Moonstone — One of June's Three Birthstones
Moonstone — One of June's Three Birthstones
Adularescent feldspar shares June with pearl and alexandrite under the modern American list
Moonstone is one of the three official birthstones for June under the modern American list maintained by Jewelers of America and the American Gem Trade Association (AGTA), sharing the month with pearl and alexandrite. The triple assignment originates in the National Association of Jewelers' 1912 list, which formalised contemporary American birthstone practice, and was reaffirmed by AGTA's later updates. Moonstone's June position is the principal entry point through which most North American consumers encounter the gem.
The three June stones in practice
Pearl is the historically dominant June birthstone and the popular default. Alexandrite, added later, is the rarest and most expensive of the three and is the conventional choice when budget allows and the symbolism of colour change is desired. Moonstone occupies the accessible-and-romantic position: more interesting visually than ordinary commercial pearl in the price range, less expensive and far more available than alexandrite, and with an immediate optical signature in adularescence that gives the gem a strong identity at any quality level.
Quality criteria
For June birthstone selection, the conventional preference is for moonstone with strong, centred blue sheen on a clean, transparent body — Sri Lankan material is the classical reference. White-sheen moonstone and commercial Indian production are widely available at accessible prices. Hardness of 6 to 6.5 means moonstone is best set in pendants, earrings, or protected ring designs rather than exposed prong settings.
In the trade
June is one of the strongest birthstone-driven sales months for moonstone, alongside autumn collection launches that pick up the Aesthetic and Art Nouveau associations. Stocking practice in mainstream jewellery typically prioritises commercial white-sheen moonstone in standard cabochon shapes for the birthstone trade, with finer Sri Lankan material reserved for higher-end design and bespoke work. Birthstone documentation should always note moonstone (June) on receipts and certificates as a courtesy to clients building gift collections.