June
June has three birthstones — pearl, moonstone and alexandrite — symbols of purity, love and lucky change.
June has three birthstones — pearl, moonstone and alexandrite — symbols of purity, love and lucky change. Born in June, you have the most to choose from.
About the June Birthstone
June is one of the few months with three modern birthstones. Pearl is the only gem grown by a living creature, its soft light glowing from within; moonstone shows a floating blue sheen (adularescence); alexandrite changes from green to red with the light, the rarest of the three. The traditional June stone is alexandrite.
The Meaning of This Month
June’s three stones each carry a symbol: pearl for purity and wisdom, moonstone for the feminine and intuition, alexandrite for luck and change. To give one to someone born in June is to wish “warmth like a pearl, and a spirit as quick as a colour-change stone”.
History & Culture
The birthstone tradition traces to the twelve gems of the Breastplate of Aaron, matched to the months and zodiac, and standardised into the modern list by the American jewellers’ association in 1912. Pearl has long been a byword for poise; alexandrite was found in Russia in the 1830s and, changing between the Russian imperial colours of red and green, won the Tsar’s favour, joining the June list in 1952.
The Lists
| List | June birthstone |
|---|---|
| Modern (1912 · US) | Pearl · Moonstone · Alexandrite |
| Traditional | Alexandrite |
| Zodiac | Gemini (to 6/20) · Cancer (from 6/21) |
Explore this month's stones
FAQ
How many birthstones does June have?
Three: pearl, moonstone and alexandrite.
Which is the main one?
Pearl is the most classic and common; moonstone and alexandrite are the later options.
What does pearl symbolise?
Purity, wisdom and poise; the Greeks believed it was the goddess Aphrodite's tears of joy.
Why is alexandrite so expensive?
Because it changes from green to red with the light, and is extremely rare; the more complete the change, the more prized.
Which zodiac signs go with June?
Gemini (to June 20) and Cancer (from June 21).