June Birthstone Guide: Alexandrite and Moonstone
June is one of only three months with three official birthstones — the others being August and December. Pearl, alexandrite, and moonstone each claim June as their own, giving anyone born this month an unusually wide and beautiful range of gems to choose from.
This guide focuses on the two most visually dramatic of the three: alexandrite, the rarest color-changing gemstone in the world, and moonstone, with its soft inner glow that looks like captured moonlight. Both are extraordinary stones. Both make exceptional jewelry. And both are available at Giliarto in made-to-order settings in 14K gold.
Why June Has Three Birthstones
The modern birthstone list was standardized by the American National Retail Jewelers Association in 1912, with updates made over the decades. Pearl was the original June birthstone. Moonstone was added as an alternative, and alexandrite — first discovered in the 1830s — was added to the list in 1952 once it became available in sufficient quantities for the jewelry market.
June is one of three months that has three birthstones, and unlike some months where the alternatives feel interchangeable, June's three stones are completely distinct from each other. Pearl is organic and luminous. Moonstone glows from within. Alexandrite changes color entirely depending on the light source. No other month offers this kind of variety.
Alexandrite: The June Birthstone That Changes Color
What Is Alexandrite?
Alexandrite is a rare and extraordinary gemstone renowned for its remarkable color-changing ability. Discovered in Russia's Ural Mountains in the 1830s, alexandrite can shift from a deep, mossy green in daylight to a rich, purplish-red under incandescent light.
This color-change phenomenon is not a trick of photography or an optical illusion — it is a genuine physical property of the stone. Alexandrite is a variety of the mineral chrysoberyl, and its color change is caused by the presence of chromium in its crystal structure. Chromium absorbs light differently depending on the wavelength, which is why natural and artificial light sources produce completely different colors in the same stone.
The result: one ring, two completely different looks. In daylight or fluorescent office light, it appears green to teal-green. In candlelight, lamplight, or incandescent bulbs, it shifts to deep red, purplish-red, or raspberry. This earned alexandrite one of the most memorable descriptions in gemology: "emerald by day, ruby by night."
Alexandrite: Rarity and Value
Natural alexandrite is one of the rarest gemstones on earth — natural stones are extraordinarily rare and expensive, often exceeding $30,000 per carat for strong color change and good clarity.
Fine natural alexandrite with a strong, clean color change is rarer than ruby, emerald, and most sapphires. Stones above one carat are exceptional finds. The finest historic specimens came from the Ural Mountains of Russia — those mines are largely depleted today. Modern sources include Brazil, Sri Lanka, and parts of East Africa, though color change quality varies significantly between deposits.
Lab-Grown Alexandrite: Same Stone, Accessible Price
Lab-grown alexandrite delivers that same jaw-dropping color change at a fraction of the cost of natural stones. Lab-created alexandrite has the identical chemical structure and optical properties as the natural stone — the only difference is origin. It forms in a controlled environment rather than the earth, but the chromium-driven color change is the same.
Because the lab process is so precise, scientists can dial in the optimal chromium concentration. Lab-grown stones often show a more dramatic, consistent color shift than their natural counterparts, which are subject to the unpredictable conditions of geological formation.
For anyone who wants alexandrite's legendary color-change beauty without a five-figure price tag, lab-grown is the practical and honest choice. At Giliarto, every alexandrite ring is set in 14K gold with made-to-order sizing — the quality of a fine jewelry piece at an accessible price.
Alexandrite Properties
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Mineral | Chrysoberyl |
| Hardness | 8.5 / 10 Mohs |
| Color (daylight) | Green to blue-green |
| Color (incandescent) | Red to purplish-red |
| Phenomenon | Color change (alexandrite effect) |
| Transparency | Transparent |
| Durability | Excellent for daily wear |
Alexandrite, being a durable gemstone, ranks 8.5 on the Mohs hardness scale. This places it just below corundum (sapphire and ruby at 9) and well above the threshold for comfortable daily wear. It does not require the careful handling of softer stones.
Alexandrite Meaning and Symbolism
Alexandrite carries the symbolic meaning of transformation, creativity, and prosperity. Its ability to shift between two entirely different colors in a single stone is read across cultures as a symbol of duality, adaptability, and the ability to thrive in different conditions.
From a spiritual perspective, alexandrite's unique allure lies in its ability to symbolize transformation and progress. The gemstone is believed to enhance joyfulness, flexibility, and decision-making.
For a June birthday gift, few gestures carry as much meaning as an alexandrite ring — a stone so rare that most people will never own one in natural form, and so visually dramatic that it makes an impression in any light.
Shop Alexandrite Rings at Giliarto
Giliarto's alexandrite ring collection features lab-grown alexandrite set in 14K white, yellow, and rose gold. Halo settings, floral designs, solitaires, and paired stone styles — all made to order with your exact ring size. Whether you're buying a June birthday gift or an engagement ring that breaks every convention, this is the collection to explore.
Moonstone: The June Birthstone That Glows
What Is Moonstone?
Luminescent moonstone is the best-known gem belonging to the feldspar group of minerals. It's composed of alternating layers of orthoclase and albite. When light hits the moonstone, it bounces off in many directions, producing the phenomenon called adularescence — a special blue-ish glow.
That word — adularescence — describes something that is difficult to capture in words but unmistakable in person. It is not a surface shine like a polished stone. It is not a sparkle like a faceted diamond. It is a soft, billowing light that appears to float just below the surface of the stone, moving as you tilt it, like moonlight on very still water. Some describe it as the stone breathing.
During formation, orthoclase and albite separate into alternating layers. When light falls between these thin layers it is scattered, producing the phenomenon called adularescence. The thinner and more numerous the layers, the stronger and bluer the effect.
Moonstone Colors and Types
Moonstone comes in several varieties, each with a different look:
White/colorless moonstone — the most common; milky body with soft blue or white adularescence. The classic look.
Blue moonstone — transparent body with a striking blue-white glow. The most prized and valuable variety. The most popular moonstone is a colorless stone with a blue sheen. If the blue sheen is visible from all angles of the stone, all the more valuable it becomes.
Peach/rainbow moonstone — warm tones with multicolor adularescence, including flashes of blue, purple, and green. Technically a variety of labradorite, but marketed and sold as moonstone in most jewelry contexts.
Gray moonstone — deeper, more dramatic body color with silver-toned glow. Popular in bohemian and alternative engagement ring styles.
Moonstone Properties
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Mineral | Orthoclase feldspar |
| Hardness | 6–6.5 / 10 Mohs |
| Phenomenon | Adularescence |
| Cut | Usually cabochon; sometimes faceted |
| Colors | White, blue, peach, gray, rainbow |
| Durability | Moderate — requires care |
With a hardness rating between 6 and 6.5 on the Mohs scale, moonstone is considered to be a more delicate gemstone. This is the most important practical consideration when buying moonstone jewelry. At 6–6.5, it will scratch from contact with harder everyday materials over time. It also has cleavage in two directions, meaning a sharp blow can chip or crack it.
This does not mean moonstone cannot be worn in rings — it can, and millions of people do. It means the setting matters: protective styles like bezel settings or halo designs that shield the stone's edges extend the life of a moonstone ring significantly. It also means moonstone works beautifully as a pendant, earrings, or occasional-wear ring where it faces less abrasion.
Moonstone Meaning and Symbolism
Moonstone symbolizes love, passion, fertility, and luck. Its gentle glow is thought to soothe emotional instability, enhance intuition, and promote peaceful sleep. Many believe moonstone brings protection to travelers.
Across cultures and centuries, moonstone has been linked to the moon, to feminine energy, and to the cyclical nature of change. Hindu mythology considered it a sacred stone formed from moonbeams. In European tradition it was a traveler's protective stone. In Art Nouveau jewelry of the early 20th century, it was the gemstone of choice for designers like René Lalique, who understood that its soft glow stood apart from every other stone in the jeweler's vocabulary.
As a June birthstone, moonstone is often linked to intuition, emotional balance, and inner clarity. Moonstone has always been connected to the moon and the idea of calm, change, and inner peace.
For a June birthday, moonstone jewelry carries layers of meaning — new beginnings, emotional strength, the beauty of quiet things. It is a gift that says something.
Moonstone in Engagement Rings
Moonstone engagement rings have grown consistently in popularity through the 2020s, driven by couples seeking alternatives to the conventional diamond solitaire. The stone's ethereal glow suits vintage-inspired, bohemian, and nature-themed ring styles particularly well.
The right way to wear moonstone in an engagement ring: choose a protective setting (bezel, or a low halo), avoid wearing it during heavy manual work, and clean it gently with warm soapy water. Treated carefully, a moonstone ring maintains its beauty for years.
Shop Moonstone Rings at Giliarto
Giliarto's moonstone ring collection features a range of styles in 14K gold — floral settings that frame the stone's glow beautifully, halo designs that add sparkle around the soft center, and elegant solitaires that let the adularescence speak for itself. All made to order.
Alexandrite vs Moonstone: Which June Birthstone Is Right?
Both are exceptional. The choice depends on what matters most.
| Alexandrite | Moonstone | |
|---|---|---|
| Visual effect | Color change: green ↔ red | Adularescence: inner glow |
| Character | Bold, dramatic, conversation piece | Soft, ethereal, romantic |
| Hardness | 8.5 — excellent daily wear | 6–6.5 — requires care |
| Best for | Engagement rings, daily wear | Special occasions, pendants, protected settings |
| Rarity | Extremely rare (natural) | Moderately available |
| Price | Higher (natural); accessible (lab-grown) | Generally affordable |
| Symbolism | Transformation, duality, luck | Intuition, new beginnings, calm |
Choose alexandrite if: you want a stone that commands attention, changes dramatically between settings, and holds up to everyday wear without special handling.
Choose moonstone if: you want something soft, otherworldly, and deeply connected to the traditions of June — a stone that glows rather than sparks, and carries centuries of meaning in its luminescence.
Caring for June Birthstone Jewelry
Alexandrite care: Clean with warm water, mild soap, and a soft brush. Alexandrite should be protected from hard knocks and extreme temperatures to maintain its beauty. Ultrasonic cleaners are generally safe for alexandrite, but check with your jeweler if the stone is in a complex setting.
Moonstone care: Clean moonstone jewelry regularly with mild soap and warm water using a soft brush. Avoid harsh chemicals and ultrasonic cleaners, as they may damage the delicate surface. Store moonstone jewelry separately from other jewelry pieces to prevent scratching. Given its lower hardness, store moonstone pieces away from diamonds, sapphires, and other hard stones that can abrade the surface.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the birthstone for June? June has three official birthstones: pearl, alexandrite, and moonstone. This guide covers alexandrite and moonstone — the two gemstone options for those who prefer stones formed in the earth rather than organically.
Is alexandrite a good engagement ring stone? Yes. Lab-grown alexandrite is ethically sourced and entirely conflict-free, and it provides identical color-change beauty and the same chrysoberyl crystal structure as natural stones for thousands less. At 8.5 Mohs hardness, it is durable enough for daily wear.
Is moonstone good for an engagement ring? It can work beautifully with the right setting and appropriate care. Moonstone with a hardness rating between 6 and 6.5 is considered a more delicate gemstone — ideal for showing off its magical glow on momentous occasions. A bezel or protective halo setting significantly extends its lifespan.
Why does alexandrite change color? The color change is caused by chromium in the crystal structure, which absorbs light differently depending on the wavelength dominant in the light source. Daylight and fluorescent light are blue-heavy, producing green. Incandescent and candlelight are red-heavy, producing red and purple.
What causes the glow in moonstone? During formation, orthoclase and albite separate into alternating layers. When light falls between these thin layers it is scattered, producing adularescence. The thinner the layers, the stronger the blue glow.
Is lab-grown alexandrite real alexandrite? Yes. Lab-created alexandrite possesses the same chemical properties and physical properties as natural alexandrite. The color-change phenomenon is identical. The only difference is that it formed in a lab rather than in the earth over millions of years.
What metal goes best with alexandrite? White gold and platinum complement the cool green daylight color. Yellow and rose gold pair beautifully with the warm red incandescent color — and since alexandrite shifts between both, all metal choices work well. Personal preference and skin tone should guide the decision.
What metal works best with moonstone? Yellow gold enhances moonstone's warmth and suits peach and rainbow varieties. White gold creates a clean contrast with blue and white moonstones. Rose gold adds a romantic warmth that works with every moonstone type.
June birthdays deserve jewelry as distinctive as the month itself. Explore Giliarto's alexandrite rings and moonstone rings — both available in 14K gold, made to order, with free worldwide shipping and a lifetime warranty.
Leave a comment
Comments will be approved before showing up.
Also in Articles
