MAY BIRTHSTONE: EMERALD
The May birthstone, Emerald, has been prized across cultures over centuries. Perhaps the most famous historical figure we associate with emeralds is Cleopatra.
During her reign, she famously claimed all the emerald mines in Egypt. Egyptians came to value emeralds as jewelry as well as use in their elaborate burials, evolving the stone into a symbol of protection. In the modern world, emeralds are still widely prized, considering the famous emerald pendant of Elizabeth Taylor, that sold for $6.5 million in 2011.
Metaphysical
Because emeralds have such a rich history, the stone has come to take on the symbolism of many forms. The stone often symbolizes protection, love, intelligence, and intuition:
Protection: As exemplified by the Egyptians, emeralds across cultures are known to protect, ensure safety by acting as a shield from the darkness.
Love: In Medieval times, Emerald was used to revealing whether or not a lover had been faithful, and was worn as a symbol of fidelity. Today, when used for love, the stone is known for attracting new love, protecting from infidelity, and growing relationships. Ultimately, becoming a stone of renewal, growth, and trust building.
Intelligence: The stone is thought to improve skills in communication, diplomacy and strengthen memory, and enhancing mental clarity.
Intuition: Emeralds have long been associated with the eyes and sight. That coupled with the properties of the stone for protection and mental clarity, space is made to activate psychic abilities by seeing the truth and enhancing intuition and foretelling.
Properties
Name: The word Emerald gradually emerged over the centuries and can be traced back to the Old French and Latin words Esmeraulde, Esmaralda, and Esmaraldus meaning green gem or the Greek word “smaragdus,” which also, quite literally, means “green gem.” In Sanskrit, the word “Marakata” means ‘the green of things that grow.’
Color: Emerald is a variety of beryl that accounts for its green color, similar to aquamarine. The colors can range from light green to a deep, rich green. According to the American Gem Society, the deeper or more green an emerald, the more valuable it is.
Moh’s scale: An 8 on the scale that measures gemstone hardness, emeralds are considered one of the hardest minerals (after diamonds). However, it’s important not to confuse the scale of hardness with durability. Most emeralds on the market have visible inclusions, so it’s common practice to treat the stone to improve clarity. The naturally occurring tiny fissures make emeralds quite brittle and prone to breakage, like stone setting. This is why green garnet has often been an alternative to emeralds for rings.
Regions: While some of the oldest emeralds are 2.87 billion years old, Egypt was the top source of emeralds in the ancient world where the earliest emerald mined as early as 330 BC. Today, the top sources of emeralds come from Columbia, Brazil, and Zambia.
