainability and the rise of breeding technology led to the collapse of the natural pearl industry.
Japan Kokichi Mikimoto cultivated semi-circular beads in 1893, and in 1907, Fujikichi Nishikawa and others broke through the round cultivation technology, completely revolutionizing the industry.
At the same time, natural freshwater pearls were endangered (such as Mississippi River mussels), and the freshwater pearls used in Tibetan noble headdresses became extinct.
20th century to present
In the 1920s, cultured pearls were commercialized, and Japanese Akoya pearls dominated the market. After China introduced technology, freshwater aquaculture expanded, and pearls changed from luxury goods to mass jewelry.
Modern symbolic meanings are differentiated: white pearls represent the purity of the bride, gold beads represent wealth in Asia, black pearls are associated with divine blessing and protection due to Polynesian mythology, and the legend of "pearl tears" still affects the design of mourning jewelry.
Where are Pearl found?
Natural wild pearls are extremely rare, primarily found in wild bivalve habitats such as the Persian Gulf, the Red Sea, and the Australian coast. Today, they are rarely seen in antique markets or designated ecological reserves, so collecting them requires caution to avoid damaging the environment.
As for cultured pearls, saltwater pearls are primarily categorized as follows:
- Japanese Akoya pearls (found in the cold waters of Japan, China, and Australia)
- South Sea pearls (found in the tropical waters of northern Australia, Indonesia, and the Philippines)
- Tahitian black pearls (found in French Polynesia, the Cook Islands, and Papua New Guinea)
They are known for their cool white, golden, and black hues, respectively. Freshwater pearls are concentrated in Zhuji, Zhejiang, Hubei, and Anhui provinces in China, where they are cultivated using species such as the pleated clams, leading the world in production.
Additionally, a small number of "washboard clams" freshwater pearls still exist in the Mississippi River basin in the United States.
What color is Pearl?
Pearls come in a wide variety of colors:
- The white color range includes cool white (Akoya pearls), warm white (freshwater pearls), and silvery white (South Sea white pearls), symbolizing purity and elegance. South Sea white pearls command the highest price due to their rarity. Cool white pearls have a vibrant luster, while warm white pearls tend to yellow slightly over time.
- The gold color range is exemplified by golden South Sea pearls, whose saturation ranges from golden yellow to golden orange, symbolizing wealth and wisdom.
- The highest-quality pearls are typically found in northwestern Australia.
- The black color range is primarily Tahitian pearls, whose colors range from dark gray to nearly black, with iridescent hues such as peacock green, eggplant purple, or platinum gray. They are considered "blessing stones" in Polynesian mythology.
- Rare blue and purple freshwater pearls represent romance and luxury: blue hues include gray-blue South Sea pearls and blue halo freshwater pearls, while purple hues are particularly prominent, such as Edison purple pearls and lavender purple freshwater pearls. Their soft texture makes them popular among young consumers.
- Pink and peach are almost exclusively found in freshwater pearls, ranging in color from light pink to peach orange, often with a natural halo, signifying romance and tenderness.
Types of Pearl
Traditional Freshwater Pearls
China accounts for more than 80% of the global production.
With sizes of 2-13 mm, various shapes (mainly oval and baroque)
With rich colors (white, pink, purple, orange), and Affordable prices due to the high production of multiple pearls per shell and low cost.
Edison Pearls
The product of China's innovative breeding technology.
The size can reach 10-20 mm, with a high roundness rate.
The colors are characterized by deep purple, royal purple, and lavender purple, accompanied by sea blue or rose halo, filling the market gap of large-sized freshwater pearls.
Akoya Pearls
Mainly produced in the cold waters of Japan, China and Vietnam.
The size is usually 2-9 mm.
With a cold white body color, accompanied by rose (pink) or silver-white halo, and the luster is sharp like a mirror, which is the first choice for classic jewelry.
South Sea Pearls
Produced in the tropical waters of Australia, Indonesia and the Philippines.
The size is 8-18 mm, and there are two types of white pearls and gold pearls.
White pearls are mainly silvery white, while gold pearls are 14K-24K gold tones, with thick pearl layers and soft luster.
They are the representatives of the high-end market due to their rarity.
Tahitian Pearls
Black-lipped oysters concentrated in French Polynesia.
With sizes ranging from 7-16 mm, body colors ranging from charcoal gray to pure black, with peacock green, eggplant purple or platinum gray halos.
Naturally formed dark base and iridescence make them synonymous with "black pearls".
June’s Second Birthstone: Alexandrite
Alexandrite is another precious June birthstone. A member of the chrysoberyl family, it is renowned for its remarkable color-changing properties, appearing bluish-green in daylight and purplish-red under incandescent light.
It has been described as "emerald by day, ruby by night." This color-changing effect stems from trace amounts of rare chromium in the crystals, giving it a mysterious dual allure.
Alexandrite symbolizes change, balance, intuition, and creativity, and is often seen as a bridge between the spiritual and material worlds.
Alexandrite History and Symbolism
The discovery, symbolism, and cultural significance of alexandrite trace back to 19th-century Russia and have since evolved across different regions and beliefs.
Origin
Alexandrite was discovered in 1830 in Russia’s Ural Mountains. Initially mistaken for emerald, miners noticed its unique color change under firelight—from green to red.
Its name honors the future Tsar Alexander II, as it was found on his birthday. The red and green tones matched the Russian Imperial Army’s colors, and it became revered as the “national stone” and a symbol of nobility.
After Russian mines were depleted in the late 19th century, new deposits were found in Sri Lanka, Brazil (1987), and East Africa (1993).
Russian stones remain the most valued for their vivid green-red color shift.
Brazilian alexandrite tends to be larger but shows weaker color change, while Sri Lankan and Tanzanian varieties often appear grayish and are less valuable.
Characteristics
Alexandrite belongs to the chrysoberyl family. Its color-change effect—caused by chromium—makes it appear green in daylight and reddish-purple under incandescent light, a phenomenon known as the “alexandrite effect.”
It ranks 8.5 on the Mohs scale, is highly durable, and is rarer than diamonds. High-quality stones over 5 carats are extremely scarce.
Symbolism
In Russian folklore, alexandrite is seen as a lucky stone, symbolizing balance, intuition, and creativity. Its dual colors are interpreted as a bridge between the material and spiritual worlds.
It is also associated with emotional healing, prosperity, self-awareness, and transformation, resonating especially with Gemini as the June birthstone.
Modern usage
Today, alexandrite is a symbol of lasting love and life transformation, often gifted for 55th wedding anniversaries. Due to its scarcity, lab-created alexandrite is widely used, offering similar color-changing properties at accessible prices. In jewelry, it’s favored for customized, meaningful pieces. To preserve its beauty, avoid exposure to chemicals and high heat.
Where are Alexandrite found?
The Ural Mountains are the birthplace of Alexadrite and its most representative high-quality source. Although the deposits are nearly exhausted, most of the Russian Alexandrite on the market today is antique jewelry or museum collections, and is considered a treasure because of its strong contrast of green to purple-red tones and fine texture.
Minas Gerais (Hematita) in Brazil has become one of the most important modern production sites since 1987. Its Alexandrite is usually bright blue-green in daylight, turning pink or red-purple under light, sometimes with indigo secondary colors, with saturated colors and high clarity, comparable to Ural products, although shipments have decreased significantly in recent years.
Sri Lanka and East Africa (mainly Tanzania, India, and Madagascar) also produce Alexandrite, but the color changes of the gems produced there are more gentle, usually yellow-green or gray-green in daylight, turning brown-red or purple-red under light. The color contrast and saturation are lower than those of Russian and Brazilian varieties; Tanzanian stones are mostly deep emerald to grape purple, while Indian and Sri Lankan stones often have gray tones, making their visual contrast weaker.
What color is Alexandrite?
Alexandrite's most defining characteristic is its striking color shift under different light sources: under natural sunlight or fluorescent lighting, it displays refreshing hues such as bluish-green, emerald, moss, or mint green; while under incandescent light or candlelight, it shifts to purplish-red, plum, grape-purple, or even deep purple. This intense contrast is crucial for evaluating quality; only when the color is saturated, with a shift exceeding 30%, is it considered high-grade Alexandrite.
Beyond the traditional red-green color shift, some Alexandrite can exhibit a rich variety of color combinations. For example, individual gemstones can shift from bluish-green to pink or purplish-pink, or from olive green to burgundy, under different light sources. While uncommon, these hues are highly sought after by collectors for their uniqueness.
Under exceptional circumstances, Alexandrite can also exhibit pink, blue, yellow, or intermediate tones with grayish hues. Pink is often found in high-quality Brazilian Alexandrite; yellow, with its golden sheen, often appears under warm light. Blue Alexandrite is generally clear, and some Indian varieties are particularly renowned for their bluish-green hues. In contrast, gray or gray-purple Alexandrite indicates that the color change is not obvious or the color saturation is insufficient, which is of lower quality and does not have typical color change value.
Types of Alexandrite
Russian Alexandrite
This is the most historically significant and collectible Alexandrite, first discovered in the Ural Mountains of Russia in 1830.
Russian gemstones are characterized by emerald green or bluish green in natural light, turning purple or raspberry red under incandescent light.
Their color change contrast is extremely sharp and their crystal structure is delicate. They are known as "emeralds in the day and rubies at night."
Today, this type of stone is extremely rare and is often found in antique jewelry and museum collections.
Brazilian Alexandrite
In the late 1980s, the Minas Gerais (Hematita) mining area in Brazil became one of the main modern sources.
Its Alexandrite is bright bluish green during the day, and dark purple or reddish purple under warm light, with occasional indigo secondary colors.
Although the color and saturation are comparable to Russian gemstones, shipments have dropped significantly in recent years.
Today, high-quality Brazilian products are still highly sought after by the market and are ranked alongside Russian gemstones as mid- to high-end collection options.
Sri Lankan and Indian Alexandrite
Alexandrite from Sri Lanka and India has a relatively mild color change, often showing yellow-green or olive green in daylight, and turning brown-red or purple-red under incandescent light.
Although the gemstones are usually larger in size, the saturation and contrast are not as good as those from Russia or Brazil, making them a mid-range but common source of variants.
East African Alexandrite (Tanzania, Madagascar, Zimbabwe)
Alexandrite from Tanzania, mostly produced in the Merelani Hills region, is known for its bright emerald to grape purple color change, and although it often contains inclusions, the color change contrast is strong.
Products from Madagascar and Zimbabwe are also classified as East African, with characteristics between Brazil and Sri Lanka, and some laboratories will collectively refer to them as East African sources.
Laboratory-grown and simulated Alexandrite
Natural Alexandrite is very rare and expensive, laboratory synthetics have become mainstream.
These synthetic stones are usually saturated in color, extremely clean inside, and lack the typical inclusions of natural stones.
At the same time, there are also color-changing imitations made by doping Corundum with vanadium, but although these can change color, they do not conform to the mineral properties of natural chrysoberyl and need to be carefully identified and named.
June’s Third Birthstone: Moonstone
Moonstone, the birthstone for June 3rd, belongs to the plagioclase family and is renowned for its distinctive bluish-white luster, creating the illusion of moonlight flowing through the gem.
In ancient times, moonstone was often associated with the Moon Goddess, symbolizing intuition, emotional healing, and spiritual growth. Its gentle aura and mysterious aura make it a favorite for those seeking inner balance and spiritual awakening, possessing a unique allure that blends romance and introspection.
Moonstone History and Symbolism
Ancient Civilization
In ancient Indian legends, Moonstone was considered to be solidified moonlight, a sacred stone on the forehead of the god Chandra (the main god symbolizing the moon); it was also related to wisdom and intuition, and could open the "third eye", bringing revelations and omens. It was said that if you put it in your mouth on a full-moon night, you could see the future.
The ancient Greeks called it "Aphroselene", which means that it was condensed from the tears of the moon goddess Selene and the goddess of love and beauty Aphrodite. The wearer could obtain love, luck and fertility blessings.
The ancient Romans also believed that Moonstone came from the moonlight itself, naturally endowed it with romance, fantasy and protection. They regarded it as a traveler's amulet, especially at night or when sailing on the sea.
With the development of the Middle Ages in Europe, Moonstone became an amulet. People believed that it could drive away evil spirits and protect travelers, especially on coastal journeys; women also used it as a sacred stone to enhance fertility and smooth childbirth, and as a psychic, they often held it in their mouths on full-moon nights to predict the future.
Renaissance to Victorian Era
In the Victorian Era, Moonstone once again became a favorite stone of the nobility and upper class. Queen Victoria herself favored Moonstone, especially her snake-shaped brooch inlaid with multiple Moonstones, which was said to be a royal collection.
Carl Fabergé of the Russian Tsar's court also used Moonstone extensively in his exquisite craftsmanship, incorporating its charm into Fabergé eggs, caskets and jewelry.
Art Nouveau and Modern Revival
In the Art Nouveau period from the late 19th century to the early 20th century, Moonstone was popular among designers for its soft moonlight-like luster. Masters such as René Lalique and Tiffany frequently incorporated Moonstone into silver and jewelry. Its transparent or milky texture and flowing beauty fit the naturalistic aesthetic very well.
Entering the hippie era of the 1960s and the New Age movement of the 1990s, Moonstone became popular again among those who pursued mystery, nature and spiritual balance, and its softness and intuitive meaning enhanced the charm and inner connection of the wearer.
Modern Symbolism
In modern spiritual culture, Moonstone is considered to represent the female "yin" energy, associated with the lunar cycle, and symbolizes love, hope, healing and protection.
It is regarded as the opening stone of the heart chakra, crown chakra and third eye, helping meditation, sleep and dreams, and inducing emotional balance and intuitive stimulation.
Its flowing luster (adularescence) is seen as the inner spiritual light, symbolizing new beginnings and emotional growth. It is often used as a 13th wedding anniversary commemorative stone or an alternative birthstone for June.
In 1970, Florida, USA, selected Moonstone as the official state gemstone to commemorate the 1969 Apollo 11 moon landing mission. Although the stone is not naturally formed in the state, it symbolizes the exploration and glorious history of the moon.
In modern times, Moonstone is a favorite gem of the jewelry industry and designers. It often appears in modern fashion, spiritual jewelry and daily wear, and is widely respected in the fields of spiritual healing, meditation and emotional health.
Moonstone as a whole symbolizes moonlight, intuition, female energy, love and travel protection. Many cultures, both ancient and modern, have viewed it as a bridge between mystery and reality, connecting light and soul within the stone. Its unique and soft halo provides people with emotional comfort and spiritual clarity.
Where are Moonstone found?
Sri Lanka is a core source of moonstone, particularly the blue moonstone from the Meetiyagoda region. This blue moonstone, renowned for its exceptional transparency, pure halos, and minimal inclusions, is the most sought-after, high-quality variety on the market.
Rajasthan and Odisha in India boast rich reserves, with the majority of the moonstone produced exhibiting a milky white or light blue luster and a fine texture, making it a key source for the traditional jewelry market.
Myanmar's Mogok district is renowned for its rich color palette. The local moonstone, with hues ranging from white, peach, to green, offers a striking visual impact and is of high quality overall.
Madagascar is a recently emerging producer, with off-white, peach, and gray moonstones often found. These moonstones, with their distinct halos and excellent transparency, are highly sought after by crafters.
Although moonstones are found in many locations in the United States (such as New Mexico, Georgia, and North Carolina), high-quality finished products are scarce. New Mexico is considered one of the nation's highest-quality production areas.
While Europe and Russia aren't the primary mining areas, moonstone is occasionally found in the Austrian Alps, Norway, and Germany. Belomorite (a moonstone variant) from Russia's Kola Peninsula and Karelia is grayish-white with a bluish halo, displaying a distinct northern color.
Other locations, such as Brazil and the Lake Sevan region of Armenia, also occasionally yield high-quality specimens. While these aren't mainstream mining areas, they hold collectible potential.
Moonstone from different regions exhibits varying hues, hues, and translucencies due to geological variations, creating a unique regional aesthetic.
What color is Moonstone?
Moonstones come in a variety of colors, from background color to aura effects that determine their beauty and value. Here are a few sentences summarizing their color characteristics:
The main color of moonstones can range from colorless (transparent) to white, gray, pink, peach, yellow, brown, green, and even dark gray. Rarely available are branched green and brownish red tones.
But what really makes moonstones so attractive is the soft aura (adularescence) that floats above the surface of the stone, which usually appears as a blue, silver, or white misty luster. The stronger this "moonlight effect" is and the purer the color, the more valuable the stone is.
The most highly regarded are varieties with nearly colorless body color, high transparency, and an electric blue aura, while stones with yellow, green, brown, or grayish backgrounds are usually less valuable. A few exotic varieties such as "parrot green" or asterism and chatoyancy are also of great ornamental or collection value.
Types of Moonstone
Classic Moonstone
This is the most common and representative variety of moonstone. Its main body is usually transparent to translucent colorless or white with obvious milky or silvery white halo (bluish-white halo).
This halo is like floating moonlight, showing a soft and bright blue or white luster as the light angle changes, which is known as the highest quality performance.
The ideal grade should have no obvious color impurities, concentrated luster, clearly visible at multiple angles, and almost no yellow, green or brown color cast.
Blue Moonstone
Blue Moonstone is one of the most popular types, characterized by a strong and pure blue adularescence, as if moonlight is floating on the water.
It is usually more transparent and has fewer impurities, so it is considered one of the highest-end orthodox moonstones, mostly produced in Myanmar, Sri Lanka, India and other places.
This type of moonstone has obvious changes in the halo when the light moves, which is very attractive to collectors and jewelry designers.
Rainbow Moonstone
Rainbow Moonstone is actually more of a labradorite than an orthodox feldspar, but it is widely circulated in the market under the name of "rainbow moonstone".
Its body base is usually light gray to milky white, and it shows blue, green, purple, pink and other rainbow colors depending on the angle of light, just like a rainbow extending in the stone body.
This rainbow effect is a refraction phenomenon caused by the microstructure inside the stone. It has a dreamy visual impact and is often used in modern bohemian style jewelry design.
Milky White Moonstone
Milky white or milky white moonstone is characterized by a soft and gentle halo, and the feminine luster often appears white to silver.
It is mostly formed by orthodox orthoclase or adularia, and is one of the most typical and traditional moonstone varieties.
Because the stone body is soft in color, it is usually more friendly and is also the mainstream type in the jewelry, decorative stone and collection market.
Peach and Gray Moonstone
Peach moonstone presents a light orange to pink tone, and the overall warm body color is matched with a soft halo, giving people a comfortable and warm feeling;
Gray moonstone has a silver-gray or blue halo in the gray or smoky gray tone, showing a quiet and restrained beauty.
These two types are often used as alternatives to special tones in the market. Peach is suitable for warm-style jewelry, while gray gives the stone a mysterious personality.
Green, Black and Special Moonstone
Green moonstone is relatively rare, with a light green luster, and is often considered to have a symbolic meaning of healing and balancing the mind.
Black moonstone has a dark and deep main color, but may reflect silver or blue light on the surface, bringing a sense of power and protection like the dark night.
In addition, the “Cat’s Eye” moonstone has a distinct light band that moves with the angle, bringing a clearly focused cat’s eye effect; the “Star Moonstone” moonstone rarely presents a four-ray starlight effect (asterism), which increases the visual uniqueness and collection value.
Belomorite Moonstone
Belomorite is a variant of the plagioclase family and is often called Belomori moonstone.
It is usually light gray or blue-green, with obvious iridescence or pearl luster, but it is physically brittle and difficult to carve, so it is often cut into a cabochon shape.
This stone also has a place in the decorative stone and collection world because of its unique Nordic origin color (produced in the Kola Peninsula and Karelia) and iridescent light effect.