

This occurs due to light fragmentation between microscopic layers of feldspar (aluminosilicate minerals with calcium, sodium or potassium) in the gem. Once it is polished, the finest moonstones will be colorless, or white, with a sheen of blue. It is well-known for its " adularescence," or optical phenomenon that gives the gemstone a special glow. How are pearls formed? Where these organic gemstones can be found.

But today, alexandrite is mined in Brazil, Sri Lanka and East Africa.Īlexandrite often represents luck and prosperity. It was initially discovered in the Ural Mountains of Russia in the 1830s. The gemstone's red and green colors were similar to the national military colors of imperial Russia. Alexandrite can appear green or blue in daylight or fluorescent light. In incandescent light, it can appear red or purple.Īccording to the Geological Institute of America, alexandrite gets its name from Emperor Alexander II of Russia. June has three birthstones: alexandrite, pearl and moonstone.Īlexandrite comes from a rare mineral that changes color depending on the light. What is the June birthstone? Well, there are three. The rose and honeysuckle also represent those born in June.Įach month has its gemstone. Here's what you need to know about June's birthstones, including colors, symbolism, meanings and more. People born in June can have one of two astrological signs: Gemini (born between June 1 and 21) and Cancer (born between 22 and 30). "They're known as a stone of loyalty, too, so you'll often see them in Victorian jewelry, and they encourage friendship and stimulate empathy," she adds.June has several symbols that identify those born the summer month. In fact, spiritual author Emma Mildon even recommends including emerald in a crystal grid for romance, if that's your thing.Īlong with all that, Leavy says emeralds are known to bring peace, calm, and inspiration, as well as protection.

Its association with Venus also makes the emerald great for connecting to Earth energy, sensuality, and passion. The color green is also connected to luck, as well as the heart chakra, further bolstering this stone's connection to love. As such, emerald, too, is associated with these themes. Today, high-quality emeralds mainly come from Columbia, she adds, "but emeralds are also found in Brazil and India-you can find them in a variety of places."Īccording to Yulia Van Doren, author of Crystals: The Modern Guide to Crystal Healing and founder of Goldirocks, emeralds can be found throughout countless mythologies and histories for good reason "This is a gemstone which can manifest huge gifts of magnetic good fortune, abundance, and health," she previously told mbg.Įmerald "radiates powerful energies of growth and creative manifestation," she says, adding it's also helpful for "balancing Taurus’ infamous stubbornness, and a natural complement to Gemini's inquisitive, inventive, and creative personality."Īnd speaking of Taurus, the bull of the zodiac is ruled by Venus, the planet of love and beauty. Also, a lot of green stones were just called emerald before we had the ability to differentiate crystals better than we do now," she explains. "For example, emerald is speculated to potentially be one of the stones in the holy grail. "There are entire books written about emeralds and their associations in history," Leavy tells mbg. As Leavy explains, since Taurus is the more predominant sign in May, it's typically more strongly associated with Taurus and its ruling planet Venus. It became the official birthstone for May in 1912, along with the rest of the birthstones, and before that, it was also associated with Gemini and Taurus, which are both zodiac signs that fall in May. It's a variety of the mineral beryl, getting its green color from trace amounts of the chemical elements chromium or vanadium. May's birthstone is none other than the gorgeous green emerald.
