What Is My Zodiac Stone?
Cancer Birthstone & Crystals: Pearl
♋ June 21 – July 22 · Pearl
Cancer is the Moon-ruled water sign, home-loving, intuitive and fiercely protective of its people. Pearl is its modern stone, formed in the sea and glowing like moonlight, and it doubles as the June birthstone. Ancient tables gave Cancer emerald.
Moonstone is the obvious companion, a feldspar with a floating blue sheen that has been tied to the Moon since Roman times. Ruby, the July birthstone, covers the second half of Cancer's dates and brings warmth to a sign that can retreat into its shell, while selenite (named for the Greek moon goddess Selene) is a favorite for clearing a room after a hard day.
Cancer at a glance
- Dates: June 21 – July 22
- Element: Water · Ruled by The Moon
- Primary stone: Pearl
- Traditional stone: Emerald
- Supporting crystals: Moonstone, Ruby, Selenite
- Often described as nurturing, intuitive, protective, moody
How Cancers traditionally use their stones
- Pearl or moonstone for emotionally charged days.
- Ruby when you need to step out of your comfort zone.
- A selenite stick on a windowsill at home.
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 crystal is best for Cancer?
Pearl is Cancer's primary stone and moonstone is its most popular crystal. Ruby, emerald and selenite round out the traditional list.
What are the Cancer dates?
Cancer runs from June 21 – July 22. Cusp dates can shift by a day depending on the year and your time zone; if you were born on the boundary, check your birth time.
Can I wear a stone that isn't my zodiac stone?
Of course. Zodiac stone lists are traditions, not rules. Pick the stone whose look and story you like, then use StoneSnap's identify guides to make sure it is the real thing.
