pearl

3 Birthstones for June!

June has three birthstones:  Pearl, Alexandrite and Moonstone.

PEARL

18kt curved barbell can be made in any length 

Pearls are the only gems from living sea creatures that require no faceting or polishing to reveal their beauty. In the early 1900's the first commercial cultured saltwater pearls were made. Since the 1920's, cultured pearls have almost completely replaced natural pearls. 

Chemistry:

CaCO3

Color:

Black, green, yellow, pink, blue, brown, gray, cream & white

Hardness:

2.5 - 4.5

Mineral Class:

Calcuim carbonate & conchiolin (organic) combined with water

ALEXANDRITE

Tear Drop eyelets 7/16" to 1" can be made here at Halo for you

Alexandrite was first discovered in Russia in the 1830's and is extremely rare. Due to its rarity, many studios stock the synthetic versions (man-made alternatives).  The color changes from bluish green to purplish red (the colors of the Russian flag), some Alexandrite can change from yellowish or pink to raspberry red. The Smithonian houses the largest known Russian faceted Alexandrite, weighing 66 carets.

Alexandrite is also the gem for the 55th wedding anniversary.

Chemistry:

BeAl2O4

Color:

Bluish green in daylight, 

Purplish red in incandescent light

Hardness:

8.5

Mineral Class:

Chrysoberly

MOONSTONE

Part of the family of minerals called feldspar, moonstone occurs in many igneous and metamorphic rocks and comes in a variety of colors such as white, milky white, grey, pink, green, brown, peach, champagne & the most valuable deep blue. Its iridescent sheen is called "adularescence."

Moonstone is named for its resemblance in color to the moon. According to Hindu mythology, moonstone is made of solidified moonbeams. Legends say that moonstone brings good luck. East Indian tradition holds that moonstone is a symbol of the Third Eye and clarifies spiritual understanding.

Chemistry:

KAISi3O8

Color:

White, milky white, grey, pink, green, brown, peach, 

champagne & the most valuable deep blue.

Hardness:

6 - 6.5

Mineral Class:

Orthiclase, Oligoclase & other members of the the feldspar group

For more information look on the GIA & American Gem Society websites.