Introduction to Pearl, Alexandrite, and Moonstone
June is one among the few months that hold a privilege of having three birthstones. These are pearls, alexandrite, and moonstone. One out of these gemstones acts differently from the rest of them and each has its special features and meaning.
Pearls, an auspicious stone to the born of June month, symbolize purity and innocence. Unlike other gemstones, the pearls are cultured in a living creature, mollusk, normally an oyster or a clam. They have been treated as precious stones being unique and used for centuries together in making all type of jewelry.
Alexandrite, a recent discovery of gemstone with extraordinary changing color properties. Its hue is green or bluish-green exhibited during day light, while at the night or incandescent light, it changes to reddish-purple. Guess what, it’s extremely rare and highly valuable.
Moonstone is the third birthstone for June, and it came by its name due to his moon-like sheen. It enables producing soft glow of light which seems trapped inside the gem – something like the soft glow of moonlight is – and hence it displays a phenomenon known as Adularescence.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Birthstone Month | June |
| Birthstones | Pearl, Alexandrite and Moonstone |
| Symbolism | Pearl: Purity and Innocence; Alexandrite: Balance and Confidence; Moonstone: Protection, Abundance |
| Origins | Pearl: Produced by living organisms, mainly mollusks; Alexandrite: Discovered in Russia found in Sri Lanka, East Africa and Brazil; Moonstone: Found worldwide, best from Sri Lanka |
| Mythology and Beliefs | Pearl: To signify innocence, purity, and the moon; Alexandrite: It is believed to bring luck, good fortune, and love; Moonstone: A sacred stone in India that brings about a special significance for lovers |
| Physical Properties | Pearl: Varies from 2.5 to 4.5 at the Mohs scale; Alexandrite: Rates 8.5 at the Mohs scale, and changes color in light effects; Moonstone: Rates 6 on the Mohs scale, it exudes adularescence |
| Use in Jewelry | Pearls: Necklace and Earring; Alexandrite: Many versatile, unique in color change; Moonstone: Majority Cabochon drilled, Bohemian and Vintage |
| Care and Maintenance | Pearls: Can avoid chemicals, wipe through almost a soft cloth; Alexandrite: Clean it almost with all methods, try avoiding the use of intense chemicals; Moonstone: Clean it through a soft cloth and soapy water, avoid through ultrasound and steam |
| Psychological and Emotional Significance | Pearl: Concern with the purity, honesty, calmness; Alexandrite: Help farmer to balance his emotional state, to increase his self-esteem; Moonstone: Concern with the inner goddess, abundance, protection; |
| Choosing a Birthstone | June features three options – the classic beauty of pearls, the color-changing qualities of alexandrite, and the mysterious luster of moonstone |
Origin and History of Pearl, Alexandrite, and Moonstone
Pearls have served as adornments for thousands of years. The ancient Egyptians, the Romans and the Greeks highly treasured this precious property. Pearls are one of the few gemstones on Earth that need no prior cutting or polishing before their continued use.
Alexandrite was originally mined in Russia in the early 19th century and named after Tsar Alexander II. It was found in emerald mines mostly from within the Ural Mountains. Today some material comes from Sri Lanka, East Africa, and Brazil, but all fine material is quite rare and very expensive.Moonstone became popular with the Art Nouveau jewelers of the early 20th century. It occurs in many parts of the world such as Sri Lanka, Myanmar, India, Madagascar, Brazil, Australia, and the United States. The very best moonstones are from Sri Lanka.
Being a June birth, the mythologies in every pearl, alexandrite, and moonstone all display purity, love, wealth, as well as tranquility.
Mythology Indicated by Pearl, Alexandrite, and Moonstone
The mythology significance on each of June’s birthstones is quite diverse from one another.
Pearls have always been rewarded for innocence, purity and also humility. Being spiritually enlightening, Pearls have associated with the moon too because of their natural beauty, many ancient cultures held the belief in them falling into seas from the moon as teardrops too.
Alexandrite often associates with balance and self-esteem as it has a chameleon-like characteristics. It is considered to bring good luck, fortune, and love. Also, the stone is considered a strongener of people’s intuition and creativity and their help in the process of change.
Moonstone has been in vogue for jewelry-making, from many centuries and the ancient civilizations were no exceptions. The Romans viewed moonstone as radiations-accumulation of the moon and hence prided over it. Moonstone was popularly associated both by Greeks and the Romans with their lunar deities. In India, it has been considered as a precious stone that is traditionally significant to lovers and is given only during weddings in the country.
Different Characteristics of Pearl, Alexandrite, and Moonstone
Pearls come in shades of white, black, grey, pink, blue, and golden. If you are looking at a pearl, the rarest overtone you may see is rose (i.e., pink), very seldom green, purple, or blue.
Alexandrite is a variety of chrysoberyl whose color changes from bluish green in daylight to purplish red under incandescent light. The value factor an alexandrite gemstone is predominantly based on its color change quantity and quality.
Moonstone could well be colorless, gray, brown, yellow or even green and pink. The adularescence — a glowing shimmer or gentle glow that seems interior light reflection — among the most enticing characteristics of the moonstone.
Physical Properties of Pearl, Alexandrite and Moonstone
Pearls being an organic gem, have no carat weight measure like most of the gemstones.
The size of the pearl is directly related to the amount of time a pearl is left to grow in the oyster. Their hardness varies a lot and is dependent on the type and quality of the pearl and can range from 2.5 to 4.5 in the Mohs scale.Alexandrite is relatively hard, and rates 8.5 on the Mohs scale. It’s a pleochroic gemstone, that changes color depending upon lighting under which it is viewed.
Moonstone is 6 out of 10 on the Mohs scale to hardness. So it is relatively soft, hence it should be handled with care so that to avoid scratching or even breaking it. It has pulaescent opalescence and monoclinic crystal structure.
Pearl, Alexandrite, and Moonstone in Jewelry Designing
All three of modern June birthstones are used in a variety of different styles of jewelry.Pearls are seen most often made into necklaces and earrings but can be utilized to make all types of jewelry designs. They give a classic look and can be worn singly or with other gemstones together. Pearl jewelry should only be put on after makeup, perfume, and hairspray as it is very soft.
Alexandrite is a beautiful stone one can wear in every aspect like rings, earrings, pendants, and bracelets. The color changing ability of the stone makes it so unique and will spark many conversations about this precious gemstone. As alexandrite is only available in limited amount, expect to pay through your nose for all jewelries made out of alexandrite.Moonstone is usually cut into cabochons, as this shows the adularescence. Moonstone is popular in necklaces, earrings, bracelets and rings. Bohemian and vintage inspired design are a growing trend which moonstone complements due to its mystical and ethereal qualities.
How to Care for and Clean Pearl, Alexandrite, and Moonstone Jewelry
Pearls are fragile and so must be handled with care to avoid loss of their luster. They should be kept away from chemicals and stored separately, then they do not scratch each other. In case of wearing, pearls need wiping with a soft cloth and at times may be washed in mild soapy water.
Alexandrite can use just about any method without most, like ultrasonic cleaners. However, in terms of many other gemstones, harsh chemicals are to be avoided.
Moonstones happen to be a little fragile and should be handled with a lot of care in order to prevent unnecessary scratches and damage. Soap water works the best for cleaning them on soft cloths. However, one must strictly avoid ultrasonic or steam cleaning.
Pearl, Alexandrite, and Moonstone: The Birthstones of June
June has three amazing birthstones to offer people fortunate enough to be born on the month. All of these gemstones have their own distinctive features: pearl for timeless elegance, alexandrite for its spectacular characteristic of changing color, and moonstone for its shimmering, almost magical-like effect.
The Psychological and Emotional Significance that lies Behind Pearl, Alexandrite, and Moonstone
Pearl is considered a gemstone related to purity, truthfulness, as well as peacefulness. This particular group of gemstone can be capable of influencing faith, children’s charity, along with other forms of personality facets.
Alexandrite is said to aid in balancing emotional state, increasing one’s self-esteem and inspiring imagination. It is a stone of joy and is said to strengthen the ability of anticipation beside appreciation of the beauty in every day-day life.
Moonstone is linked with the inner goddess which symbolizes fertility and sensuality. It brings a huge energy of abundance in one’s life. Moonstone acts like a physical protective stone especially various activity such as childbirth, pregnancy or even while at sea travelling.
Conclusion: The Lasting Appeal of Pearl, Alexandrite, and Moonstone
The lore, beauty and deep symbolism of pearl, alexandrite or moonstone overwhelm and the precious stones will make a perfect gift for people born in June. Timeless pearl, rarest alexandrite, mystical moonstone – each of the gemstones charm, appeal and allure in its individual way.