Alexandrite is the birthstone for the month of June. If your birthday falls in June, your astrological sign is Gemini. The alexandrite gemstone is very rare and valuable, with a fascinating history and mythos surrounding it. As the June birthstone, the properties and lore of alexandrite can reveal interesting insights about the personalities and destinies of Gemini individuals.
Physical Properties of Alexandrite
Alexandrite belongs to the chrysoberyl family of gemstones. Chrysoberyl is an aluminate of beryllium, composed of beryllium aluminium oxide. It is one of the hardest natural gemstones, rating 8.5 on the Mohs hardness scale. Alexandrite displays a remarkable optical phenomenon called the “alexandrite effect.” In daylight, the gem appears green or bluish-green. Under incandescent light, the stone turns reddish-violet. This unique chameleon-like color change is highly prized.
Fine alexandrite has a bright green color in daylight that transitions to a deep raspberry red under indoor light. Lower quality stones may display muddier tones. The vibrant color shift from bluish-green to purplish-red makes alexandrite unlike any other gem. This distinctive phenomenon is caused by the presence of both chromium and vanadium as trace impurities in the crystal structure.
Geographic Source of Alexandrite
Natural alexandrite is quite scarce, found in very few locations worldwide. The original source of alexandrite was Russia’s Ural Mountains, located in the Sverdlovsk region. Alexandrite was discovered by miners in the Tokovaya River in the 1830s and named after the future Czar Alexander II.
For many decades, Russia remained the only known source for gem-quality alexandrite. In 1987, high-grade alexandrite was found in Minas Gerais, Brazil. Other sources have since emerged from Sri Lanka, East Africa, Myanmar, Madagascar, Tanzania and India. However, fine Russian alexandrite remains the most highly prized on the market today.
Alexandrite Legends and Lore
According to Russian folklore, alexandrite possesses mystical powers. An old miners’ legend declared that the green color of alexandrite stood for life and hope, while the red signified blood and passion. It was believed to strengthen intuition, aid creativity and inspire imagination. Alexandrite was thought to bring good luck, fortune and success.
Wearing alexandrite was believed to help the wearer connect to the “eternal verities” and experience inner peace and joy. Russian gem cutters would not work with alexandrite unless they were wearing white clothing, as the red reflection was thought to portend misfortune and accidents. Alexandrite was also rumored to have a strengthening effect, protecting against intoxication.
These stories imbued June’s birthstone with a legendary quality. Tales of mystical powers and precautions followed alexandrite stones as they emerged from Russia and were introduced across Europe in the 1800s.
Value and Rarity of Alexandrite
Natural alexandrite is one of the rarest and most expensive gemstones, valued for its scarcity, hardness and distinctive color change. The quality of the color change is the most important factor determining value. Stones showing a strong transition from bluish-green to purplish-red under incandescent light are the most prized.
The Russian gem-quality alexandrite that sparked the initial fascination in the 1800s remains exceptionally rare. Lower grade alexandrite is more commonly available, sourced from Brazil and Sri Lanka. While less valued, these stones still display the desirable color change. As a result of its rarity, natural alexandrite commands very high prices, often over $10,000 per carat.
Synthetic versions have been created to mimic alexandrite’s color change while providing a more affordable alternative to natural stones. Synthetic alexandrite lacks the cachet of rare natural gems but offers similar optical effects. Whether natural or lab-created, alexandrite remains one of the most interesting and unique gemstone varieties today.
June Birthdays and the Sign of Gemini
In traditional birthstone folklore, those born in June fall under the zodiac sign Gemini, represented by the Twins. Gemini is characterized as inquisitive, energetic, communicative and versatile. Alexandrite serves as both the modern and traditional birthstone for the month of June and this astrological sign.
The dual coloring of alexandrite, shifting between green and red, nicely correlates with and represents the dual Gemini nature. The greens can symbolize new growth, health, the intellect, adaptability and communication. The reds can stand for passion, vibrancy, intuition, and sensuality.
Gemini Strengths and Weaknesses
Those born under Gemini are described as quick-witted, logical, sociable, playful, clever and articulate. They learn rapidly and are information sponges, able to synthesize complex concepts and communicate them clearly. Their agile minds make Geminis skilled at reaching logical solutions and negotiating challenges. Multitasking comes easily to them and they readily adapt to new situations and environments.
Potential weaknesses of Geminis include inconsistency, restlessness, distractibility, impatience and nervosity. Because they juggle so many ideas simultaneously, Geminis may have trouble focusing or committing to decisions. Boredom can set in quickly prompting a desire for constant stimulation and variety. Communication skills may sometimes be used to manipulate situations to their advantage.
In the context of interpersonal relationships, Gemini are lively, engaging companions who connect well with others. They thrive on intellectual stimulation and enjoy easy banter. However they can also come across as inconsistent or unreliable partners. Commitment and intimacy are areas requiring effort for the typically freedom-loving Gemini.
Best Careers for Geminis
When seeking fulfilling careers, Gemini personalities are often drawn to paths that engage their agile minds, offer variety and intellectual challenge, and provide opportunities to communicate and interact with people. They dislike monotonous or repetitive work. Suitable careers for Geminis include:
| Field | Example Jobs |
|---|---|
| Media and Communication | Journalist, broadcaster, blogger, interpreter, spokesperson |
| Creativity and Arts | Photographer, graphic designer, interior designer, musician, actor |
| Writing | Author, poet, editor, columnist, copywriter |
| Technology | Software developer, IT consultant, web designer, data analyst, AI programmer |
| Sales and Persuasion | Salesperson, marketer, public relations, recruiter, negotiator |
| Entrepreneurship | Inventor, consultant, freelancer, founder of startup companies |
Gemini’s intellectual agility and communication skills make them well-matched for careers that involve thinking on their feet, engaging audiences, harnessing fresh ideas, and blending multiple skill sets. They bring adaptable, innovative thinking and discernment of logic to their work.
Ideal Environments for Geminis
Gemini personalities thrive in environments that provide constant intellectual stimulation, variety, and interaction with people. They should pursue workplaces that are dynamic, progressive, and embrace new technologies and ideas. Geminis will engage deeply with innovation, ambiguity, complexity and creativity in a job. They are fueled by collaborating and brainstorming with colleagues in a fast-paced setting.
However, overly regimented or bureaucratic environments will bore and frustrate dynamic Gemini. They flourish with flexibility to set their own schedules. Simple repetitive tasks and rigid corporate policies are demotivating. Geminis need freedom of movement and expression to utilize their agile minds and interpersonal gifts.
In relationships, Geminis also require partners who can match their mental vigor, interests and keep up with their active lifestyles. They seek those who are independent and align with them intellectually. Geminis engage best with mates who are spontaneous, creative and willing to experience new adventures together. But they dislike possessiveness or an overly emotional neediness in relationships.
Alexandrite and Gemini – A Winning Combination
In summary, those born in June under the sign of Gemini reflect well the properties of their birthstone alexandrite. Both the gem and the Twins zodiac sign share a multifaceted, changeable nature. Alexandrite’s dual colors shifting from bluish-green to raspberry nicely represent Gemini’s two ruling personas.
The lively imagination, intellect, communication skills and adaptable personality of the Gemini find symbolic resonance in rare, color changing alexandrite. Geminis and alexandrite both exhibit clever complexity. Wearing or gifting an alexandrite can highlight the Gemini’s unique perspective and chameleon-like abilities. June births who embrace their sign fully can unlock rich potentials for ingenious, fulfilling lives by being open to new horizons.
Conclusion
Alexandrite, as the June birthstone, carries connections to the mutable air sign Gemini. If your astrological sign is Gemini, the properties and lore of your birthstone alexandrite can reveal uplifting insights about your inner gifts. By understanding Gemini’s strengths like intellectual agility, eloquence and adaptability, you can identify rewarding career paths and relationships. Awareness of potential weaknesses like inconsistency and distractibility helps you check ineffective tendencies. Alexandrite reflects your dual nature. With self-knowledge, you can experience harmony and fulfillment.
