June Birthstone - Alexandrite, Pearl and Moonstone

Alexandrite is from the Chrysoberyl family and was discovered in the 1830's in the Ural Mountains of Russia and was named after Czar Alexander II.  Alexandrite was originally known as "Emerald by Day and Ruby by Night" as it shows green in daylight and light red at night or incandescent light.  Hight quality Alexandrite is very rare and is one of the most expensive of all gemstones.  Alexandrite is a 8.5 on Moh's scale of mineral hardness.

Pearl is created by shell fish (Oyster and Mussels).  Pearls can be Natural, Cultured Salt Water (Akoya, Tahitian, South Sea), or Cultured Fresh Water Pearls.  Pearls come in a variety of colors including the following:   white, cream, pink, peach, cinnamon, gold, blue gray and black.  Pearls come in a variety of shapes including the following:  Round, Baroque, Oval, Teardrop, Potato, Button and Freeform.  Pearls are a 2.5 to 4.5 on Moh's scale of mineral hardness.

Moonstone is from the Feldspar group and has a white sheen (adularescence) similar to to moonshine that can be silvery white or soft blue.  It can also show subtle tinted shades of peach, grey and green or rainbow colors.  Moonstone is a 6 to 6.5 on Moh's scale of mineral hardness.  

Metaphysical Properties:  Alexandrite is a crystal of contrast.  It opens up intuition and metaphysical abilities. Alexandrite creates a strong will and personal magnetism.  Pearls are believed to signify innocence and faith.  Pearls can be used to bring truth forward and advance wisdom.  Moonstone encourages one to embrace change and joyfully embark on new beginnings.