What does emerald mean?
Emerald stands for rebirth and renewal, which is why it suits a spring birthday. Its green has been loved for thousands of years.
Legend has it that an emerald made its wearer more intelligent and quick-witted. Some believed it made its owner an eloquent speaker and exposed lovers who made false promises.
From Egyptian pharaohs to Inca emperors, it has always been a royal stone, and Cleopatra was known for her passion for it.
What color is the May birthstone?
Green. Emerald is widely seen as the definition of green, the color of lush gardens and of spring.
The shade depends on where the stone was mined, from slightly yellowish green to slightly bluish green, and from light to deep.
Nothing greens greener
Pliny the Elder, the Roman author, on emerald in his Natural History.
Where do emeralds come from?
Colombia has given the world its finest emeralds for more than 500 years, and Colombian stones are the standard all others are measured by. Its Muzo mines are known for deep pure green, Chivor for lighter bluish green, and Coscuez for slightly yellowish green.
Brazil is another big source, mainly the state of Minas Gerais. Zambia mines emeralds that are bluish green and darker in tone, and Pakistan and Afghanistan are important producers too.
How to care for an emerald
Emerald is 7.5 to 8 on the Mohs scale, so it scratches more easily than a diamond, which is 10. Many emeralds are also treated: oils, waxes or resins fill tiny surface cracks so the stone looks clearer.
Keep it away from heat, harsh chemicals and hot dishwater, and never put it in an ultrasonic cleaner, which can push the filler out. Even the change in air pressure on a flight can be hard on it.
To clean an emerald, use a soft brush and warm, soapy water.
May’s birth flowers: lily of the valley and hawthornWhat they mean, and how to send it →