June Birthstones: Pearl, Alexandrite and Moonstone
June has three official birthstones: pearl, alexandrite and moonstone. Every one counts, so you can choose by color, hardness or taste. Each is described below.
Pearl, a June birthstone
| Color | White, cream and other soft colors |
|---|---|
| Mineral | Organic gem made of nacre (calcium carbonate), grown by mollusks |
| Hardness | 2.5 to 3 on the Mohs scale (diamond is 10) |
| Main sources | Japan, China, Australia, Indonesia, Philippines, French Polynesia |
| Anniversary gem | 3rd and 30th wedding anniversary |
Is pearl good for everyday wear?
At 2.5 to 3 on the Mohs scale, pearl is a soft gem that needs special care. It scratches far more easily than alexandrite or moonstone, so it is the June stone to treat most gently.
Pearl history
- In the ancient Middle East, pearls were thought to be teardrops fallen from heaven.
- Richard Burton gave the pearl La Peregrina to Elizabeth Taylor in 1969; its Cartier necklace sold at Christie's for $11.8 million in 2011.
How to clean pearl
- Warm, soapy water and a soft brush: always safe.
- Ultrasonic cleaner: not recommended.
- Steam cleaner: not recommended.
Wipe with a soft, damp cloth after each wear, put on cosmetics before the pearls, and do not store them in plastic.
Alexandrite, a June birthstone
| Color | Green in daylight, red in lamplight |
|---|---|
| Mineral | Chrysoberyl (a rare color-change variety) |
| Hardness | 8.5 on the Mohs scale (diamond is 10) |
| Main sources | Brazil, Sri Lanka, Tanzania, Russia (where it was first found) |
Is alexandrite good for everyday wear?
Alexandrite is 8.5 on the Mohs scale, with excellent toughness and no cleavage, which GIA says makes it a good choice for rings worn every day.
Alexandrite history
- It was first found in Russia's Ural Mountains in 1830.
- It is named after the young Alexander II, then heir to the Russian throne.
How to clean alexandrite
- Warm, soapy water and a soft brush: always safe.
- Ultrasonic cleaner: usually safe.
- Steam cleaner: usually safe.
Moonstone, a June birthstone
| Color | Colorless to white with a blue sheen |
|---|---|
| Mineral | Feldspar |
| Hardness | 6 to 6.5 on the Mohs scale (diamond is 10) |
| Main sources | India, Sri Lanka, Brazil, Madagascar, Myanmar, Tanzania |
Is moonstone good for everyday wear?
Moonstone is 6 to 6.5 on the Mohs scale and has poor toughness, so a hard knock can chip or crack it.
Moonstone history
- Hindu myth says moonstone is made of solidified moonbeams.
- Art Nouveau designers such as René Lalique and Louis Comfort Tiffany used it in their jewelry.
How to clean moonstone
- Warm, soapy water and a soft brush: always safe.
- Ultrasonic cleaner: not recommended.
- Steam cleaner: not recommended.
Clean with warm, soapy water and a soft brush. It may crack in high heat.
June birthstone and birth flower
June also has two birth flowers: the rose and honeysuckle, which stand for love, passion and affection. The Birth Flower Finder covers every month.
Buying for someone not born in June? The Birthstone Finder shows every month's stones and colors in one chart. Pearl is also given for wedding anniversaries; the Anniversary Calculator shows which one is coming up next. If the gift is a surprise, a birthday countdown counts down to the day.
Birthstones for other months
June Birthstones questions
What is the June birthstone?
June has three birthstones: Pearl, Alexandrite and Moonstone. All of them are official, so you can choose the one you like best.
What color is the June birthstone?
Pearl: white, cream and other soft colors. Alexandrite: green in daylight, red in lamplight. Moonstone: colorless to white with a blue sheen.
Which June birthstone is the hardest?
Alexandrite, at 8.5 on the Mohs scale. Moonstone is 6 to 6.5 and pearl is 2.5 to 3.
Is pearl a birthstone?
Yes, one of June's three. Pearl is also the only organic gem on the US birthstone list, grown by mollusks. At 2.5 to 3 on the Mohs scale it is the softest, so it needs the gentlest care of any birthstone.
Is pearl an anniversary gem?
Yes. GIA gives pearl for the 3rd and 30th wedding anniversaries.
Why does June have more than one birthstone?
The US list from 1912 has been updated a few times. Alexandrite was added to June in 1952.
Published October 7, 2026. Last updated October 7, 2026.