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JUNE BIRTHSTONES: NOT JUST PEARLS |
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Author: Ruby Lane JUNE BIRTHSTONES: NOT JUST PEARLS
 Pearls of all varieties are the most widely accepted birthstones associated with the month of June. Our Past Times newsletter for June 0f 2007 had an article on pearls. However, those born in June have the choice of several other well-recognized birthstones.
Moonstone
Moonstone is a traditionally accepted alternate birthstone for June. When the American National Retail Jewelers Association adopted the list of birthstones in 1912, which is still widely accepted, there was a bit of debate as to whether Star Sapphire or Moonstone would receive the alternate position on the list. Moonstone was the official choice.
 Moonstone is a variety of orthoclase feldspar. It normally has a white, grey, or colorless body color. A billowy effect is created by the reflection of light off of the internal interface of different feldspar components, known as adularescence. Moonstone was once referred to as Adularia. The body color may also be yellow, brown, or green. This stone may also exhibit a cats-eye or a 4-rayed star, in addition to its normal optical characteristics. It may vary from semitransparent to opaque. It is most often seen as a cabochon stone, although beads and carvings are also done. Transparent varieties of orthoclase feldspar are sometimes faceted, although they are seldom marketed as Moonstone. Some Moonstone, known as Rainbow Moonstone, will show flashes of different colors.
Moonstone has varied in popularity, at least in the West. It was very popular in Victorian times, and was used as a charm for children. Many carved examples were used. In the East, it has always had popularity. India, along with Sri Lanka and Myanmar, have been major sources for the material.
Moonstone is relatively soft and heat sensitive. Do not clean with steam or an ultrasonic cleaner. Some moonstone may be coated on the back to improve its adularescence.
Alexandrite
Alexandrite, a rare variety of chrysoberyl, is sometimes used as a birthstone for the month. Due to its rarity and cost, it is one of the rarer well known gemstones. When exhibited in strong UV lighting, such as daylight, Alexandrite will show a bluish green or yellowish green color, and will sometimes be somewhat grayish. In incandescent light, it will have an orangey red to purplish red color, with brownish tones also possible. Under mixed lighting it often shows a muddy brownish color. 
Initially discovered in the Urals in 1834 on the birthday of the future Tsar of Russia, Alexander II, the stone was named in his honor. The primary colors of green and red were also the colors associated with Imperial Russia. The Russian sources have been relatively depleted for many years. Alexandrite was discovered in Brazil in 1987. While these stones do not normally have as strong a green color as the material from the Urals, the color change is distinct. Only chrysoberyl with a strong and distinct color change should be sold as Alexandrite.
Chrysoberyl is occasionally found which exhibits a cats-eye effect and a color change. These extremely rare Alexandrite Cats-Eyes demand and deserve phenomenal prices. Alexandrite is rare. The majority of color change gems normally encountered will not be Alexandrite. Spinel and Corundum, both natural and synthetic, may exhibit color change. The synthetic varieties of these two are most often seen in vintage birthstone jewelry, simulating the appearance of alexandrite. Synthetic corundum is most widely used, but never exhibits a true green color. The color change this material exhibits is most often from a bluish amethyst color to a reddish amethyst color. These materials are simulated Alexandrite, and should not be represented or sold as Synthetic Alexandrite. Natural color change garnet may also be mistaken for alexandrite. A true synthetic Alexandrite was not available before 1973. Today, several methods exist for producing true synthetic Alexandrite. Separation of this synthetic material from genuine requires some testing normally.
Article reprinted courtesy of the RUBY LANE BLOG
You can purchase beautiful ALEXANDRITE stone like the ones shown in this photo at BUY GENUINE GEMSTONES for only $88!! Have them set in a ring!
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