Cancer Stones: Emerald, Moonstone, Selenite and Cancer Birthstones

Short answer: the traditional zodiac stone for the sign Cancer is emerald, according to the list published by the American mineralogist George F. Kunz in 1913. Modern crystal traditions often add moonstone and selenite, two stones linked with the moon, Cancer's ruling body in astrology. Because Cancer runs from about June 21 to July 22, people born under the sign can also use the June birthstones, pearl, moonstone and alexandrite, or the July birthstone, ruby. Zodiac stones are a tradition rooted in astrology, not a property of the stones.

When is Cancer?

Cancer, Latin for "crab", is the fourth sign of the zodiac, named for the constellation Cancer. In Western astrology, the sun passes through Cancer from about June 21 or 22 to July 22 or 23; the exact dates shift slightly from year to year. It is a water sign, along with Scorpio and Pisces, and a cardinal sign, and its ruling body in astrology is the moon. It is usually pictured as a crab, based on Karkinos, the crab of Greek myth.

What is the Cancer zodiac stone?

Zodiac stones and birthstones are different lists. Birthstones follow the calendar month; zodiac stones follow the astrological sign. In his 1913 book The Curious Lore of Precious Stones, George Frederick Kunz gave a stone for each sign, and for Cancer that stone is emerald.

Emerald is the green variety of beryl, colored by traces of chromium, vanadium and iron. It rates 7.5 to 8 on the Mohs scale but usually contains many inclusions, so it is less tough than its hardness suggests, and almost all emeralds are treated with oil or resin. Colombia has produced the finest emeralds for more than 500 years. It is the May birthstone, covered in the May guide.

Which stones are linked with Cancer today?

Because Cancer is ruled by the moon in astrology, modern crystal shops and guides often name moon stones for it:

Moonstone: a feldspar with a soft, floating glow. It has one of the longest histories of any gem in folklore, linked with the Greek and Roman lunar deities and, in Hindu mythology, said to be made of solidified moonbeams. It is also a June birthstone.
Selenite: clear or silky white gypsum, named after the Greek word for the moon. In crystal traditions it is associated with clarity, peace and light.
Pearl: a June birthstone, formed by mollusks in water and long associated with purity and innocence; ancients in the Middle East believed pearls were teardrops fallen from heaven. Its sea origin suits a water sign.

These modern pairings vary from source to source. They are traditions and personal choices rather than a fixed rule.

What are the Cancer birthstones?

Because Cancer spans two months, people often use the birthstone of their birth month as well:

Born June 21 to June 30: the June birthstones are pearl, moonstone and alexandrite; see the June guide.
Born July 1 to July 22: the July birthstone is ruby, red corundum colored by chromium.

Moonstone appears on both the June list and the modern Cancer list, which makes it the most popular single choice for June Cancers.

What do Cancer stones mean in tradition?

Cancer is a water sign ruled in astrology by the moon, and its modern crystal picks lean toward moon stones: moonstone, linked in folklore with lunar deities and love; selenite, named for the moon and associated with peace; and pearl, from the water. Emerald, the traditional stone, has enchanted royalty from Cleopatra to the Inca emperors.

These are traditions and beliefs. Astrology has been recognized as pseudoscientific since the 18th century, and there is no scientific evidence that zodiac signs or the stones linked with them affect personality or events. People enjoy zodiac stones as personal symbols and gifts.

How do people use Cancer stones?

As jewelry: an emerald or ruby ring, or a moonstone or pearl pendant, makes a popular birthday gift.
As a bedside stone: a moonstone tumble or a selenite tower kept nearby as a personal reminder.
In meditation: as a focus object, as described in the meditation guide.
As a set: some people pair their zodiac stone with their birthstone, for example emerald with moonstone.

How do you choose a Cancer stone?

For a traditional choice, pick emerald, the Kunz zodiac stone.
For a moon stone, pick moonstone, or selenite for display.
For a birthstone, pick pearl, moonstone or alexandrite for June, or ruby for July.
For jewelry worn daily, ruby, at 9 on the Mohs scale, is the most durable. Emerald is less tough than its hardness suggests, moonstone, at 6 to 6.5, has poor toughness, and selenite, at 2, is too soft for jewelry.

How do you care for Cancer stones?

Emerald: clean gently with a soft brush and warm, soapy water; never use an ultrasonic cleaner, and avoid heat and harsh chemicals.
Moonstone: warm, soapy water, and protect it from knocks, which can crack it.
Selenite: keep it dry, since water dissolves and dulls it; dust it with a soft brush.
Pearl: wipe after wearing and keep it away from cosmetics and perfume.

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