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June Birthstones: Pearl, Moonstone & Alexandrite Meaning, Colors & Where to Find Them

June is one of the few months that has not just one, but three official birthstones: pearl, moonstone, and alexandrite. If you were born in June, you're lucky enough to have a trio of beautiful and meaningful gems associated with your birth month. Each one has its own unique story, color, and charm. Whether you're interested in the symbolism of your birthstone, curious about where these gems come from, or wondering which one to wear or gift, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know in a simple and enjoyable way.

What Are the Birthstones for June?

So, what is the birthstone for June? Actually, there isn't just one clear answer. June is one of the few months that has multiple birthstones. The three official birthstones for June are pearl, moonstone, and alexandrite. Each of these gems has a very different appearance, composition, and background story.

• Pearl is the traditional and most well-known June birthstone.
• Moonstone is a mystical and glowing stone that's associated with lunar energy.
• Alexandrite is a rare and magical gemstone that changes color depending on the light.

Let's dive into each of these beautiful stones and explore their meanings, colors, and origins.

Pearl: The Timeless Birthstone of June

When most people think about June birthstones, the pearl is usually the first one that comes to mind. Unlike most gemstones that form in the earth, pearls come from the sea. They are organic gems that grow inside the soft tissue of oysters and other mollusks.

What Is a Pearl?

A pearl is made when an irritant, like a tiny grain of sand, gets trapped inside an oyster. In response, the oyster coats the irritant with layers of nacre, the same material that lines its shell. Over time, these layers build up to form a pearl. Today, most pearls are cultured, meaning they are grown with human help on pearl farms, but the process is still very similar to what happens in nature.

Pearl Birthstone Meaning & History

Pearls have been treasured for thousands of years and are often associated with purity, wisdom, and serenity. In ancient times, pearls were considered the ultimate status symbol. Only the wealthy and powerful could afford them. In some cultures, pearls are believed to bring peace and calm to the wearer. Because they come from water, they also represent emotional balance and femininity.

June's Birthstone Color: Pearl

What color is June birthstone when it comes to pearls? The classic pearl is white or cream-colored, but pearls can also be found in shades of pink, silver, gold, and even black. Their surface has a soft glow, or luster, which gives them a gentle and elegant look. This glow is part of what makes pearls so special and timeless.

Where to Find Pearls

Natural pearls are rare and mostly found in the Persian Gulf, the Red Sea, and coastal regions of India and Sri Lanka. Today, most pearls come from cultured farms in Japan, China, and the South Seas. While you can't usually go rockhounding for pearls the same way you can for other gems, there are still freshwater sources in places like the Mississippi River in the U.S. where people have found pearls in mussels.

Moonstone: The Mystical June Birthstone

The second birthstone for June is moonstone. If you've ever seen a moonstone, you'll remember it. It has a glowing, almost magical shimmer that looks like moonlight shining on water. That glow is called adularescence, and it gives the stone its dreamy and mystical appearance.

What Is a Moonstone?

Moonstone is a type of mineral from the feldspar family. It has a layered internal structure that scatters light, which creates its signature glow. The best-quality moonstones have a blue sheen and are nearly transparent, but you can also find them in shades of white, peach, gray, and even rainbow colors.

Moonstone Meaning & Lore

Moonstones have been associated with the moon for centuries. Many ancient cultures believed the stone was actually made of moonlight. It's often linked to feminine energy, intuition, dreams, and new beginnings. Some even say moonstone can help you connect with your inner self and feel more balanced emotionally.

June Birthstone Moonstone Colors

The typical color for a moonstone is milky white with a bluish shimmer. However, you can also find peach, gray, and rainbow moonstones, which display a colorful flash of light as you move them around. This makes moonstone a beautiful and versatile choice for jewelry.

Where Can You Find Moonstone?

Moonstones are found in several parts of the world, including India, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, and Madagascar. In the United States, moonstones have been found in Virginia and New Mexico. If you're into rockhounding, keep an eye out for feldspar-rich rocks and pegmatites—that's where moonstones often form.

Alexandrite: The Rare and Magical Birthstone

The third birthstone for June is alexandrite, and it might be the most fascinating of all. Alexandrite is famous for its ability to change color. It appears green in daylight and reddish-purple in incandescent light. That means you could be wearing the same gem, and it would look like two completely different stones depending on the lighting.

What Is Alexandrite?

Alexandrite is a rare type of chrysoberyl that contains trace amounts of chromium, which causes the color change. It was first discovered in the Ural Mountains of Russia in the 1830s and was named after the Russian tsar Alexander II. Because of its rarity, alexandrite is considered a high-end and valuable gemstone.

Meaning & Symbolism of Alexandrite

Alexandrite is often associated with balance, transformation, and good fortune. Because of its dramatic color change, it's seen as a symbol of adaptability and self-discovery. Some people believe it brings emotional strength and creativity to the wearer.

June Birthstone Alexandrite Colors

So, what color is June birthstone when it's alexandrite? In natural daylight, alexandrite usually appears green or bluish-green. Under artificial light, it shifts to a reddish or purplish hue. This remarkable change in color is what makes alexandrite so prized by collectors and gem lovers.

Where to Find Alexandrite

The original Russian sources are mostly mined out, but alexandrite can still be found in countries like Brazil, Sri Lanka, Tanzania, and Madagascar. In the United States, it's extremely rare, and most alexandrite used in jewelry today is either lab-grown or sourced from international mines. Unfortunately, it's not a gemstone you can easily find while rockhounding, but it's definitely one worth learning about and admiring.

RELATED READ: December Birthstones: Blue Topaz, Blue Zircon, Tanzanite and Turquoise (Meaning, Color & Where to Find Them)

What Color Is June's Birthstone?

Because June has three different birthstones, there isn't just one answer to the question, "What color is June birthstone?" Here's a breakdown:

• Pearl: White, cream, pink, black, and more
• Moonstone: Milky white, blue, peach, gray, and rainbow
• Alexandrite: Green in daylight, red or purple in incandescent light

This wide range of colors makes June one of the most colorful and exciting birthstone months. Whether you like classic white, glowing blue, or color-changing magic, there's a June birthstone for every style and personality.

How to Choose Between June's Birthstones

If you're wondering which June birthstone is right for you, consider what matters most to you. Pearls are classic and elegant, perfect for people who love timeless beauty. Moonstones have a magical and mystical vibe, ideal for dreamers and creatives. Alexandrite is rare and luxurious, a great choice if you want something unique and eye-catching.

You can also think about color. If you love neutral tones, pearls are a great match. If you're drawn to soft glows and shimmer, go for moonstone. If you want something dramatic that changes with the light, alexandrite might be perfect.

Where Can You Find June Birthstones in the U.S.?

While some June birthstones are hard to find naturally, there are still opportunities to go gem hunting in the U.S.:

• Pearls: Freshwater mussels in the Mississippi River region have been known to produce pearls, though it's rare. Tennessee has a long history of pearl cultivation.
• Moonstone: Can be found in states like Virginia and New Mexico. Look in areas with granite and feldspar-rich rock.
• Alexandrite: Extremely rare in the U.S., but small crystals have occasionally been found in Montana and North Carolina. Most gem-quality alexandrite is imported.

If you're interested in rockhounding, check out local gem mining sites and always follow legal and environmental guidelines.

How to Tell if a June Birthstone Is Real

With so many imitations and lab-created gems on the market, it's important to know how to tell if your birthstone is genuine:

• Pearls: Rub them lightly against your teeth. Real pearls feel gritty; fake ones feel smooth.
• Moonstone: Look for a soft glow that moves with the light. Fake moonstones often lack this effect.
• Alexandrite: The color change should be clear and noticeable. Some synthetics mimic the look, so buy from a trusted source.

If you're not sure, consider taking your gem to a certified gemologist for testing.

Final Thoughts: Celebrate June with a Unique Gem

June is a special month when it comes to birthstones. Whether you're drawn to the soft glow of a pearl, the moonlit shimmer of a moonstone, or the rare color-changing beauty of alexandrite, there's something magical about each of these gems. They all offer unique colors, rich histories, and powerful meanings.

Now that you know what the birthstones for June are and what makes each one so special, you can choose the one that speaks to you. Whether you're wearing it, gifting it, or collecting it, your June birthstone is a beautiful way to celebrate your birth month and connect with nature's hidden treasures.

So go ahead—explore, discover, and enjoy the birthstone magic that June has to offer!

Frequently Asked Questions About June Birthstones