MAY BIRTHSTONES
EMERALD
One possibility is that 'emerald' comes from an ancient Persian word that had been translated to the Latin 'smaragdus'. Another possibility is that 'emerald' comes from the Sanskrit 'marakata' meaning 'the green of growing things'. Emerald is also known as the "Jewel of Kings" and "Stone of Successful Love".
Emerald is a beryl that gets its colors from traces of chromium, vanadium, and iron. Its color range is from light green with yellow or blue tones to a deep dark green. Today, the most desirable emerald color is bluish-green to pure green with vivid color saturation. Emerald is often treated to improve color and/or clarity by the processes of dyeing and fracture filling. Emerald's harness is 7.5 to 8.
Emerald is found in Colombia, Brazil, Africa, Zambia, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Zimbabwe, Egypt, Madagascar, Nigeria, Ethiopia, China, Austria, Australia, Ghana, India, Mozambique, Russia, Sourth Africa, Tanzania, and the United States of America.
In 1912 the National Association of Jeweler's made Emerald the birthstone of May. It is also the stone for the 20th, 35th, and 55th Wedding Anniversary. Emerald is associated with the zodiac signs of Gemini, Taurus, Leo, and Aries.
In Ancient Egypt emeralds were a symbol of fertility, life, and immortality. In Ancient Greece, they were said to improve memory and intelligence, and help one to think clearly about the past, present, and future. Aristotle, an ancient Greek philosopher, believed that emeralds gave victory in trials, helped settle litigation, and increased one's importance in presence and speech. Damigeron, a 2nd century BC Roman magician, claimed that emerald "influences every kind of business".
Historically, Emerald has been seen as a symbol of fidelity and was said to expose false lovers. During the Middle Ages, an emerald was worn on the left side of the body to foretell future events. It was also believed to drive away evil spirits and protect against demon possession and evil spells. Emerald was said to make its wearer quick-witted, cut through illusions, and provide inspiration and patience. Today, emerald is also associated with love, commitment, harmony, renewal, eloquence, truthfulness, good luck, good fortune, wealth, healing, intuition, and foresight.
Care:
Avoid ultrasonic and steam cleaners as they can weaken fractured stones and cause the oil, unhardened resin, or polymer used to fracture-fill the emerald to come out of the fractures which will alter the appearance of your emerald. Avoid heat, light, and chemicals. Use warm soapy water and gently scrub the emerald.