June: Alexandrite or Pearl - Héloïse et Abélard

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June: Alexandrite or Pearl

Looking for information about June birthstones? The Heloise & Abelard Guide tells you more about each of them, whether it's Pearl or...Alexandrite!

Juin : Alexandrite ou Perle

June: Alexandrite or Pearl

June's birthstone is alexandrite or pearl.

 

The Pearl

A pearl is a calcareous concretion, usually white, produced by certain mollusks.
Pearls have been found since prehistoric times: hundreds have been unearthed in several Paleolithic tombs.

 
Pearls have also been used to create jewelry since antiquity, where they were known as Aphrodite's tears.

 
There are four categories of pearls: natural pearls (very rare), cultured pearls, composite pearls, and imitation pearls. In addition, there are two categories based on their origin: freshwater or saltwater. Their value is determined by their shape (symmetry), luster, size, color, and weight.

 
They are divided into eight basic shapes: round, semi-round, button, drop, oval, pear, baroque, and circled.

 
Luster is the most important criterion for judging a pearl's quality, especially for jewelers; however, the larger the pearl, the more expensive it sells for. Large, perfectly round pearls are very rare and highly sought after for multi-strand necklaces.

 
The thickness of the nacre is a determining factor for quality. Nacre can be considered the essence of the pearl, as it provides its luster, hue, and durability. Thick nacre allows the pearl to retain its color and appearance over time, unlike thin nacre which, while it can be very beautiful, will struggle to last as long.
Pearls have a hardness of 3 on the Mohs scale.

 

Alexandrite

Alexandrite was described by Finnish mineralogist Nils Gustaf Nordenskiöld in 1842, and its name comes from Tsar Alexander II, to whom Nordenskiöld dedicated it on April 17, 1834.

 
Alexandrite has a vitreous luster. Its color changes with lighting: blue-green in daylight, pink-red under an incandescent lamp or by firelight, and colorless gray under fluorescent light.

 
It is a variety of chrysoberyl, which is a mineral species composed of beryllium and aluminum oxide with the formula Be with traces of iron and chromium. Crystals can reach up to 22 cm.

 
The most important mine was in Russia — it is now depleted — where the most beautiful stones varied from green to red, which are the colors of the Tsar. It can also be found in Brazil.
Alexandrite has a hardness of 8.5 on the Mohs scale.

 

Overview of Birthstones by Month

January: Garnet
February: Amethyst
March: Aquamarine
April: Diamond
June: Alexandrite or Pearl
July: Ruby
August: Peridot
September: Sapphire
October: Tourmaline
November: Citrine
December: Tanzanite

 

All diamonds

 

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