The birthstone for June is the pearl.  Pearls are the only gemstones which grow from the inside out.  Their larger, and older, pearls are the more rare, and more valuable.  There is a lot of symbolism associated with the pearl.  Because it comes from the sea, it is thought to be lunar, and feminine.  Ages ago, it was said that the pearl was the result of lightning penetrating the oyster, so it was regarded as the union of fire and water.  In ancient Greco/Roman times, the pearl was a symbol of Aphrodite, or Venus, and represented love and marriage.  Many brides still wear pearls today.  In India, the pearl represents transcendent wisdom, or enlightenment.  In Christianity, it represents purity, and spiritual grace. 

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