Pearls are biological, in contrast to the majority of gemstones discovered on Earth. Simply said, they develop within specific varieties of oyster and clam shells. Some pearls are naturally occurring in mollusks that live in freshwater or saltwater, such as rivers. Today, a large number of pearls are cultured, or grown in oyster farms, which supports a robust pearl business. Aragonite, a moderately soft carbonate mineral (CaCO3) that also makes up mollusc shells, is the main component of pearls.
When a tiny rock piece, sand grain, or parasite enters the mollusk’s shell, a pearl is created. The oyster or clam reacts by covering the foreign substance with successive layers of shell material because it bothers them. The majority of pearls that form on the inside of the shell have a skewed shape and little commercial value. The spherical or pear-shaped ones, which originate within the mollusk’s tissue, are much sought for for jewelry.
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Pearls come in several colors
Pearls are among the most expensive gemstones due to their distinctively delicate translucence and shine. The type of mollusk that created the pearl as well as its surroundings affect the hue. Generally speaking, white pearls are the most popular and well-known color. But pearls also come in delicate tones of mauve, blue, yellow, lavender, green, cream, and gray. The waters around several islands in the Pacific Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico both contain black pearls. Oriental pearls, which are superb cream-colored pearls, are well-known to come from Sri Lanka and the Persian Gulf. The waters around the Indonesian island of Celebes, the Gulf of California, and the Pacific coast of Mexico are additional locations for natural seawater pearls. Freshwater mussels that produce pearls can be found in Bavaria, Germany, along the Mississippi River and in forested streams.
Also popular are beautiful cultured pearls
Japanese cultivated pearls are highly regarded. Additionally, everyone who is familiar with jewelry has heard of Mikimoto pearls, which were named after Kokichi Mikimoto, who founded the business. In Japanese waters, huge oyster beds support the growth of cultured pearls. In the fleshy region of 2- to 3-year-old oysters, a “irritant is injected, such as a tiny chunk of mother-of-pearl. The oysters are then nurtured for 7 to 9 years in mesh bags submerged in water before being picked to extract their pearls. The equatorial islands of the Pacific and Australia both have cultured pearl industries in addition to Japan.
Famous pearls
According to estimates, the largest pearl in the world is roughly 3 inches long, 2 inches wide, and weighs around 1/3 of a pound (.13 kg). It was given as a present by Shah Jahan of India to Mumtaz, his favorite wife, in whose honor he had built the Taj Mahal. It was known as the Pearl of Asia.
Many experts believe La Peregrina (the Wanderer) to be the most stunning pearl. In the 1500s, a slave was supposed to have discovered it in Panama and given it over in exchange for his freedom. The area’s colonial ruler gave the pearl to King Philip II of Spain in 1570. This white pearl measures 1 1/2 inches in length and is pear-shaped. It hangs on a platinum setting that is set with diamonds. Mary I of England received the pearl before it was given to Prince Louis Napoleon of France. The British Marquis of Abercorn bought it from him, and his family held it until 1969, when they put it up for auction at Sotheby’s. Finally, the item was purchased for Elizabeth Taylor by actor Richard Burton.
Pearl lore
In South Asian tradition, pearls were created when dewdrops from heaven dropped into the ocean. When the moon was full, they were captured by shellfish as the sun was just rising. Indian warriors used pearls to decorate their swords to represent the tears and sadness that a blade conveys.
Up to the 17th century, pearls were also commonly utilized as medicine throughout Europe. It was thought to be a treatment for various illnesses, including insanity, by the Arabs and Persians. As early as 2000 B.C., pearls were also utilized as medicine in China, where they were symbolic of riches, power, and longevity. Low-grade pearls are still crushed up and used as medicine in Asia today.
Another June birthstone: the moonstone
The moonstone is the second birthstone for June. Moonstones are thought to have bluish-white specks inside of them that gave them their name. As a result, when held up to the light, they emit a silvery dance of color that closely resembles moonlight. Additionally, as the stone oscillates, bright silvery rays travel around like moonbeams dancing across water.
The feldspar family of minerals, a significant class of silicate minerals frequently produced in rocks, includes moonstone. The crust of the Earth is made up of feldspar to a degree. In addition to being present in numerous igneous and metamorphic rocks, this mineral makes up a sizable portion of soils and marine clays.
Gem variants of feldspar including moonstone, labradorite, amazonite, and sunstone are created under uncommon geological circumstances. They appear as huge, spotless mineral grains and are present in deep crustal rocks and pegmatites, which are igneous rocks with coarse grains. Aluminosilicatesminerals with aluminum, silicon, and oxygenthat are combined with sodium and potassium are what make up feldspars of gem quality. Moonstones from Sri Lanka are the greatest. Additionally, they can be found in India, Madagascar, Myanmar (Burma), and the Alps.
Moonstone lore
It was believed until the 16th century that the moonstone’s appearance changed according to the moon’s phases, according to the ancient Roman naturalist Pliny. The moon goddess Diana’s likeness was supposedly contained within the stone, according to ancient Romans. People who wore moonstones were said to experience victory, good health, and knowledge.
The moonstone is frequently exhibited on a yellow fabric in India since the color yellow is revered as a sacred one. The spirit that resides inside the stone is thought to be responsible for the stone’s luck-bringing properties.
Or select alexandrite as your June birthstone
The alexandrite is the third birthstone for June. Alexandrite has a charming, chameleon-like temperament. It has a lovely green hue in the daylight, occasionally with a bluish or brownish tint. The stone, however, changes color to a reddish-violet or violet under artificial lighting.
The mineral beryllium aluminum oxide, also known as alexandrite, is a member of the chrysoberyl family and comprises the elements beryllium, aluminum, and oxygen (BeAl2O4). The only minerals harder than it are corundum and diamonds (sapphires and rubies). The presence of chromium in alexandrite is what gives the stone its unique hues. Chrysoberyl is found to crystallize in pegmatites, which are beryllium-rich, very coarse-grained igneous rocks that formed from magma. They can also be found in alluvial deposits, which are pegmatites that have weathered and include gemstones, and are transported by rivers and streams.
Alexandrite is rare and expensive
Because it is a rare stone, alexandrite is quite pricey. Today, the majority of alexandrite comes from Sri Lanka, but it has also been discovered in Brazil, Madagascar, Zimbabwe, Tanzania, and Myanmar (Burma). A synthetic alexandrite that resembles a reddish-purple amethyst with a hint of green has been created in the meantime. Natural and artificial illumination do not cause the artificial stones’ colors to shift. Additionally, the artificial stones have only had sporadic market success in the US.
History of June birthstone alexandrite
Prince Alexander of Russia, who succeeded Czar Alexander II in 1855, is honored by the epithet “Alexandrite.” In an emerald mine in the Ural Mountains of Russia, alexandrite was discovered in 1839 on the prince’s birthday.
Because of how recently this stone was found, there hasn’t been much time for myth and superstition to develop. The stone was especially well-liked in Russia since it reflected the country’s colors, green and red, and was thought to bring luck.
What Stone is the birthstone for June?
You are fortunate to have three birthstones to call your own if you were born in the month of June. Only three monthsJune, August, and Decemberhave three birthstones each, providing you a wide selection of lovely birthstones to choose from.
Moonstone, alexandrite, and pearl are the birthstones for June. Due to the variety of colors and price ranges these gems offer, people with June birthdays can find a birthstone that suits their mood or budget.
Is the gemstone for June a diamond?
The three lovely birthstones that June shares with August and December are alexandrite, moonstone, and pearls, allowing those who were born in June a wide variety of birthstone jewelry alternatives. A considerate present that is both meaningful and lovely is birthstone jewelry.
What is the value of June’s birthstone?
Alexandrite, the birthstone for June, is an extremely uncommon gem. As a result, they may be highly costly. Furthermore, as they approach a full carat in size, their cost increases significantly. Want to get a rough sense of its cost? Up to one carat of fine-quality alexandrite sells for between $2500 and $15,000 per carat. Additionally, costs for diamonds larger than one carat can range from $50,000 to over $70,000 per carat.
Alexandrite, which replaced the traditional pearl as June’s birthstone in the 1950s, is a gemstone. (An alternative birthstone for June is moonstone.) Additionally, the stone for the 45th and 55th wedding anniversaries is Alexandrite.
What does June’s crystal represent?
Alexandrite and pearl are the two birthstones for June birthdays. Due to their inherent beauty, pearls have been used in jewelry for many years. Gemstones made of alexandrite are exceedingly rare and prized because they change color depending on the illumination.
How does alexandrite appear?
Chrysoberyl comes in a few different unusual varieties, including the chameleon-like alexandrite. In natural or fluorescent light, it can appear a gorgeous shade of green, but in the warm, incandescent light of a lamp or candle flame, it can turn brownish or purple red. This is a result of the mineral’s complicated method of light absorption.
Why are there three birthstones for June?
Why are there three birthstones for June? Some months have more than one birthstone because different historical stones have become extremely rare, making it less likely that they would be sold on the market and meet consumer demand.
Who may wear alexandrite jewelry?
The Moh’s scale rates alexandrite’s hardness at 8.5, making it relatively durable and popular for use in jewelry creation. Making jewelry out of alexandrite is made more appealing by the material’s color-shifting property.
People who were born in the month of June are urged to wear alexandrite because it is the birthstone for that month.
Additionally, those who were born under the sign of Cancer might wear the stone to take advantage of its mystical qualities or simply wear it for fashion. Additionally, Alexandrite can be worn by those who were born under the signs of Virgo, Taurus, Gemini, and Leo.
What color is the month of June?
The June hues are light purple, white, and cream. Three colorsall of which are lighter in hue and exquisiterepresent the month of June. White is the color of purity, light purple is the color of elegance and monarchy, and cream is the color of serenity. The word June, which denotes the sixth month of the year, comes from the Roman goddess of protection known as Juno. June is a motivating month with a strong desire to do something. Using June colors rids your home of negativity and fosters a happy vibe everywhere you go. According to color psychology, colors have a significant influence on our moods and daily life. In actuality, colors also influence our conduct.
The dominant color for June is light purple. The three colors for June are cream, white, and light purple. Many people have a strong belief in horoscopes and colorology, and they decorate their homes with the color of the month each month. It’s not necessary to have the June hue throughout the entire space; simply a small amount of light purple or white would do. You can adjust the little decorative items or showpieces to light purple without changing the color of the walls. The bedding is one of the simplest methods to bring the June color into the bedroom. You undoubtedly frequently replace your bedding. White pillows and a light purple bed cover should be added to the space. You’re going to adore this color scheme!
How can I determine whether my alexandrite is genuine?
Since it is far simpler to produce synthetic corundum and synthetic spinel with characteristics that resemble alexandrite, true synthetic alexandrite itself is a rare sight.
Synthetic spinel more closely resembles alexandrite due to its change from reddish to blue-greenish hues, whereas synthetic corundum changes from a purple that resembles amethyst under artificial light to a greyish-blue in daylight. (There are also real color-changing sapphire and garnet, which can both be deceiving; the former mimics alexandrite.)
Since every substance has different optical characteristics, the first thing to do is to determine the stone’s refractive index.
Alexandrite, a chrysoberyl, with a RI close to 1.746 (+/-.004) and 1.755 (+/-.005) and is doubly refractive. Corundum is likewise doubly refractive, although it has a higher RI, which is typically between 1.762 and 1.770; spinel’s RI is close to 1.73, however it fluctuates slightly depending on the color. Your RI determination should be assisted by a qualified gemologist.
There may be (rarely) no eye-visible inclusions in genuine alexandrites of roughly one carat, therefore this does not necessarily imply that the stone is not real.
A 10X or greater close-up examination is advised.
I possess a ring that has been passed down through the family. A jeweler in Florida informed me that it was an alexandrite. According to the material I’ve read about this alexandrite, its color shifts from green to red. My ring turns gorgeous purple from blue. It’s a VERY ancient ring. I’m having it evaluated. Could you provide me details about this ring?
Your description of a color change from blue to purple is typical of synthetic spinel that mimics alexandrite and has been used as an alexandrite imitator for a very long time.
If the stone has good color saturation, the color change in natural alexandrite is in fact from red to green, typically from a darker garnet-type red to a slightly bluish green.
The artificial corundum (sapphire), which has been available for more than a century and more nearly resembles the color of real alexandrite, is another common alexandrite imitator.
The gem alexandrite is incredibly rare.
More uncommon still are fine alexandrite gems weighing more than a carat.
The majority are at least somewhat included.
Your stone is almost probably artificial if it weighs more than a carat and has no inclusions.
After closely studying the stone under a microscope and performing a quick test of its optical characteristics known as a refractive index test, a gemologist will be able to answer your question with certainty.