What Is My Birthstone?
June Birthstone: Pearl, Alexandrite, Moonstone
Pearl, Alexandrite, Moonstone
June is the only month with three birthstones: pearl, alexandrite and moonstone. Pearl is the traditional choice and the only birthstone made by a living creature. Alexandrite is a rare color-change chrysoberyl that looks green in daylight and red under incandescent light. Moonstone is a feldspar with a floating blue glow called adularescence.
Pearls are soft (Mohs 2.5–4.5) and dissolve in acid, so they need gentle care and should go on last after perfume and lotion. Natural pearls are extremely rare; nearly every pearl sold today is cultured.
Alexandrite is among the most expensive gems per carat, which is why moonstone, affordable and widely available, is the most common June stone in everyday jewelry.
June birthstones at a glance
- Modern birthstones: Pearl, Alexandrite, Moonstone
- Traditional birthstone: Pearl
- Color: white and cream (pearl), color-change green to red (alexandrite), white with blue sheen (moonstone)
- Traditionally associated with purity, intuition and new beginnings
About Pearl
Pearls are organic gems formed inside mollusks. Natural pearls are extremely rare; most pearls today are cultured by inserting a nucleus into the mollusk.
| Type | Organic Gems |
|---|---|
| Chemical formula | CaCO3 |
| Mohs hardness | 3 |
| Crystal system | orthorhombic |
| Luster | pearly |
| Streak | White |
| Cleavage | None |
- The only gem created by a living organism
- Natural pearls are now almost exclusively sold at auction
- Cleopatra allegedly dissolved a pearl in vinegar and drank it
How to tell real Pearl at a glance
- Color: White, Cream, Pink, Black, Gold. Look at a clean, dry surface in daylight. Color zoning, banding or spots are as diagnostic as the hue.
- Luster: Pearly. Compare a fresh surface with glass and metal; this luster is softer than either.
- Transparency: Opaque. Hold a thin edge up to a bright light and note whether light passes through.
- Mohs hardness: 3. A copper coin (Mohs 3.5) scratches it, but a fingernail does not.
Other stones on this page
Frequently asked questions
What is the birthstone for June?
The modern June birthstone is Pearl, Alexandrite, Moonstone.
What color is the June birthstone?
Pearl is white and cream (pearl), color-change green to red (alexandrite), white with blue sheen (moonstone).
Why does June have three birthstones?
Pearl is the historic stone. Alexandrite was added in 1952 as a durable transparent option, and moonstone was recognized as an affordable alternative with the same milky glow.
How do I test if a pearl is real?
Rub it gently across your front teeth: real pearl feels slightly gritty, imitation feels glassy smooth. Real pearls also show tiny irregularities under a loupe.
