June Birthstones Explained: Pearl, Alexandrite & Moonstone (Guide 2026)

Most months get one birthstone. June gets three.

Pearl, Alexandrite, and Moonstone gemstones belong to June. And each one is different from the other, so it feels a little overwhelming when you are trying to figure out which one to buy or wear.

Why Does June Have Three Birthstones?

The modern birthstone list was set in 1912 by the National Association of Jewelers in the USA. Pearl was the original June stone. Moonstone was added in 1967. Alexandrite came in much later as it became more available outside of Russia. All three are now officially recognized. In India, all three have their own significance too, Pearl has deep roots in Vedic astrology, Moonstone is used as a Pearl substitute, and Alexandrite has been picking up steam among collectors and astrology enthusiasts over the last decade.

Pearl

Pearl is different from every other gemstone on this list and different from most gemstones in general. It does not come from the ground. It comes from inside an oyster or a mussel. When a tiny piece of sand or shell gets inside the oyster, the animal coats it in layers of a material called nacre. That build-up, over months or years, becomes a pearl. Natural pearls, the ones formed without any human involvement are incredibly rare. Almost everything you see in jewelry stores today is a cultured pearl, which means a tiny bead was placed inside the oyster to start the process. The oyster still does all the real work. It is still a real pearl. Just farmed, not wild.

What does it look like?

Pearls come in white, cream, pink, silver, gold, and even deep black. The thing people notice most is the shine that lasts. A good pearl looks like light is coming from inside it, not just sitting on top. Round pearls are the most popular, but they also come in oval, drop, and irregular shapes. Baroque pearls have become really popular in the last few years because of their organic, uneven look.

What does Pearl mean?

In Vedic astrology, Pearl is connected to the Moon. It is called Moti in Hindi. Wearing a Pearl is said to help with mental stress, mood swings, and emotional stability. Many astrologers recommend it for people whose Moon is weak in their birth chart.

In Western tradition, Pearls are linked to purity, loyalty, and long-lasting relationships. They have been a wedding and anniversary staple for generations. There is something about a pearl that feels genuinely beautiful, not just trendy.

How much does Pearl cost:

• Freshwater pearl jewelry: $30 – $150 for most pieces

• Akoya pearl necklaces: $200 – $1,000+

• South Sea and Tahitian pearls: $500 to several thousand

The price depends on size, shape, luster, surface quality, and type. A flawless, round, high-luster pearl costs significantly more than one with spots or an irregular shape.

How to take care of Pearl

Pearls are soft. On the Mohs hardness scale, they sit between 2.5 and 4.5. That means they scratch easily and can be damaged by chemicals.

A few things to keep in mind:

• Put pearl jewelry on after you have applied perfume, lotion, and hairspray — not before

• Wipe them gently with a soft damp cloth after wearing

• Store them in a cloth pouch, away from metal jewelry that can scratch the surface

• Never put pearls in an ultrasonic cleaner

Alexandrite

Alexandrite is genuinely one of the most unusual gemstones that exists. The reason people are obsessed with it is due to its changing colors. In daylight it looks green or teal. Under a lamp or candlelight, the same stone turns red or raspberry purple. Same stone, completely different color depending on the light. This happens because of the way the stone absorbs and reflects light. 

What does it look like?

A strong alexandrite will show a clear, obvious shift between green and red. Weak ones show a muddy brownish change that is not nearly as striking. When you are buying alexandrite, the quality of the color change matters more than anything else. A stone that shifts dramatically from a vivid green to a deep red is much more valuable than one with a subtle or murky change.

What does Alexandrite mean?

Alexandrite is often associated with change, balance, and good fortune. The idea behind it is that a stone that can look like two completely different things depending on the light represents adaptability, seeing the same situation from different angles.

How much does Alexandrite cost?

Natural Alexandrite is one of the most expensive gemstones in the world, right up there with ruby, emerald, and sapphire.

• Natural alexandrite (1 carat, good color change): $5,000 – $15,000

• Fine natural alexandrite from Russia: $20,000+ per carat

• Lab-created alexandrite: $50 – $500 depending on size

Lab alexandrite has the exact same chemical makeup as the natural stone. The only difference is where it was made. If you want the color change effect without the natural stone price tag, lab alexandrite is a completely reasonable choice. Just make sure the seller is upfront about it being lab-created.

How to take care of Alexandrite

Alexandrite is hard, it is 8.5 on the Mohs scale. It is very durable and good for daily wear. It does not need any special handling, though you should still store it away from diamonds (10 on the Mohs scale) which can scratch it. Clean it with warm soapy water and a soft brush. 

Moonstone

Moonstone is popular due to its optical effect called adularescence, a soft, silvery or blue glow that seems to float just under the surface of the stone when you move it. The most valuable variety is blue moonstone from Sri Lanka, where the floating light appears electric blue against a colorless or slightly grey body. Rainbow moonstone shows flashes of multiple colors. Moonstone comes mainly from Sri Lanka, India, Madagascar, Myanmar, and Brazil.

What does it look like?

The body of a moonstone can be white, grey, peach, green, or nearly transparent. What you are really looking at is that inner glow. The strongest moonstones have a bright, centered blue flash. Lower quality ones have a white or cloudy glow.

What does Moonstone mean?

Moonstone has been tied to the Moon in almost every culture that has encountered it. In ancient Rome, people believed it was made from frozen moonlight. In India, it is called Chandrakant Mani , literally "Moon's beloved gem." In Vedic astrology, Moonstone is used as a substitute for Pearl. Both are connected to the Moon planet, so when someone cannot afford or find a quality Pearl, Moonstone is often recommended instead. It is believed to help with emotional balance, intuition, and clarity of thought. In the USA and Europe, Moonstone has had a big moment in the last decade. It became popular in boho jewelry and has stayed popular because of its genuinely unusual, dreamy look.

How much does Moonstone cost?

Moonstone is much more affordable than Alexandrite, and more accessible than high-end Pearl.

• Sterling silver moonstone jewelry: $25 – $200

• Quality moonstone rings in gold: $200 – $800

• Fine jewelry with strong blue moonstone: $500 – $2,000+

How to take care of Moonstone

Moonstone scores 6 to 6.5 on the Mohs scale. It can chip or crack if you knock it hard.

• Take off moonstone rings before doing dishes, gardening, or any heavy work

• Clean with a soft cloth and mild soap — nothing abrasive

• Do not expose to harsh chemicals or extreme heat

• Store it separately so it does not get scratched by harder stones

Quick Comparison: Which June Birthstone Is Right for You?

So Which One Should You Actually Get?

If you want something you can wear every day without overthinking it — Pearl is your answer. It is classic, it works with anything, and a good cultured pearl does not have to be expensive.

If you want to give someone a gift they will genuinely never forget — Alexandrite is the one. Just be prepared for what a good natural stone costs. Lab alexandrite is a fair middle ground if you want the effect without the price.

If you are drawn to something that looks a little otherworldly and does not want to spend a lot — Moonstone is probably your pick. It photographs beautifully, it has real meaning in both Indian and Western traditions, and you can find great quality at a reasonable price.

All three are legitimate June birthstones. There is no wrong choice — it really comes down to what you like, what it means to you, and what you want to spend.