June's traditional birthstones are very interesting as they run the gamut from luminescent moonstone, pearl which is an organic material and not a gemstone and the extremely expensive coloring shifting gemstone alexandrite.
Moonstone
Moonstone is a type of feldspar. Its luminous glow comes from its alternating layers of two different types of feldspar. This sheen is known as adularescence and is compared to the light of the moon. Hence, it's name.
Most moonstone is white; however it is mined in grey, blue, green, peach and colorless. The clear blue specimens of moonstone are the most expensive. Most jewelry available retail is made of the whitish shade and is very inexpensive.
This isn't a tough gemstone – best wear for the active woman would be in the form of earrings or a necklace. Certainly, a moonstone ring would be ill advised.
Moonstone in Myth and Legend
In gemstone myth and lore, Moonstone arouses passion particularly during a full moon. Interested in the Chakras? Moonstone is the key crystal for the sacral (sexual expression) energy center.
It's a feminine gemstone, reflecting the ebbs and flows of the tides – controlled by the moon. Those who wear moonstone for its spiritual effect have it set in sterling silver.
Pearls
When one thinks of pearls, the common association is of milky white in color, round and strung for wear as a necklace. However, pearls come in many shapes, sizes and colors. The most inexpensive and readily available are freshwater pearls. The most expensive are black Tahitian pearls.
Freshwater pearls are cultured in lakes and rivers in China and to a lesser extent the United States. These are sold in many different shapes: nearly round, potato-shaped, teardrop shaped, rice shaped to name a few. They can also be bleached to show as a brighter, white color.
Pearls in Myth and Legend
Pearls throughout history have been a symbol of purity and love. They are a birthstone of June making them a traditional favorite for wedding wear.
Pearls are also a symbol of the angel Nelle – an angel of extraordinary beauty.
As pearls are a by-product of killing an oyster to get the pearl, some feel it is bad karma to wear them. If this is the case, gorgeous simulated pearls are readily available retail.
How to Care for Moonstone and Pearls
Pearls are organic and are soft and porous. Moonstone is porous as well. Both should only be wiped clean with a moist cloth. Try not to spray jewelry made with pearls or moonstone with hairspray or perfume. They can, over time, damage pearls in particular and can cause a film to build up on both pearls and gemstones.
Alexandrite is discussed in the next article about June's birthstones.
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
