Those of you lucky enough to have your birthday in June have not one or even two birthstones but three! The first of just two months to be able to have the choice of this many, meaning you can choose for the mood, budget or even occasion! It isn’t clear as to why June babies have the choice of so many stones, but sometimes alternate birthstones are chosen because the ancient birthstone has become rare. It could also be related to June’s zodiac sign – the twins! But for an unknown reason, if you were born in June you can choose Pearl, Alexandrite or Moonstone.
Pearl
There are many different interesting facts about Pearls but one that you might not know is they are the only gemstone to be made by living creatures! Mollusks produce Pearls by depositing layers of Calcium Carbonate around microscopic irritants that then get lodged in their shells, this is commonly believed to be a grain of sand but is not the case. Any shelled Mollusk can technically make a Pearl, but actually only two groups of bivalve Mollusks use Mother-of-Pearl to create the Pearls that are valued in jewellery.
Natural Pearling is confined to the Persian Gulf waters near Bahrain, however once upon a time Pearls were found in many parts of the world. Today, freshwater cultured Pearls are found in China, while South Sea Pearls come from the north-western coastline of Australia, the Philippines and Indonesia.
It is a tradition for brides to wear Pearls on her Wedding Day, but do you know why? Because in many cultures Pearls symbolise Purity and Innocence. Pearls are then often gifted on the 1st, 3rd, 12th and 30th wedding anniversaries.
Alexandrite
It is said that Alexandrite was discovered in 1834 on the same day that future Russian Czar Alexander II came of age – which is why the name honours him. Alexandrite was discovered in Russian Emerald mines located in the Ural Mountains and is classed as a modern gem.
Alexandrite is a rare variety of the mineral Chrysoberyl. This is the mineral that changes colour from a bluish green in daylight to purplish red under incandescent light. This behaviour is the result of an uncommon chemical composition including traces of Chromium, the same colouring which is found in Emerald. Alexandrite is classed as one of the rarest and most expensive gems, making it even more valuable than most gems, even rubies and diamonds, due to the unlikeliness of these elements combining under the right conditions.
Moonstone
Moonstone is the third and final of June’s three birthstones. It was named by the Roman natural historian Pliny, who wrote that Moonstone’s shimmery appearance shifted with the phases of the moon.
Moonstones can be found in a number of places around the world including, India, Australia, Madagascar and the United States of America. The stone is also believed to have many meanings including that it protects travellers at night. It can also be used to treat insomnia and sleepwalking, encourage sound sleep and create beneficial dreams.
If finding out all these amazing facts about June’s birthstones has inspired you to create your own piece of jewellery including any of these stones or perhaps your own birthstone, get in touch to arrange your free consultation. We’d be happy to help and create your very own bespoke piece.