What is the Birthstone for June?

June babies are especially lucky—they don’t just get one birthstone, they get three! Pearls, alexandrites, and moonstones each bring their own history, symbolism, and beauty to the table. From pearls that have been cherished for thousands of years, to the rare color-changing alexandrite, to the mystical glow of moonstone, June’s birthstones are as diverse as they are stunning.

Quick Facts

• 🌙 June is one of only three months with three official birthstones: Pearl, Alexandrite, and Moonstone.

• ♊ Gemini (May 21–June 20) and ♋ Cancer (June 21–July 22) are June’s zodiac signs, both closely tied to these gems’ symbolism.

• 💎 Pearls are timeless classics, Alexandrites are rare and magical color-changers, and Moonstones shimmer with mystical beauty.

• 🔮 Each gem represents unique qualities—purity, transformation, and intuition—making them meaningful birthday gifts.

🛍️ Shop June Birthstone Gems

History of June’s Birthstones

• Pearl: Admired for millennia, pearls have been treasured in Asia, the Middle East, and Europe. Once reserved for royalty, pearls symbolized wisdom, wealth, and purity. Their unique creation—from within oysters and mollusks—made them stand apart from all other gems.

• Alexandrite: A relative newcomer, alexandrite was discovered in Russia’s Ural Mountains in the 1830s. Named after Tsar Alexander II, its rarity and dramatic color-changing ability—green in daylight, red in lamplight—quickly gave it legendary status.

• Moonstone: With a shimmering, moonlike glow (called adularescence), moonstone was revered in Roman and Hindu cultures as a sacred stone. It surged in popularity during the Art Nouveau period, when jewelers like René Lalique made it a centerpiece of their designs.

Astrological & Zodiac Connection

June covers two zodiac signs—Gemini and Cancer—and these birthstones beautifully align with their traits:

• Gemini (May 21–June 20): Known for adaptability and duality. Alexandrite, with its dramatic color shift, mirrors Gemini’s two-sided nature, while pearls reflect their intellectual clarity.

• Cancer (June 21–July 22): Known for sensitivity, emotion, and intuition. Moonstone, with its mystical glow, symbolizes Cancer’s deep emotional and spiritual connections, while pearls embody nurturing and love

Why Does June Have 3 Birthstones?

Unlike most months with just one or two, June is special. Birthstone traditions evolved, and modern lists expanded to offer options at different price points:

• Pearl was the original June birthstone, long associated with purity.

• Moonstone was added for its mystical ties and global cultural significance.

• Alexandrite, discovered in the 19th century, was included in modern lists for its rarity and unique qualities.

Having three stones gives June-born individuals the flexibility to choose something timeless, rare, or mystical.

What’s the Rarest Birthstone?

Among June’s three gemstones, alexandrite is the rarest—and one of the rarest gems in the world. Fine-quality alexandrite with strong color change is extremely scarce, and stones over one carat can be worth more than diamonds. Pearls and moonstones are more accessible, though natural pearls (as opposed to cultured pearls) can also be incredibly rare and valuable.

Why Are Alexandrites So Rare?

Alexandrite is rare because it forms under highly unusual geological conditions. For its unique green-to-red color shift, the gem requires a rare combination of beryllium, chromium, and titanium to occur in the same place at the same time—a geological jackpot. Deposits are limited to a few locations worldwide (Russia, Sri Lanka, Brazil, East Africa), making true alexandrite one of the scarcest gemstones available.

Why Do These Gemstones Make a Good Birthday Gift?

• Pearl: A timeless classic that symbolizes purity, wisdom, and love. Perfect for elegant jewelry like strands, studs, or pendants.

• Alexandrite: A rare treasure that represents transformation, adaptability, and good fortune. An unforgettable gift for a June birthday.

• Moonstone: Romantic and mystical, symbolizing intuition, love, and new beginnings. Its glowing beauty makes it ideal for meaningful jewelry.

Each gemstone not only looks beautiful but also carries deep symbolism—making them thoughtful, personalized gifts for June birthdays.

Final Thoughts

June’s three birthstones—pearl, alexandrite, and moonstone—each bring something extraordinary to the table. Whether you prefer the classic elegance of pearls, the magic of alexandrite, or the dreamy glow of moonstone, these gemstones embody qualities worth celebrating.