June has three official birthstones: Pearl, Alexandrite, and Moonstone. Each stone carries distinct physical properties, symbolic meaning, and market value.
This guide covers every essential fact about the June birthstone 2026, from gemological data and healing associations to jewelry suitability and buying guidance.
The three June birthstones were not always recognized together. Pearl served as the sole June birthstone before 1912.
Alexandrite was added by the Jewelers of America in 1912, and Moonstone joined the official list through the British National Association of Goldsmiths in 1952. Understanding this history helps explain why searchers often encounter conflicting lists.
Table of Contents
What Is the June Birthstone?
The June birthstone is not a single stone — it is a group of three gemstones: Pearl, Alexandrite, and Moonstone. Each is officially recognized by major gemological organizations, including the American Gem Society (AGS) and the Gemological Institute of America (GIA).
All three stones are valid choices for anyone born in the month of June. The right choice depends on budget, intended use, aesthetic preference, and durability needs. The sections below provide detailed profiles of each.
June Birthstone 2026: At-a-Glance Comparison
| Gemstone | Mineral Family | Mohs Hardness | Primary Color | Rarity | Avg. Price Range |
| Pearl | Organic (CaCO₃ nacre) | 2.5 – 4.5 | White, Cream, Pink | Cultivated widely | $50 – $5,000+ |
| Alexandrite | Chrysoberyl (BeAl₂O₄) | 8.5 | Green (daylight) / Red (incandescent) | Extremely rare (natural) | $500 – $70,000+/ct (natural); $50–$300 (lab) |
| Moonstone | Orthoclase Feldspar | 6.0 – 6.5 | White with blue adularescence | Moderate | $20 – $200 |
Why Does June Have Three Birthstones?
June has three birthstones because birthstone lists were updated twice in the 20th century to improve affordability and availability for consumers. The original 1912 Jewelers of America list recognized only Pearl. As Pearl became increasingly expensive and scarce in natural form, Alexandrite — discovered in Russia’s Ural Mountains in 1830 — was added as a modern alternative. Moonstone was formally introduced in 1952 to offer a more accessible option at a lower price point.
The evolution reflects a broader industry goal: ensuring that every person born in June can find a birthstone within their budget and lifestyle needs. Today, all three stones hold equal official status.
June Birthstone Color: What Color Is the June Birthstone?
The June birthstone color varies by stone: Pearl ranges from white and cream to pink and black; Alexandrite shifts from emerald green in daylight to ruby red under incandescent light; Moonstone displays a white or colorless body with a signature blue or rainbow sheen called adularescence.
There is no single color for the June birthstone. This multi-color identity is one of June’s most distinctive characteristics among all 12 birthstone months.
June Birthstone Color Chart by Stone
| Gemstone | Base Color(s) | Secondary / Optical Effect | Notable Varieties |
| Pearl | White, Cream, Pink, Black, Gold | Iridescent overtone (orient) | Akoya, Tahitian, South Sea, Freshwater |
| Alexandrite | Green (daylight), Red-Purple (incandescent) | Color-change (pleochroism) | Natural, Lab-created, Synthetic color-change sapphire (imitation) |
| Moonstone | White, Colorless, Peach, Gray | Adularescence (blue or rainbow sheen) | True Moonstone, Rainbow Moonstone (labradorite) |
Pearl: The Traditional June Birthstone
Pearl is the traditional June birthstone, recognized since ancient times, and the only gemstone produced by a living organism. Mollusks — primarily oysters and mussels — form pearls by secreting layers of nacre (calcium carbonate) around an irritant over a period of 2 to 7 years.
Pearl Birthstone Meaning and Symbolism
Pearl symbolizes purity, wisdom, and emotional protection. Ancient Greek tradition associated pearls with the tears of the gods. In Hindu scripture, pearls represent the moon and feminine energy. Chinese culture has historically linked pearls to wisdom earned through experience.
The GIA notes that pearls have been used in royal jewelry for over 4,000 years. Roman general Julius Caesar reportedly enacted laws limiting pearl jewelry to the ruling class, reflecting the stone’s high status.
Pearl Spiritual Meaning
Pearl carries spiritual associations with clarity, integrity, and inner truth across multiple traditions. In crystal healing practice, Pearl is linked to the third eye and crown chakras. Practitioners associate Pearl with calming anxiety, enhancing focus, and promoting emotional balance. These claims are traditional and cultural in origin rather than scientifically verified.
Pearl Types and Their Properties
| Pearl Type | Origin | Mollusk | Average Size | Luster | Price Range |
| Akoya | Japan, China | Pinctada fucata | 5–10 mm | Very high | $200–$10,000 (strand) |
| South Sea | Australia, Indonesia | Pinctada maxima | 10–20 mm | Satiny, high | $500–$100,000+ |
| Tahitian | French Polynesia | Pinctada margaritifera | 8–18 mm | High | $300–$30,000+ |
| Freshwater | China, USA | Hyriopsis cumingii | 4–12 mm | Moderate–High | $50–$2,000 |
Pearl Care Requirements for June Birthstone 2026 Jewelry Buyers
Pearl requires more care than any other June birthstone due to its organic composition and low Mohs hardness of 2.5 to 4.5. The following guidelines apply to all Pearl jewelry:
- Apply Pearl jewelry last — after perfume, hairspray, and cosmetics. Acidic compounds degrade nacre.
- Wipe with a soft, damp cloth after each wear to remove sweat and skin oils.
- Restring Pearl necklaces every 12 to 18 months if worn frequently to prevent strand breakage.
- Store flat, never hanging. Hanging stretches the silk thread over time.
- Avoid ultrasonic cleaners, steam, and prolonged water exposure.
Pearl is not recommended as a center stone in engagement rings or daily-wear rings due to its low hardness. It scratches easily from contact with harder surfaces and is damaged by household chemicals. For daily wear, Alexandrite (Mohs 8.5) is a more durable alternative.
Alexandrite: The Rarest June Birthstone
Alexandrite is the rarest of the three June birthstones. It belongs to the chrysoberyl mineral family and is distinguished by a dramatic color-change phenomenon: it appears emerald green in natural daylight and shifts to ruby red under incandescent or candlelight. This optical behavior results from the stone’s unique absorption of light in the yellow-green portion of the visible spectrum.
Alexandrite Birthstone Meaning and Symbolism
Alexandrite symbolizes transformation, good fortune, and intellectual growth. It was first discovered in Russia’s Ural Mountains on April 17, 1834 — reportedly on the birthday of Tsar Alexander II, for whom it was named. The stone’s red and green colors mirrored the imperial Russian military colors, making it a national symbol.
Crystal healing traditions associate Alexandrite with balancing emotional states, stimulating intuition, and supporting major life transitions. These associations are cultural in nature.
Alexandrite Color Change: The Science
Alexandrite changes color because it absorbs light differently depending on the light source. The stone contains chromium, which causes selective absorption in the yellow portion of the visible spectrum. Daylight has a higher proportion of blue-green wavelengths, making the stone appear green. Incandescent light has a higher proportion of red wavelengths, causing the stone to appear red or purplish-red.
This phenomenon is called pleochroism, and Alexandrite displays one of the most dramatic examples of it in the gemstone world.
Alexandrite June Birthstone 2026: Natural vs. Lab-Created vs. Imitation
Approximately 98% of Alexandrite sold commercially is either lab-created or a synthetic imitation, not natural alexandrite. Consumers must understand the difference before purchasing:
| Type | Composition | Color Change | Price (per carat) | GIA Certifiable? |
| Natural Alexandrite | Chrysoberyl with chromium | True (green to red) | $5,000–$70,000+ | Yes |
| Lab-Created Alexandrite | Chrysoberyl grown in lab | True (green to red) | $50–$300 | Yes (with disclosure) |
| Synthetic Color-Change Sapphire | Corundum (not chrysoberyl) | Purple to pinkish-red | $10–$100 | As sapphire only |
| Color-Change Glass (Imitation) | Glass with vanadium coating | Weak color shift | Under $10 | No |
To verify natural Alexandrite, request a GIA or AGL (American Gemological Laboratories) certificate that explicitly states “natural chrysoberyl” with color-change notation. Any stone sold without certification as “natural alexandrite” priced under $1,000 per carat warrants scrutiny.
Moonstone: The Mystical June Birthstone
Moonstone is the third official June birthstone, known for its glowing optical phenomenon called adularescence — a floating blue or white light that appears to move beneath the surface of the stone. This effect is caused by light scattering between thin alternating layers of orthoclase and albite feldspar minerals.
Moonstone Birthstone Meaning and Symbolism
Moonstone symbolizes intuition, emotional balance, and feminine energy. In ancient Rome, it was believed that Moonstone was formed from solidified moonbeams. In India, Moonstone holds sacred status and is considered a “dream stone” associated with the lunar cycle. Both traditions link Moonstone to heightened intuition and inner clarity.
Modern crystal healing traditions associate Moonstone with the sacral and crown chakras, emotional healing, and support during periods of change. These associations are cultural and spiritual rather than scientific.
Moonstone Spiritual Meaning
Moonstone’s spiritual meaning centers on emotional receptivity, lunar energy, and cyclical renewal. It is one of the most widely used gemstones in holistic and metaphysical practices. Practitioners often recommend Moonstone for those seeking calm, improved sleep quality, or clarity during emotional transitions.
Moonstone vs. Labradorite: A Critical June Birthstone 2026 Buying Warning
Rainbow Moonstone is not Moonstone — it is a marketing term for labradorite, a different mineral. True Moonstone (orthoclase feldspar) displays a blue or white adularescence on a white or transparent body. Labradorite (plagioclase feldspar) displays rainbow-colored labradorescence on a gray or dark body. The two minerals have different compositions, different optical effects, and different valuations.
| Feature | True Moonstone | Labradorite (sold as Rainbow Moonstone) |
| Mineral family | Orthoclase feldspar | Plagioclase feldspar |
| Optical effect | Adularescence (blue-white glow) | Labradorescence (rainbow flash) |
| Body color | White, gray, peach, or transparent | Dark gray to black |
| Mohs hardness | 6.0 – 6.5 | 6.0 – 6.5 |
| Typical retail price | $20 – $100 per carat | $10 – $60 per carat |
| Official June birthstone? | Yes | No |
June Birthstone and Zodiac Signs: Gemini and Cancer
June births span two zodiac signs: Gemini (May 21 – June 20) and Cancer (June 21 – July 22). Each sign has traditional gemstone affinities, and both overlap with the official June birthstones.
Gemini Birthstone (May 21 – June 20)
Gemini’s primary birthstone associations are Pearl and Moonstone. As an air sign ruled by Mercury, Gemini is associated with duality, communication, and intellectual curiosity. Pearl’s lunar and emotional associations complement Gemini’s expressive nature. Moonstone’s connection to intuition and balance addresses Gemini’s tendency toward rapid thought and emotional variability.
Cancer Birthstone (June 21 – July 22)
Cancer’s primary birthstone association is Pearl. As a water sign ruled by the Moon, Cancer is strongly aligned with Pearl’s lunar symbolism, emotional depth, and protective qualities. Moonstone also resonates with Cancer due to its ties to the lunar cycle and emotional sensitivity. Alexandrite, with its transformational symbolism, is a secondary option for Cancer-born individuals.
| Zodiac Sign | Dates | Element | Primary Birthstone(s) | Secondary Birthstone |
| Gemini | May 21 – June 20 | Air | Pearl, Moonstone | Alexandrite |
| Cancer | June 21 – July 22 | Water | Pearl | Moonstone, Alexandrite |
June Birthstone Durability: Which Stone Is Best for Daily Wear?
Alexandrite is the most durable June birthstone for daily wear, with a Mohs hardness of 8.5. Moonstone rates 6.0 to 6.5 and is suitable for earrings and pendants, but scratches with regular ring wear. Pearl rates 2.5 to 4.5 and requires the most careful handling of any June birthstone.
June Birthstone Suitability Chart by Jewelry Type
| Jewelry Type | Pearl | Alexandrite | Moonstone |
| Engagement Ring | ❌ Not recommended (too soft) | ✅ Excellent (8.5 Mohs) | ⚠️ Moderate risk (6.0–6.5 Mohs) |
| Daily Wear Ring | ❌ Not recommended | ✅ Excellent | ⚠️ Use with caution |
| Earrings | ✅ Excellent | ✅ Excellent | ✅ Excellent |
| Pendant / Necklace | ✅ Excellent | ✅ Excellent | ✅ Excellent |
| Bracelet | ⚠️ Use with caution | ✅ Excellent | ⚠️ Use with caution |
| Occasional wear only | ✅ Suitable | ✅ Suitable | ✅ Suitable |
June Birthstone Jewelry Guide 2026
June birthstone jewelry spans three distinct aesthetic directions: classic elegance (Pearl), luxury rarity (Alexandrite), and bohemian-luxe (Moonstone). Jewelry type, metal choice, and setting style affect both appearance and durability.
Best Metal Pairings for June Birthstone Jewelry
| Gemstone | Best Metal Pairing | Why It Works |
| Pearl | Yellow Gold, Rose Gold | Warm tones complement pearl’s iridescence and cream body color |
| Alexandrite | White Gold, Platinum | Neutral tones allow the color-change phenomenon to remain the focal point |
| Moonstone | Sterling Silver, White Gold | Cool tones enhance the blue adularescence and ethereal appearance |
June Birthstone Gift Ideas 2026
The following gift options reflect 2026 market trends and cover a range of budgets:
- Pearl strand necklace (Akoya): Classic gift for milestone occasions. Prices range from $200 to $10,000 depending on pearl size and luster.
- Lab-created Alexandrite ring: A durable, color-change stone set in white gold or platinum. Budget-friendly option ranging from $150 to $800.
- Moonstone pendant in silver: Popular in 2025–2026 boho-luxe jewelry trends. Prices range from $40 to $300 for quality pieces.
- Baroque pearl earrings: Irregular-shaped pearls have grown significantly in popularity since 2023, driven by fashion editorial coverage.
- Men’s pearl bracelet: A rising 2026 trend. Single-strand freshwater pearl bracelets with steel or leather closures have appeared in major menswear collections.
June Birthstone Ring Ideas for 2026
For a June birthstone ring intended for daily wear, Alexandrite is the superior choice due to its hardness. Moonstone ring settings should use bezel or halo mounts that protect the stone’s edges from chipping. Pearl rings are best reserved for occasional wear.
Which June Birthstone Is the Rarest and Most Valuable?
Natural Alexandrite is the rarest and most valuable June birthstone. The GIA classifies natural Alexandrite as one of the rarest gemstones on Earth. Top-quality natural specimens with strong color-change from vivid green to vivid red reach prices exceeding $70,000 per carat — surpassing many diamonds of equivalent weight.
The primary source of natural Alexandrite was Russia’s Ural Mountains, but those deposits are now largely depleted. Smaller deposits have since been found in Brazil, Sri Lanka, East Africa, and India, but production remains extremely limited.
Rarity Ranking of the Three June Birthstones
| Natural pearls are nearly absent from the market; cultivated pearls are widely available | Gemstone | Rarity Level | Primary Sources | Natural Supply Status |
| 1 (Rarest) | Alexandrite | Extremely rare | Russia (depleted), Brazil, Sri Lanka, India | Critically limited; most commercial supply is lab-grown |
| 2 | Pearl | Moderately rare (natural); widely available (cultivated) | Japan, Australia, China, French Polynesia | Natural pearls nearly absent from market; cultivated pearls widely available |
| 3 | Moonstone | Moderately available | Sri Lanka, India, Madagascar, Tanzania | Natural pearls are nearly absent from the market; cultivated pearls are widely available |
June Birthstone Healing Properties and Benefits
The June birthstones are associated with a range of emotional and spiritual healing properties in crystal healing traditions. These associations are cultural and traditional in nature. No peer-reviewed clinical evidence supports gemstone healing claims.
| Intuition, emotional balance, creativity, and lunar cycle alignment | Traditional Healing Associations | Chakra Link | Tradition of Origin |
| Pearl | Emotional calm, clarity, protection from negativity, wisdom | Crown, Third Eye | Hindu, Greek, Chinese |
| Alexandrite | Transformation, self-confidence, good fortune, intellectual growth | Heart, Crown | Russian, South Asian |
| Moonstone | Intuition, emotional balance, creativity, lunar cycle alignment | Sacral, Crown | Emotional calm, clarity, protection from negativity, and wisdom |
How to Choose the Best June Birthstone for Your Needs
The best June birthstone depends on four factors: budget, intended use (jewelry type), aesthetic preference, and durability requirements. Use the framework below to identify the most suitable stone.
June Birthstone Decision Framework
| Ethical/sustainable sourcing | Best June Birthstone | Reason |
| Lowest cost | Moonstone | Available from $20 per carat for commercial quality |
| Daily wear durability | Alexandrite | 8.5 Mohs hardness; resistant to scratching |
| Classic heirloom style | Pearl | Centuries-long jewelry tradition; timeless formal aesthetic |
| Rarest / investment stone (natural) | Natural Alexandrite | Extremely limited supply drives long-term value |
| Color-change wow factor | Alexandrite | Green-to-red shift is visually dramatic and unique |
| Boho or celestial aesthetic | Moonstone | Adularescence suits ethereal, modern, and editorial styles |
| Ethical / sustainable sourcing | Lab-created Alexandrite or Cultured Pearl | Lab stones have no mining impact; cultured pearls use responsible farming |
Frequently Asked Questions About the June Birthstone 2026
What is the real birthstone for June?
Pearl, Alexandrite, and Moonstone are all equally valid and officially recognized birthstones for June. All three appear on the American Gem Society’s official birthstone list.
What color is the June birthstone?
The June birthstone color varies: Pearl is white or cream; Alexandrite is green in daylight and red under incandescent light; Moonstone is white with a blue glow. No single color represents all three June birthstones.
Which June birthstone is the rarest?
Natural Alexandrite is the rarest June birthstone. Fine specimens exceed $70,000 per carat, and the original Russian deposits are nearly depleted. Most commercially available Alexandrite today is lab-created.
Is Pearl the only June birthstone?
No. Pearl is the traditional June birthstone, but Alexandrite (added 1912) and Moonstone (added 1952) are equally official. All three are recognized by major gemological organizations worldwide.
Which June birthstone is best for an engagement ring?
Alexandrite is the best June birthstone for an engagement ring due to its Mohs hardness of 8.5. Pearl (Mohs 2.5–4.5) is too soft for daily wear. Moonstone (Mohs 6.0–6.5) can be used in protective settings but is less durable than Alexandrite.
Can I wear all three June birthstones together?
Yes, all three June birthstones can be worn together. A 2026 jewelry trend called “multimodal June” combines Pearl, Alexandrite, and Moonstone in a single piece or layered set, reflecting the Gemini twin duality. Care should be taken to mount softer stones (Pearl, Moonstone) in protective settings to avoid scratching from harder companion stones.
What is the difference between natural and lab-created Alexandrite?
Natural Alexandrite is mined from the earth and is extremely rare, costing $5,000–$70,000+ per carat. Lab-created Alexandrite has the same chemical composition (chrysoberyl) but is grown in controlled conditions, costing $50–$300. Both are genuine Alexandrite. Synthetic color-change sapphire is not Alexandrite, despite being sold under that name by some retailers.
Is moonstone the same as opalite?
No. Opalite is man-made glass, not a mineral. Moonstone is a naturally occurring feldspar gemstone. Opalite displays a similar milky glow but has no gemological value, no crystal structure, and no official birthstone status. Always verify “moonstone” purchases with a mineralogical certificate when spending significant amounts.
Conclusion: The Complete June Birthstone 2026 Guide
June is the only month with three official birthstones: Pearl, Alexandrite, and Moonstone. Each stone serves a different buyer. Pearl is the timeless choice for formal jewelry and heirlooms, but requires careful handling.
Alexandrite offers unmatched durability and a dramatic color-change phenomenon, making it ideal for daily wear and investment — but natural specimens are extremely rare, and most commercial stones are lab-grown. Moonstone delivers an ethereal, affordable option suited to modern and bohemian aesthetics, but is not ideal for high-impact daily wear.
In 2026, the most significant opportunities for June-born consumers lie in understanding authenticity (especially for Alexandrite), durability realities (especially for Pearl engagement rings), and the Labradorite vs. moonstone distinction when shopping online. A GIA or AGL certificate is the best protection against misrepresentation in all three stone categories.
Whether the choice is a strand of Akoya pearls, a lab-created Alexandrite ring, or a moonstone pendant, each of the June birthstones carries centuries of meaning and a distinct visual identity that sets June apart from every other month on the birthstone calendar.
