June Birthstone...

Pearls

   There are three birthstones associated with the month of June.  They are the pearl, alexandrite, and moonstone. 

    The most common birthstone associated with the month of June is the pearl  Pearls have been used throughout history as an adornment and were a favorite of the Romans.  In England, the 1500s were known as "The Pearl Age".

      Pearls are made inside shells of certain types of clams and oysters. While some pearls are formed in mollusks that live in rivers and in the ocean, many pearls are now farmed in oysters.  Early commercial culturing began in the 1900s and since the 1920s, cultured pearls have almost totally replaced natural pearls in jewelry design.  Pearls are formed from a mineral that is what the shells of the mollusks are made of.  They are unique in this way and don't require polishing or faceting to show their beauty. 

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     Asian mythology says that pearls were thought to be dewdrops from heaven that fell into the sea and were caught by shellfish when there was a full moon.  In 17th century Europe, pearls were used as decoration and adornment.

     Pearls are said to help heal the stomach and help with immunity and emotional stress. Pearls aid in digestion and may reduce the chance of developing ulcers. They reduce stress, hypertension, headaches and exhaustion.   They have a soothing influence and  are said to reduce over-sensitivity and promote peacefulness.  Pearls have long been a symbol of purity and innocence and are frequently given to brides to wear and have been sewn into their bridal gowns.   

Moonstones & Alexandrite

       A phenomenal gemstone, moonstones show a floating play of light (called adularescence) and sometimes show either a multi-rayed star or a cat's eye.  It is considered a sacred stone in India where moonstones often are displayed on a background of yellow (a sacred color).  

     Moonstone soothes emotional instability and stress, and stabilises the emotions, providing calmness.  Moonstone enhances intuition, promotes inspiration, success and good fortune in love and business matters.  It also aids the digestive system, assimilates nutrients, eliminates toxins and fluid retention, and alleviates degenerative conditions of skin, hair, eyes, and fleshy organs such as the liver and pancreas.  It balances hormonal cycles, being excellent for PMS, conception, pregnancy, childbirth, and breast-feeding.  Moonstone is also beneficial to men in reaching their emotional side.
 
    Moonstones are believed to hold a spirit whose purpose it is to bring good fortune. The Roman natural historian Pliny, wrote that moonstone's appearance altered with the phases of the moon — a belief that held until well after the sixteenth century. Moonstone is part of the feldspar family which occurs in many igneous and metamorphic rocks and comes in a variety of colors such as green, blue, peach, and champagne.  Moonstones come from Sri Lanka; India, Australia, the United States, Mayanmar, and Madagascar.   

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      Alexandrite appears to be a beautiful green color with perhaps a blue or brown tint. But when looking at the stone under artificial lighting it turns a reddish violet. Alexandrite is not common and is extremely expensive because of this. Alexandrite is also one of the hardest stones available. 

     This stone is a somewhat new discovery. In the 1800s, the Russians discovered it and named it after the Czar Alexander II, who reigned during that time.  Most Alexandrite it found in Sri Lanka but because it is so rare, synthetic versions have become popular.  (Synthetic gemstones are man-made versions of a natural stone and possess the same properties).    
    
     Alexandrite is considered to be a stone of longevity and affluence. It brings peace to both mind and body and gives the wearer emotional strength.  So it is said to be good for those that have a temper.   It is also believed to purify the blood and improve blood flow and helps strengthen intuition and imagination.

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Sources/Links/Credits:

http://birthstonemonth.com/june-birthstone-color
https://www.americangemsociety.org/en/june-birthstones
https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/9/9a/Pearl_oyster.jpg
https://gemology.knoji.com/pearl-the-classic-organic-gem-thats-second-only-to-diamonds/
http://shelf3d.com/i/pearls
http://therapeuticreiki.com/blog/power-of-pearl/
http://charmsoflight.com/moonstone-healing-properties.html
http://www.jewelexi.com/gemstones/alexandrite