The modern birthstone for the month of May is the beautiful emerald. Emeralds are actually the green version of the mineral Beryl. This type of Beryl contains small amounts of chromium and iron which give them thier unique color. Emeralds are commonly found in sedimentary rock that has undergone changes in temperature and pressure. Emeralds can be found in the Russian Federation, United States, Pakistan, Norway, India, Malagasy, and Australia. Some of the best emeralds are found Colombia and these crystals exhibit the best quality for thier size. The name Emerald comes from the Greek term "smaragdos", which loosely translates to "green gemstone". The quality in the emerald is determined by the clarity and it's deep grass green coloration which exhibits a slight hint of blue.
Emeralds have a deep history and folklore. The history of emeralds can be traced to ancient Babylonians and the Egyptians where tools have been found in ancient emerald mines where the Queen Cleopatra's emeralds originated. The Incas also mined emeralds and the largest and highest quality stones were once worn by the nobility. Unfortuanely these emeralds were lost to time, due to savage invasions, greed of the Conquistadors or through the inclusion of these gems in private collections.
It has been said that emeralds are bearers of wisdom and growth and are given as symbols of love and fidelity. They are also thought improve memory, intelligence and and are often associated with the power of clairvoyance and forseeing the future. They were also thought to cure eye diseases due to thier soothing color.
Considered the zodiac birthstone for Taurus and Cancer. Given as the anniversary stone for 20th and 35th wedding anniversaries.
Emeralds are considered brittle stones and require careful handling and cleaning. Listed on the Mohs scale between 7.5 and 8.
Emeralds have a deep history and folklore. The history of emeralds can be traced to ancient Babylonians and the Egyptians where tools have been found in ancient emerald mines where the Queen Cleopatra's emeralds originated. The Incas also mined emeralds and the largest and highest quality stones were once worn by the nobility. Unfortuanely these emeralds were lost to time, due to savage invasions, greed of the Conquistadors or through the inclusion of these gems in private collections.
