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June Birthstones: Pearl, Moonstone and Alexandrite

Born in June · 3 birthstones

PearlMoonstoneAlexandrite

June is one of only a few months with three birthstones. Pearl is the classic one - soft, glowing and made by living animals in the sea or rivers. Moonstone shines with a soft blue light. Alexandrite is the rare one: it looks green in daylight and red under warm lamps.

About Pearl

🎨 Colors

White, cream, pink, peach, and dark grey to black.

🪨 Hardness (Mohs scale)

2.5-3

🌍 Where it comes from

Japan and China for Akoya pearls, Australia to the Philippines for South Sea pearls, French Polynesia for Tahitian pearls, and China for most freshwater pearls.

📜 Story and old beliefs

People in the ancient Middle East called pearls teardrops fallen from heaven.

In old Chinese stories they came from a dragon's brain.

An old Sanskrit text said pearls bring long life and good fortune.

About Moonstone

🎨 Colors

Colorless with a soft blue glow that seems to float across the stone.

🪨 Hardness (Mohs scale)

6-6.5

🌍 Where it comes from

Mainly India and Sri Lanka, plus the United States, Brazil, Madagascar, Myanmar and Tanzania.

📜 Story and old beliefs

Greeks and Romans linked it with their moon gods.

Hindu myths say it is made of moonlight turned solid.

It is often seen as a stone of love and good luck.

About Alexandrite

🎨 Colors

Green to bluish green in daylight, red to purplish red under warm lamp light.

🪨 Hardness (Mohs scale)

8.5

🌍 Where it comes from

First found in Russia's Ural Mountains in the 1830s, which are now mined out. Today it comes from Brazil, Sri Lanka and East Africa.

📜 Story and old beliefs

It was named after the young Alexander II of Russia.

Its red and green matched the military colors of imperial Russia.

For a Baby Born in June

June babies get to choose. Pearl - gentle and glowing - is the classic baby keepsake and has an old link to long life. Moonstone brings a dreamy, moonlit feel for little night owls. Alexandrite, which changes color, is a fun symbol for a baby who will change so much in the first year.

Keepsake Ideas

A single pearl saved each birthday, to make a necklace when they are grown

A moonstone in a keepsake box for a later birthday

A pearl charm or earrings for the birth parent

A soft cream and silver birth print with their date

A 'moon and stars' nursery theme inspired by moonstone

⚠️ Safety first

Birthstones are keepsakes for later, not jewelry for babies. Do not put necklaces, bracelets, anklets or small stones on a baby or toddler - they can cause choking or strangulation. That includes amber or gemstone 'teething' necklaces, which the U.S. FDA and the American Academy of Pediatrics warn against. Keep gems and jewelry out of reach.

June Zodiac Signs

Plan the first birthday →

Quick Answers

What is the birthstone for June?

June has three: pearl, moonstone and alexandrite. Pearl is the most traditional.

Why does June have three birthstones?

Lists of birthstones changed over time, and newer stones were added beside the older ones, so families now have more than one choice.

Why do pearls need extra care?

Pearls are soft - only 2.5 to 3 on the Mohs scale - so they scratch easily. Keep them away from perfume and store them apart from harder stones.

Stone list and gem facts follow the GIA birthstone guides. Meanings are old traditions and folklore, not facts or health claims.