Moonstone is the birthstone for those born in June.

It was given its name by the Roman natural historian Pliny, who wrote that Moonstones' appearance altered with the phases of the moon - a belief that was held until well after the sixteenth century. Named for its moon-like sheen Moonstone shows a floating play of light known as adularescence.

Moonstone is a feldspar mineral exhibiting a soft, silvery-white or blue reflection that moves as a line across the surface as light varies. This most known variety is Rainbow Moonstone while other types occur in delicate shades of peach, blue, grey and white. The most prized Moonstones are from Sri Lanka while India, Australia, the United States and Madagascar are also well-known sources.

The June birthstone is surrounded by a good deal of mystique and magic. The Romans admired Moonstone, as they believed it was born from solidified rays of the moon. Both the Romans and Greeks associated Moonstones with their lunar gods. The June birthstone became popular during the Art Nouveau period. It adorns a noticeably large number of the jewellery creations of the French master goldsmith René Lalique and his contemporaries, mainly to be found in museums and collections today. Considered a sacred stone in India, Moonstones are often displayed on a background of yellow, which is a sacred colour and are believed to encapsulate within the stone a spirit whose purpose is to bring good fortune. In Arabic countries, women often wear Moonstones sewn out of sight into their garments, for in their cultures the moonstone is a symbol of fertility.

The June birthstone symbolises our being in its entirety. It is a stone of inner growth and strength. It calms and encourages, teaching us the natural rhythms of life. Moonstone opens the heart to nurturing qualities as well as assists in the acceptance of love. Moonstone is protective of those who travel by night or upon the water when the moon is shining.

It is an excellent stone for first or new love and is a comforting talisman if love must be kept a secret. It was also believed to be able to reunite loved ones who had parted in anger. With its soft shimmer, it strengthens our emotional and subconscious aspects. It is also said that wearing a Moonstone strengthens our intuition and our capacity to understand. Though often considered to be a woman's stone, it can be beneficial to men in opening the emotional self. Moonstone is especially calming to children.

Gemstones are used in crystal healing, an alternative medical technique, to cure ailments and protect against disease. The June birthstone is used by healers to stimulate the functioning of the pineal gland and balance internal hormone cycles with nature's rhythms. It soothes those away from home at night, drives away nightmares and encourages sleep. It is also used to treat sleepwalking. 

It powerfully affects the female reproductive system, enhancing fertility and promoting ease in pregnancy and childbirth. Associated with the feminine, it enhances the intuitive side of the mind. To women, Moonstone reveals their feminine power and abilities of clairvoyance and gives rise to the kundalini energy. 

Discover what birthstones you can wear for other months in our "Birthstones by the Month" blog post.