What is the birthstone for June? A guide to the the gemstones' colors, symbolism and more.
June has several symbols that identify those born the summer month.
People born in June can have one of two astrological signs: Gemini (born between June 1 and 21) and Cancer (born between 22 and 30). The rose and honeysuckle also represent those born in June.
But what about June's birthstone?
Each month has its gemstone. Here's what you need to know about June's birthstones, including colors, symbolism, meanings and more.
What is the June birthstone? Well, there are three.
June has three birthstones: alexandrite, pearl and moonstone.
Alexandrite comes from a rare mineral that changes color depending on the light. Alexandrite can appear green or blue in daylight or fluorescent light. In incandescent light, it can appear red or purple.
According to the Geological Institute of America, alexandrite gets its name from Emperor Alexander II of Russia. The gemstone's red and green colors were similar to the national military colors of imperial Russia.
It was initially discovered in the Ural Mountains of Russia in the 1830s. But today, alexandrite is mined in Brazil, Sri Lanka and East Africa.
Alexandrite often represents luck and prosperity.
What color is my birthstone? Learn which gemstone represents each month and what it means.
The pearl is the second birthstone for June.
Natural pearls are often white or cream-colored. But cultured pearls are available in various colors, including pink, blue, purple, brown and black.
Natural pearls are produced by mollusks. These animals form the gem as a natural defense against irritants, such as a parasite or grains of sand, from entering their shell.
However, pearl hunting has drastically decreased the natural pearl beds. A majority of pearls on the market today are cultured pearls, which are made by technicians at pearl farms.
Pearls are associated with purity, humility and innocence.
How are pearls formed? Where these organic gemstones can be found.
The moonstone is June's birthstone.
It is well-known for its "adularescence," or optical phenomenon that gives the gemstone a special glow. This occurs due to light fragmentation between microscopic layers of feldspar (aluminosilicate minerals with calcium, sodium or potassium) in the gem. Once it is polished, the finest moonstones will be colorless, or white, with a sheen of blue.
Many ancient cultures associated the gemstone with the moon. For example, in Hindu mythology, it was believed the moonstone was made of solidified moonbeams. While in ancient Greece and Rome, the stone was associated with lunar deities.
Moonstone is mined across the globe, including in the U.S. Other countries where moonstones can be found include India, Sri Lanka, Brazil, Madagascar, Myanmar and Tanzania, according to the Geological Institute of America.
The gem symbolizes love, passion and fertility. It is also said to bring good luck. According to lore, it is believed you see your future if you put a moonstone in your mouth during a full moon.
Want to learn more about other month's birthstones?
April | May | June | July | August | September | October | November | December | January
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This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: June birthstone: Guide to gemstone meaning, symbolism and more
