Birthstones are gemstones with special meaning, each month connected to one or more stones believed to hold symbolic value and unique beauty. For most months, there’s only one birthstone—like garnet for January, amethyst for February, diamond for April, and emerald for May. But some months are especially lucky, with more than one birthstone. June is one of them—it has three! In fact, June is one of only two months in the year that feature three birthstones, the other being December.
So, how much do you know about June birthstones? What are they, and what makes them special? Let’s explore their history, symbolism, and beauty together.
Table of Contents
- What are the three birthstones for June?
- Why Does June Have Three Birthstones?
- Pearl: Traditional June Birthstone
- Moonstone: Second June Birthstone
- Alexandrite: Modern June Birthstone
- June Birthstone Jewelry Ideas
- FAQs About June Birthstone
What are the three birthstones for June?
June is actually one of the few months that has three birthstones 😊. According to both traditional and modern gemstone lists, the June birthstones are 👉 Pearl, Alexandrite, and Moonstone. This gives those born in June more choices. Whether you’re drawn to the elegance of pearls, the magic of alexandrite, or the ethereal glow of moonstone, each one is a beautiful gemstone and the perfect choice for celebrating June birthdays.
Why Does June Have Three Birthstones?
June has three birthstones—pearl, moonstone, and alexandrite—mainly due to the historical evolution of birthstone traditions, regional differences, cultural integration, and market demand.
Pearls, with their soft luster and connection to water imagery often associated with June (such as summer rains and the sea), were included as June’s birthstone in early Western traditions. Moonstone, tied to the symbolism of moonlight, became linked with June in certain Eastern and European cultures. Alexandrite, with its unique color-changing effect that echoes the “ever-changing” character of June, gradually gained recognition in the 20th century and was widely accepted as a third option.
Pearl: Traditional June Birthstone
June Birthstone Pearl History
Pearls are unique among gemstones—they are organic, formed inside mollusks rather than mined from the earth. In fact, pearls come from living creatures, which makes them especially distinct. Revered since ancient times, pearls were prized by civilizations from Rome to China. In ancient Rome, they were considered the ultimate symbol of wealth and status. In Asian cultures, pearls symbolized purity and wisdom, making them one of the most treasured gems in history.
June Birthstone Pearl Symbolism
Pearls have long been associated with purity, loyalty, and timeless beauty. They are often gifted as a symbol of love, making pearl jewelry a traditional present for a loved one. Because pearls are born from the ocean, they are also thought to represent calmness and emotional balance.
June Birthstone Pearl Color
While classic pearls are white or cream, they actually come in a wide variety of shades, including pink, lavender, golden, gray, and even black. Their soft luster and iridescent surface—called orient—make them universally loved. There are also a variety of shapes, such as round, oval, oval and irregular shapes.
June Birthstone Pearl Origin
Natural pearls are rare today, with most pearls on the market being cultured. Major pearl sources include Japan, China, Tahiti, Australia, and the Philippines. Each region produces pearls with distinct colors and qualities, from golden South Sea pearls to black Tahitian pearls.
Moonstone: Second June Birthstone
June Birthstone Moonstone History
Moonstone has been admired for centuries and is tied to lunar mythology. Ancient Romans believed moonstone was formed from solidified moonlight—hence the name. In India, it was considered sacred and a stone of destiny. It became especially popular during the Art Nouveau period, when designers used it extensively in fine jewelry.
June Birthstone Moonstone Symbolism
Moonstone symbolizes intuition, feminine energy, and protection. Often connected with the moon, it has long been thought of as a guide for travelers and a talisman for dreamers. Spiritually, moonstone is believed to encourage emotional balance, inspiration, and inner growth.
June Birthstone Moonstone Color
Moonstones are typically colorless or pale in body color but are prized for their adularescence—a glowing light that appears to move across the surface. This magical sheen can show blue, white, or rainbow flashes depending on the variety.
June Birthstone Moonstone Origin
High-quality moonstones traditionally came from Sri Lanka and India. Today, other sources include Myanmar, Madagascar, and Tanzania, with each producing stones of different hues and light effects.
Alexandrite: Modern June Birthstone
June Birthstone Alexandrite History
Discovered in Russia’s Ural Mountains in the 1830s, alexandrite was named after Czar Alexander II. It quickly gained fame for its remarkable color-changing ability, appearing green in daylight and red under incandescent light. Because of its rarity, it became a prized gem among royalty and collectors.
June Birthstone Alexandrite Symbolism
Alexandrite represents luck, renewal, and creativity. Its color-shifting nature symbolizes adaptability and the duality of life. Many believe it enhances imagination and strengthens intuition, making it a favorite among those seeking balance and clarity. In addition, due to the historical association of Alexandrite with Tsar Alexander II of Russia, Alexandrite is also regarded as a symbol of nobility.
June Birthstone Alexandrite Color
The most famous feature of alexandrite is its dramatic color change. In natural light, it often shows a bluish-green or emerald-like tone, while under lamp light, it glows with shades of red, purplish-red, or raspberry. This rare phenomenon is known as the “emerald by day, ruby by night” effect.
June Birthstone Alexandrite Origin
The original Russian deposits are mostly depleted, making natural alexandrite incredibly rare and valuable. Today, alexandrite can also be found in Sri Lanka, Brazil, Tanzania, and Madagascar. Lab-created alexandrite is also available, offering the same striking color-change effect at a more accessible price.
June Birthstone Jewelry Ideas
With three different gemstones to choose from, June birthdays are spoiled for choice when it comes to jewelry. Pearl jewelry is the timeless classic—perfect for elegant necklaces, delicate stud earrings, or a thoughtful gift for a loved one. For those who seek something more mystical and unique, moonstone jewelry offers a soft, ethereal glow that feels connected to the moon and embodies feminine energy. And if you’re looking for a truly rare and statement-worthy piece, alexandrite jewelry offers an unforgettable play of color that shifts from green to red depending on the light.
Whether you prefer something traditional, romantic, or bold, June birthstones offer endless inspiration for jewelry designs that feel personal and meaningful.
June Birthstone Moonstone Jewelry
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Rose Gold Oval Cut Moonstone Dainty Elegant Engagement Ring
$328 -
Yellow Gold Marquise Cut Moonstone Wedding Band
Original price was: $340.$280Current price is: $280. -
Rose Gold Pear Shaped Moonstone Wedding Band Promise gift
Original price was: $202.$160Current price is: $160. -
Round Cut Starlight Cluster Moonstone Engagement Ring
$298
Explore more 👉 June birthstone moonstone rings.
June Birthstone Alexandrite Jewelry
Explore more 👉 June birthstone alexandrite rings.
FAQs About June Birthstone
Pearls and moonstones are generally more affordable than alexandrite, making them accessible options for June birthdays.
Alexandrite, with its hardness and enchanting color-changing effect, mirrors the inner strength and imaginative nature of a boy. Therefore, alexandrite is the best birthstone gift for boys born in June.
There isn’t a standard answer; it mainly depends on your personal preference. A June birthstone necklace is recommended because it is less likely to be bumped or scratched while being worn.
Alexandrite is by far the rarest and most valuable due to its natural color-changing phenomenon and limited supply.
Absolutely! Many people enjoy combining moonstone and pearl for a soft, mystical look or choosing alexandrite for statement pieces.
Pearls are classic for necklaces and earrings, moonstone is stunning in bohemian-style rings and pendants, and alexandrite is ideal for fine engagement rings and heirloom-worthy jewelry.
Alexandrite is the most durable. Generally, durability is determined by hardness—the Mohs hardness of June’s three birthstones is pearl (2.5-4.5), moonstone (6-6.5), and alexandrite (8.5). Since pearls are more sensitive to cosmetics, perfumes, and scratches than harder gems, they require special care.
Conclusion
June is a unique month because it boasts three beautiful birthstones: pearl, alexandrite and moonstone. Each stone carries its own unique history, symbolism and charm. Pearls are loved for their pure and classic beauty, alexandrite attracts gemstone lovers with its fascinating color-changing properties, while moonstones are sought after for their mysterious halo effect. No matter what kind of gemstone you choose, they can bring you good luck and beauty.
Related Readings: January Birthstone, February Birthstone, March Birthstone, April Birthstone, May Birthstone, July Birthstone, August Birthstone, September Birthstone, October Birthstone, November Birthstone, December Birthstone