June Birthstone
Quick answer
June has three modern birthstones: pearl, alexandrite and moonstone. Pearl is the traditional and most common choice. Alexandrite is rare and changes colour from green in daylight to red-purple under indoor light. Moonstone has a soft blue or rainbow glow across the surface. None of these stones is well suited to a daily-wear engagement ring without careful thought, so most June birthstone jewellery is earrings, pendants and dress rings.
June stones at a glance
| Stone | Colour | Hardness | List |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pearl | White, cream, gold, grey, black, pink | 2.5 to 4.5 Mohs | Modern |
| Alexandrite | Green in daylight, red-purple under indoor light | 8.5 Mohs | Modern |
| Moonstone | White with blue, silver or rainbow adularescence | 6 to 6.5 Mohs | Modern |
Modern vs traditional
The traditional June birthstone is pearl. Alexandrite and moonstone were added in the 20th century. All three are recognised today, and pearl is still the most common gift for June birthdays.
Colour and meaning
Pearl is produced inside a living mollusc and is the only major gemstone that is grown rather than mined. Pearl colour ranges from white and cream through grey, gold, pink and the rich dark greens and aubergines of Tahitian pearls. Alexandrite is a chrysoberyl that shifts dramatically with the light source. Moonstone is a feldspar with a soft inner glow called adularescence that floats across the surface. June birthstones have long been linked with the moon, with femininity and with quiet wisdom.
Durability and best uses
Pearl is soft at 2.5 to 4.5 Mohs and scratches easily, so a pearl ring on a busy hand will not stay perfect. Pearl earrings and pendants wear far better. Alexandrite is genuinely durable at 8.5 Mohs and works in a daily ring. Moonstone at 6 to 6.5 is fine for rings worn carefully and well suited to earrings and pendants.
History and lore
Pearls were the ultimate status symbol of ancient Rome, and Cleopatra is said to have dissolved one in vinegar to win a bet with Mark Antony about the most expensive dinner. Alexandrite was found in Russia in the 1830s and named after Tsar Alexander II, with its red and green colours matching the Russian imperial colours. Moonstone has appeared in jewellery since Roman times and surged again during the Art Nouveau period, when its soft glow suited the style.
Gift ideas
A pair of pearl stud earrings or a single strand of cultured pearls is the most classic June gift and works at any age. For a special-occasion piece, an alexandrite ring or pendant turns into a small conversation piece every time the wearer moves from sunlight to indoor light. Moonstone reads softer and more bohemian, and works beautifully in white gold or silver with rose cut diamond accents.
Care
Pearl is the most delicate gemstone in regular use. Put pearls on last when dressing, wipe with a soft damp cloth after wearing, and never use ultrasonic, steam or chemical cleaners. Keep pearls away from perfume, hairspray and cosmetics. Alexandrite tolerates ultrasonic cleaning and warm soapy water. Moonstone is fine with warm soapy water but should not go near ultrasonic cleaners or sudden temperature changes.
Zodiac and anniversary
Zodiac: Gemini (until 20 June) and Cancer (from 21 June).
Anniversary: Pearl is the traditional 30th wedding anniversary gift. Alexandrite is associated with the 55th.
Designing a custom piece
Start a custom design
Birthstone rings and pendants are usually made to order. Tell us the stone, the wearer and the piece you have in mind, and we will help you compare options before we draw anything up.
Start a custom designFrequently asked questions
- What is the birthstone for June?
- June has three modern birthstones: pearl, alexandrite and moonstone. Pearl is the older traditional choice. Alexandrite and moonstone were added in the 20th century. All three are recognised.
- Can pearl be used in an engagement ring?
- It can, but it is not the most practical choice. Pearl is soft at 2.5 to 4.5 on the Mohs scale, so a pearl engagement ring will scratch and dull faster than a harder stone. A bezel setting helps, but earrings and pendants wear far better than rings.
- Is alexandrite really colour changing?
- Yes. Fine alexandrite shifts from green or bluish green under daylight to red, purple-red or raspberry under incandescent indoor light. The strength of the change determines the price.
- Is moonstone the same as opal?
- No. Moonstone is a feldspar with a soft floating glow called adularescence. Opal is a hydrated silica with a play of spectral colours. The two are visually different and have different care needs.
- Are cultured pearls real pearls?
- Yes. A cultured pearl is grown inside a real mollusc, with a small bead or piece of tissue introduced to start the process. The nacre is grown by the animal, the same as in a natural pearl. Almost every pearl on the market today is cultured.
Still deciding
Talk through the june birthstone with us
Send the wearer, the piece you have in mind and a sense of budget, and we will help you compare stones and settings before we draw anything up.
Contact the studio