All about Moonstone and Pearl, the Birthstones for June

If you were born in June then you are lucky enough to have two beautiful stones as your birthstones, Moonstone and Pearl.

Moonstone is one of the most popular stones in our shops due to its versatility and gorgeous colour, this stone will complement most outfits and tastes and is liked by almost everybody. 

Pearl is a traditional 'stone' and a favourite for weddings due to the symbolism of innocence, love and purity.

Want to know a little more about these stones? Then carry on reading...

Moonstone

Facts

Historically, the most valuable Moonstones come from Myanmar but sadly these have all been mined out. Common locations where Moonstone deposits can be found nowadays include Sri Lanka, Madagascar, India, Mexico, Tanzania, Australia, Norway, Austria, Switzerland and, in the United States; New Mexico and Virginia.

Moonstone is the most valuable stone from the feldspar group. A billowy blue colour becomes visible when the stone is rotated in front of a light source. This effect, called adularescence, is caused by the diffraction of light as it hits thin, alternating layers of orthoclase and albite within the stone.

Moonstone has a Mohs hardness of 6 and therefore can chip when knocked against a hard surface. We advise to always take your Moonstone jewellery off  during activities that may result in accidental impact.

History and Legends

Moonstone is known as the stone of new beginnings. It has been used in jewellery for thousands of years, including ancient civilizations.

The Romans believed that Moonstone was born from solidified rays of the moon. Both the Romans and the Greeks associated Moonstone with their lunar deities. In ancient times, moonstone was said to be able to elicit deep passion between lovers. It was also thought to give the wearer the ability to predict the future and good fortune.

In more recent history, Moonstone became very popular during the Art Nouveau period and large quantities of jewellery using Moonstone were created in this period. In 1970 Moonstone also became the Florida State Gemstone to commemorate the Moon Landings.

Healing Properties and Beliefs

Moonstone is thought to be a very calming stone. It’s deeply feminine and is believed to help stabilize hormones.

It enhances intuition, promotes inspiration, success and good fortune in love and business matters. It’s a very protective stone especially for travellers who travel at night or upon water.

        

Pearl

Facts

Pearl is the traditional stone for 30th wedding anniversary. It is also the horoscope stone for Cancer.

Pearls are not stones but are actually the only gems found within living creatures. A pearl is a hard, glistening object produced within the soft tissue of a shelled living mollusk.

The ideal pearl is perfectly round and smooth but other shapes may occur. The most valuable pearls are those that are formed naturally in the wild but these are extremely rare. Cultured or farmed pearls make up the majority of those currently sold.

Pearls have been harvested and cultivated primarily for use in jewellery, but also have been used to adorn clothing as well as crushed and used in medicines, cosmetics and paints.

History and Legends

Pearls are one of the most ancient gems and have been used in jewellery for 6000 years! Records of their commercial farming go back 2500 years.

Many cultures have associated pearls with the moon. A beautiful, old legend depicts the beginning of pearls as dew drops filled with moonlight falling into the ocean and then being swallowed by oysters. Another legend tells the story of how Eves tears turned to pearls when she was banished from Eden. In an Ancient Chinese tale, a boy found a miraculous pearl, which when placed in a jar with just a bit of rice, it filled the jar with rice the next day. When his neighbours discovered this, they tried to steal it. The boy swallowed the pearl to protect it and as a result, he became a dragon.

 Healing Properties and Beliefs

Pearl is believed to enhance personal integrity and help to provide focus. Pearl is also known as "the stone of sincerity" as it brings truth to situations and loyalty to a cause.

Pearl is thought to provide crystal healing by helping in the treatment of digestive tract disorders and muscular conditions. It can also be a good aid in fertility, and is believed that it can help in easing the pain and discomforts of childbirth.

It also helps in maintaining or restoring the balance and natural rhythm of the body by regulating hormone levels.

An example of some of our Pearl designs.