Skip to content
Pearl

Photo: W.carter / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 4.0)

Pearl

Also known as: Cultured pearl

The only gem made by a living creature – June's birthstone, treasured for its soft glow.

  • ColourWhite, Cream, Pink, Black, Gold
  • Mineral groupOrganic gem (nacre)
  • ChemistryCaCO₃ (aragonite) with conchiolin
  • Hardness (Mohs)2.5–4.5
  • Crystal systemOrganic
  • Where it's foundJapan, China, Australia, Indonesia, French Polynesia, Persian Gulf (historic)
  • ChakraCrown, Sacral
  • ZodiacCancer, Gemini
  • BirthstoneJune

What is Pearl?

Pearls are grown by oysters and mussels. When an irritant gets inside the shell, the mollusc coats it in layer after layer of nacre – tiny crystals of aragonite held together by an organic protein. The overlapping layers create a pearl's glowing lustre.

Natural pearls are extremely rare. Almost all pearls sold today are cultured: a technique perfected in Japan in the early 1900s, famously by Kokichi Mikimoto, where a bead or tissue is placed in the mollusc to start the pearl. Types include Akoya, South Sea, Tahitian and freshwater pearls. Pearl is a birthstone for June.

Pearl astrology & birthstone

  • Zodiac signsCancer, Gemini
  • Ruling planetMoon
  • ElementWater
  • Birthstone monthJune

Zodiac, planet and element links come from crystal-lore traditions and vary between authors. Birthstone months follow the American Gem Society list.

Pearl meaning & traditional properties

Pearl is associated with calm, purity and wisdom gained through experience – the moon's gem in many cultures.

  • Calm
  • Purity
  • Wisdom

Traditional and metaphysical properties are shared for cultural and educational interest. Crystals are not a substitute for medical advice or treatment.

How to use Pearl

  • Wear pearls as your June birthstone.
  • Give pearls for weddings and 30th anniversaries.

How to care for Pearl

Pearls are soft and delicate. Put them on last and take them off first; keep away from perfume, hairspray, cosmetics and acids. Wipe with a soft cloth after wearing and store flat, separate from other jewellery.

Looking for Pearl?

Pearl isn't in our shop right now – new stock arrives regularly. In the meantime, explore similar crystals we have available or browse our full crystal collection.

  • Moonstone
    In our shop

    Moonstone

    Feldspar with a floating blue-white glow, June's birthstone and a stone of the moon in many cultures.

  • Selenite
    In our shop

    Selenite

    Luminous gypsum named after the moon – a cleansing stone in crystal lore that must be kept away from water.

  • Opal
    In our shop

    Opal

    October's birthstone – silica spheres that split light into flashing rainbow colours.

  • Aragonite
    In our shop

    Aragonite

    Earthy calcium carbonate that forms star-shaped clusters and the shimmer of pearls and shells.

Rituals & pairings

Pair Pearl with a calm & sleep ritual

An evening wind-down ritual to slow the mind before rest.

Traditionally paired with: Lavender or chamomile incense · Sandalwood or Nag Champa · A soft lavender or white candle

  • Dim the lights and light a lavender or chamomile candle.
  • Light sandalwood or lavender incense and take five slow breaths.
  • Hold your crystal in your palm while you let the day go, then place it on your bedside table.
  • Blow out the candle before you sleep.

Safety: never leave candles, incense or smudge sticks burning unattended, keep them away from children, pets and anything flammable, and ventilate the room. Rituals are shared as tradition, not as a treatment.

Ritual oils, essential oils & perfumes

Deepen your practice: tarot & oracle cards

Wear it & work with it

Pearl jewellery & pendulums

Wear the energy of your favourite crystals every day – browse our handmade crystal jewellery and dowsing pendulums.

Pearl FAQs

Are pearls real if they're cultured?

Yes – cultured pearls are real pearls grown by molluscs with human help.

What month is pearl?

June, together with moonstone and alexandrite.

Related crystals

  • Moonstone
    In our shop

    Moonstone

    Feldspar with a floating blue-white glow, June's birthstone and a stone of the moon in many cultures.

  • Selenite
    In our shop

    Selenite

    Luminous gypsum named after the moon – a cleansing stone in crystal lore that must be kept away from water.

  • Opal
    In our shop

    Opal

    October's birthstone – silica spheres that split light into flashing rainbow colours.

  • Aragonite
    In our shop

    Aragonite

    Earthy calcium carbonate that forms star-shaped clusters and the shimmer of pearls and shells.

Sources