June birthstones
June has three birthstones: Pearl, Alexandrite and Moonstone. GIA names Pearl as the main stone; the American Gem Society lists all 3.
An organic gem formed inside a mollusk as layers of nacre build up around an irritant. Pearls are not mined or cut, and most are cultured with human help.
Pearls were once considered more valuable than gold.
A rare variety of chrysoberyl that changes color with the light: "emerald by day, ruby by night".
First found in Russia in the 19th century; its red and green matched the Imperial Russian flag.
A feldspar gem known for adularescence, a floating glow that moves as you turn it.
Ancient cultures believed moonlight formed the stone.
Pick by color, budget and how the piece will be worn. Harder, tougher stones suit rings worn every day; softer ones last longer as pendants or earrings.
| Stone | Mohs | Everyday wear | Warm soapy water | Ultrasonic |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pearl | 2.5 | Delicate | Safe for occasional cleaning | Never |
| Alexandrite | 8.5 | Great for everyday rings | Safe | Usually safe |
| Moonstone | 6 to 6.5 | Delicate | The only recommended method | Never |
Compare: Pearl vs Alexandrite · Pearl vs Moonstone · Alexandrite vs Moonstone
The right piece depends on how tough the stone is. These suggestions follow GIA's hardness and toughness notes for each stone.
| Stone | Best as | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Pearl | Pendants and earrings for occasional wear | Soft or easily damaged. Skip everyday rings and bracelets, which take the most knocks. |
| Alexandrite | Any piece, including an everyday ring | Hard and tough enough for a ring worn every day, as well as pendants, earrings and bracelets. |
| Moonstone | Pendants and earrings for occasional wear | Soft or easily damaged. Skip everyday rings and bracelets, which take the most knocks. |
See every month in our birthstone gift guide by month.
Before the US list was standardized in 1912, the traditional stones for June were: Cat's eye, turquoise, agate. How the list changed.
Pearl, Alexandrite and Moonstone. An organic gem formed inside a mollusk as layers of nacre build up around an irritant. Pearls are not mined or cut, and most are cultured with human help.
Pearl: white. Alexandrite: bluish green in daylight or fluorescent light. Moonstone: white or colorless with a soft blue sheen (most common).
Extra stones were added to the US list by jewelry trade groups to give more choice of color and price (in 1952, 2002 and 2016). Alexandrite was added in 1952.
Alexandrite is 8.5 on the Mohs scale (great for everyday rings). Moonstone is 6 to 6.5 on the Mohs scale (delicate). Pearl is 2.5 on the Mohs scale (delicate).
Sources: American Gem Society: Birthstones, GIA: The Beauty of Birthstones, and the GIA care guide and AGS overview for each stone (linked on its page). Checked October 16, 2026.
Birthstone of the month
On the first of each month: that month's birthstone, what it means and how to care for it.
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