Is June Birthstone Black?
The June birthstones are pearl, Alexandrite, and moonstone. Pearls are often white or cream colored. Alexandrite changes color in different lighting, displaying green, red, orange, yellow, or blue hues. Moonstone exhibits blue, white, gray, brown, or yellow tones. So the June birthstones are not exclusively black. However, black pearls and black variations of Alexandrite and moonstone do exist. Let’s explore the intriguing topic of black June birthstones further.
Traditional June Birthstones
The main June birthstones are:
| Pearl |
| Alexandrite |
| Moonstone |
Pearls are organic gemstones formed inside oysters and other mollusks as a defense mechanism against irritants like parasites or debris. They come in various colors like white, cream, pink, peach, gray, blue, green, and black. The most coveted are white or cream with an iridescent glow.
Alexandrite is a rare mineral that changes color based on the type of lighting. It appears green in daylight, but turns red, purple, or raspberry colored under incandescent light. Other hues like yellow, orange, blue, and brown are also possible. The color change comes from the interplay of trace elements like chromium, iron, and titanium.
Moonstone is a feldspar mineral that exhibits a soft glow known as adularescence. The sheen arises from light diffraction within the stone’s layered structure. Moonstone commonly shows off blue, peach, gray, white, rainbow, and brown tints.
Black Variations
While not as common as other colors, black versions exist of all three June birthstones:
| Black Pearls |
| Black Alexandrite |
| Black Moonstone |
Black pearls originate from the black-lipped Pinctada margaritifera oyster native to Tahiti and other regions of French Polynesia. These exotic black pearls showcase unique dark gray, green, blue, and purple overtones atop their primary black body colors.
True black alexandrite is exceptionally rare. More often, alexandrite described as black displays very dark greens or reddish hues. The color change effect in natural light versus artificial light is usually still evident. Alexandrite has also been synthetically produced in labs with rich black coloration.
Black moonstone exhibits dark gray, blue, or rainbow sheens rather than the more typical white or peach adularescence. Mined in India and Madagascar, these dramatic black stones strike a bold look in jewelry.
Black Pearl Origins
Natural black pearls come from Pinctada margaritifera oysters thriving in warm waters around Tahiti and other islands in French Polynesia. These black-lipped pearl oysters produce unique dark pearls exhibiting iridescent overtones in green, blue, purple, and other moody hues.
Black pearl farming relies on skilled Tahitian pearl farmers practicing generations-old cultivation techniques. The farmers carefully seed oysters with bead nuclei, then nurture them in lagoons until ready for harvest 18-24 months later. The resulting black pearls command high prices due to their exotic origins and appeal.
Here are key facts about Tahitian black pearl origins:
| Oyster Species | Pinctada margaritifera |
| Main Location | French Polynesia |
| Cultivation Method | Pearl Farming |
| Nucleation | Beaded Nuclei |
| Culture Duration | 18-24 months |
Tahiti remains the primary source of natural black pearls. But other Polynesian islands like the Cook Islands also produce exotic black pearls with alluring overtones. Their rarity and intrigue keeps black Tahitian pearls highly coveted in the gem world.
Black Alexandrite Properties
True black alexandrite is phenomenally scarce in nature. More commonly, very dark green or red-brown hues are described as black alexandrite. The color change may appear subtler in these stones, shifting from dark green to dark red based on lighting conditions.
Synthetic black alexandrite can also be produced in labs through techniques like the Czochralski process. Here are some key properties of this rare black gem:
| Refractive Index | 1.74 – 1.75 |
| Specific Gravity | 3.73 |
| Mohs Hardness | 8.5 |
| Chemistry | BeAl2O4 |
| Crystal System | Orthorhombic |
The color change in alexandrite comes from vanadium and chromium impurities. Titanium and iron also play roles. The trace elements selectively absorb wavelengths of light, causing the variations in color.
While true black is elusive, the incredibly dark alexandrites still showcase an intriguing play of color. The rarity of black also makes it exceptionally valuable, with prices reaching into the thousands per carat.
Black Moonstone Adularescence
While most moonstone exhibits white, blue, or peach sheens, black moonstone displays adularescence in dark gray, blue, and rainbow hues. These uncommon black stones come primarily from India.
The body tone results from abundant dark mineral inclusions like magnetite and amphibole. Light diffraction off the layered crystal structure produces the glow effect or schiller. Key traits include:
| Mineral Species | Feldspar |
| Chemistry | KAlSi3O8 |
| Mohs Hardness | 6 – 6.5 |
| Refractive Index | 1.518 – 1.526 |
| Specific Gravity | 2.56 – 2.63 |
The adularescence arises from the moonstone’s formation process. As molten minerals cooled, structural stresses caused the growth of sheet-like crystal layers. Light reflects internally off these layers to produce the magical glow.
Black moonstone makes a dramatic, mysterious addition to jewelry. The combination of dark body tone and bright schiller has an elegant allure.
Evaluating Black June Birthstones
When evaluating black June birthstones, key factors to consider include:
| Color | – Deepness of black or grey tones |
| Clarity | – Transparency and absence of flaws |
| Cut | – Quality of faceting for maximum brilliance |
| Carat Weight | – Larger stones are more rare/valuable |
| Adularescence | – Brightness of schiller in moonstones |
For pearls, nacre thickness, luster, surface cleanliness, and overtone colors also matter. The most prized black pearls feature rich overtones atop gemmy black bodies.
Fine carat black alexandrites with vivid color change command high market value. Minor inclusions are acceptable if the color shift remains prominent.
With black moonstone, bold adularescence balanced against dark bodies is key. Some internal flecks are common, but should not overwhelm the sheen.
Overall, be sure to inspect stones closely under magnification when acquiring black June birthstones. A reputable jeweler can also grade quality characteristics accurately.
Styling Black June Birthstones
The dark, dramatic hues of black June birthstones make them ideal for modern, bold jewelry designs. Here are some stylish ways to wear them:
| Black Pearl Solitaire Pendant | – Showcase a large black pearl in a minimalist pendant setting |
| Black Alexandrite Cocktail Ring | – Make a statement with a black alexandrite statement ring |
| Black Moonstone Drop Earrings | – Create a glamorous look with dazzling black moonstone earrings |
| Tahitian Pearl & Diamond Bracelet | – Alternate black pearls and sparkling diamonds for impact |
| Black & Rose Gold Stack | – Combine black birthstones with rosy metals for romantic edge |
Let the natural beauty of these darkly alluring June birthstones take center stage by pairing them with simple metal settings. Their bold presence needs little added embellishment.
Conclusion
While not the norm, black varieties exist for all three June birthstones. Black Tahitian pearls, natural or synthetic black alexandrite, and black moonstones with glittering schiller provide unique alternatives to more common June birthstone colors. Their dark beauty perfectly embodies moody, mysterious design aesthetics. With proper evaluation of quality factors and artful styling choices, black June birthstones can make an alluring, fashion-forward statement.