Birthstone Gems

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June Birthstone - Pearl

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Pearl fact file

Crystal Structure: orthorhombic
Chemical Composition: Aragonite ( calcium carbonate ) platelets held together by conchiolin
Hardness: 2.4 - 4.5 MOHs

Refractive Index: 1.53-1.69
Colors: white with pink tones, tan, yellow, brown, gray, black with a purple or green luster

Moonstone has for long been accepted as the birthstone of June. In the modern list, it shares this duty with Pearl and Alexandrite.

June birthstones,Pearls, are the only birthstones created by living organisms. When an irritant, such as a piece of grit, enters the body of the shellfish, the animal coats the grit with layers of nacre (aragonite), which is a form of mother-of-pearl, the iridescent surface found inside shells. Pearl is also unique inasmuch as it is probably the only gem material that can be utilized in jewelry immediately upon finding one. All other gems need to be fashioned and polished, however crudely, before they are set in jewelry. Care of pearls is very important. Pearls can be easily discolored from skin oils. Properly strung pearls will have a knot between each pearl to keep them from rubbing together. The cultured pearl can be damaged by excessive wear that exposes the non-gem nucleus.

Related Pages:

Pearl Properties
Know more about the physical and chemical properties of Pearl such as composition, color etc.
Pearl History and Geography
Some interesting facts about Pearl such as where it is found, stories from history and mythology, and its healing properties.
Buying and Caring for Pearl Jewelry
Tips for Buying Pearl Jewelry and taking care of Pearl Jewelry