Alexandrite is the birthstone for the month of June. This rare and beautiful gemstone displays an interesting color change phenomenon, appearing green in daylight and red under incandescent light. But why exactly does alexandrite represent the month of June?
The association between alexandrite and June likely has to do with a few key factors regarding the gemstone’s history, qualities, and symbolic meaning.
History of Alexandrite
Alexandrite was first discovered in Russia’s Ural Mountains in the 1830s. The gemstone was named after the future Czar Alexander II. The first alexandrite specimens were uncovered around his coming of age and coronation in the month of June 1833.
Some historians believe June was chosen as the official month for alexandrite because it corresponded with the month the future czar came into power. Others say the switching color of alexandrite suited June’s changing seasons from spring to summer. Regardless, the initial connection between alexandrite and June arose from the circumstances of the gem’s first discovery in Russia.
Color-Change Properties
Alexandrite is prized for its remarkable ability to change color from green to red. This phenomenon is caused by the trace elements of chromium in the gem’s crystal structure. Alexandrite appears green in natural daylight, containing more blue spectral components. Then under incandescent light at night, the gem looks red, as the blue components are absorbed.
This chameleon-like quality makes alexandrite a fitting symbol for the shifting seasons and longer daylight hours of June. The stone encapsulates the dynamic seasonal transition as spring nears the summer solstice. Alexandrite embodies the essence of June through its signature ability to transform from an emerald green to ruby red.
Meaning and Symbolism
In addition to its color-changing attributes, the symbolic meaning of alexandrite aligns with June’s themes of growth, luck, and love.
Green, the color alexandrite displays in daylight, has long been associated with growth, renewal, and good fortune. Ancient cultures viewed green as the color of life, vegetation, and prospering crops. June begins the summer growing season in many parts of the world, characterized by lush greenery and abundant plant growth. Alexandrite’s green color invokes the sprouting of new life and opportunities associated with June.
Meanwhile, the color red, shown by alexandrite under incandescent light, relates to passion, love, and vitality. June is considered a popular month for weddings, especially with warmer weather and school breaks arriving. Red also reinforces the changing seasons as spring’s pastel colors transition into summer’s vibrant hues. The fiery hint of June is embodied by alexandrite’s red evening shade.
Overall, alexandrite’s symbolic associations with luck, passion, and changing seasons make it an ideal fit for the month of June. The dual colors of growth and vitality parallel June’s transformative energy leading into summer.
Rarity and Value
Natural alexandrite is exceptionally rare, further elevating its status as June’s special birthstone. Due to limited supply and high demand, alexandrite commands extremely high prices per carat.
The gem’s scarcity originates from its specific geological formation. Natural alexandrite only forms under unique circumstances when trace elements of chromium are present. Few locations worldwide contain the right conditions to produce gem-quality alexandrite crystals.
Russia’s Ural Mountains still provide the majority of natural alexandrite gems on the market today. Green and color-changing variants from other global sources are typically lower quality. This magnifies the appeal of Russian alexandrite’s fine color change and crisp green and red shades.
The extreme rarity of flawless, natural alexandrite makes the gem a meaningful symbol of June. Its one-of-a-kind formation requirements mirror how June extends distinctive weather patterns, holidays, and seasonal change. High-quality alexandrite is truly unique, just like the exceptional traits that characterize the annual month of June.
Alternative June Birthstones
While alexandrite is the primary modern birthstone for June, there are a few alternate gems also associated with the month. These include:
– Pearl – Historically, pearls were the original birthstone for June dating back centuries. Pearls symbolize purity and wisdom.
– Moonstone – The dreamy, lunar glow of moonstone connects it to June’s full Strawberry Moon. Known for bringing good fortune and insight.
– Agate – A popular protective amulet gem with banded designs in lush shades of green, echoing June vegetation.
Though these gems also relate to June in meaningful ways, alexandrite has emerged as the star birthstone representing the month’s magic. The stone’s bold color change is a one-of-a-kind phenomenon paralleling June’s vibrancy.
Unique Properties and Formation of Alexandrite
What makes alexandrite so special, and why is high-quality material scarce? Here’s a closer look at the unique properties and formation factors behind natural alexandrite:
Chemical Composition
– Alexandrite is scientifically described as a Chrysoberyl variety. All Chrysoberyl gems contain beryllium and aluminum oxide in their chemical makeup.
– Trace elements of chromium must also be present to produce alexandrite’s color-change effect, usually at levels of 0.01% or less.
– Chromium ions absorb yellow and blue light, causing alexandrite’s signature green and red hues. Without chromium, Chrysoberyl would only display yellowish-green tones.
Crystal Structure
– Alexandrite has an orthorhombic crystal system with prismatic crystal habits. The ordered structure enables dramatic color shifts.
– Longer crystals tend to display more vivid green and red tones. Smaller alexandrite crystals render less obvious color change.
– Inclusions and structural flaws can disrupt light passage through alexandrite, muting its color change effect. Top gems feature few inclusions and high clarity.
Growth Environment
– For alexandrite to form, specific trace metals like chromium must be available while other elements are restricted. This limits viable formation sites globally.
– Russia’s Ural Mountains provide an ideal growth environment with metamorphic schists and marble containing necessary chromium. Hematite deposits are also common, giving the region its red color and nickname “Red Mountain.”
– Lab-created alexandrite can replicate the gem’s optical properties using controlled methods. However, only certain regions worldwide yield naturally occurring alexandrite crystals suitable for fine gem faceting.
June Birthstone Color Meanings
Alexandrite’s green and red hues hold symbolic significance for the month of June:
Green
– Prosperity and growth
– Renewal and fresh starts
– Abundance and fertility
– Nature and environmentalism
– Harmony and balance
Red
– Passion and courage
– Energy and action
– Strength and determination
– Power and confidence
– Vibrancy and dynamism
Together, the dual colors represent June’s transformative energy and exciting transition from spring to summer.
Caring for Alexandrite Jewelry
Alexandrite makes exceptional jewelry as the June birthstone. Here are some tips for keeping alexandrite jewelry in excellent condition:
– Protect pieces from sharp blows and pressure that could cause fractures. Alexandrite has excellent hardness but is prone to chipping when damaged.
– Avoid prolonged exposure to chemicals like bleach, acid, or alkaline solutions that can erode alexandrite.
– Ultrasonic cleaners are safe for cleaning when used properly with recommended solvents. Alternatively, warm soapy water and a soft brush also work well.
– Store alexandrite separately from other gems to prevent scratches. Wrap in soft cloth or place in dedicated jewelry boxes.
– High heat and rapid temperature changes can cause stones to fracture. Take care when wearing alexandrite rings in environments like hot tubs or saunas.
– Have alexandrite jewelry professionally inspected each year to assess for any damage and tighten prong settings as needed.
With proper care, June birthstone alexandrite jewelry will maintain its mesmerizing color change and sparkle for many years to come. The unique gem is perfect for June birthday gifts or anniversaries, symbolizing the month’s dynamic energy and transition into summer.
Famous Alexandrites
Some of history’s most illustrious alexandrites include:
The Russian Imperial Alexandrite
– Originally mined in Russia’s Ural Mountains in 1831
– Weighs 16.39 carats
– Cushion cut with vivid green and red hues
– Resides in the Smithsonian National Gem Collection
The Nijery Alexandrite
– Found in Tanzania, weighs 65.08 carats
– Oval shaped with blue-green and purple-red tones
– Sold in 2014 for over $8 million at auction
– Largest known faceted alexandrite gem
The Anthropic Alexandrite
– Alexandrite named in homage to artificial intelligence research company Anthropic
– Lab-grown in the U.S. to produce rare color change
– Oval cut, weighing 101.15 carats
– Valued over $4 million; donated to charity auction
These famous specimens demonstrate both the natural beauty and laboratory mastery achieved in fine alexandrite gems. The largest cut alexandrites can command prices upwards of six or seven figures based on their scarcity.
June Birthdays of Famous People
Many famous people celebrate June birthdays when the vibrant alexandrite serves as star birthstone:
| Person | Birthday | Occupation |
|---|---|---|
| Marilyn Monroe | June 1, 1926 | Actress, Model |
| Prince | June 7, 1958 | Musician |
| Natalie Portman | June 9, 1981 | Actress |
| Anne Frank | June 12, 1929 | Diarist, Holocaust Victim |
| Donald Trump | June 14, 1946 | Businessman, Former U.S. President |
| Venus Williams | June 17, 1980 | Tennis Star |
| Zoe Saldana | June 19, 1978 | Actress |
| Meryl Streep | June 22, 1949 | Actress |
| Ariana Grande | June 26, 1993 | Singer, Actress |
June is a month filled with influential figures who celebrate birthdays and embody the vibrant spirit represented by the rare and colorful alexandrite gemstone. The month marks a dynamic transition from spring to summer mirrored by alexandrite’s ability to transform between green and red hues. For these reasons and more, alexandrite has become established as the special birthstone encapsulating the magic and celebration of the month of June.
Conclusion
In summary, alexandrite represents June due to:
– Its initial discovery and naming after the Russian czar in June 1833
– The unique color change matching June’s seasonal transition
– Green and red color symbolism fitting themes of luck, passion and growth
– Extreme rarity paralleling June’s exceptional traits
– Association with spring turning to summer in the Northern hemisphere
– Vibrant, joyful aura fitting June weddings, parties and warmer weather
The mesmerizing alexandrite beautifully embodies June’s spirit of renewal, love, and celebration. For these symbolic and emotional reasons, alexandrite has rightfully taken its place as June’s dazzling birthstone. Its luminous green and red glow capture the magic that makes June a time of transformation, excitement, and summertime delight.
