Emerald is the birthstone related to those born in the month of May
Although Emerald is associated with May as a birthstone, as far as the Zodiac signs the Emerald is associated with the Cancer. The origin of these are different in history and hold different meaning in different cultures.
It’s also the gem of the 20th and 35th wedding anniversaries.
Emerald's name is derived from the Greek word smaragdus, meaning "green gem".
There are other green gems, like tourmaline and peridot, but emerald is the one that’s associated with the richest greens and lushest landscapes. Ireland is the Emerald Isle. Seattle, in the US state of Washington, is the Emerald City. Thailand’s most sacred religious icon is called the Emerald Buddha, even though it’s carved from green Jadeite.
Natural, transparent Emerald is one of four “precious” gemstones (including Diamond, Ruby and Sapphire), and is the green variety of Beryl, a beryllium aluminum silicate mineral colored by trace amounts of chromium and/or vanadium. Emerald occurs in hues ranging from yellow-green to blue-green, with the finest being a pure verdant green hue, medium to dark in tone. Light colored gems are usually known by the species name, Green Beryl. Most Emeralds are highly included with surface breaking fissures, so their toughness, or resistance to breakage, is usually classified as generally poor.
Emerald was considered a symbol of eternal life in ancient Egypt, a gift of Thoth, the god of wisdom, and was a favorite jewel of Queen Cleopatra. The first known emerald mines were in Egypt, dating from at least 330 BC into the 1700's. The Emerald mines in Upper Egypt, rediscovered a hundred years ago, were called Cleopatra’s mines for her love of the stone.
Emerald has been a source of fascination and reverence in many cultures for over six thousand years, sold in the markets of Babylon as early as 4,000 B.C. It was a stone worshipped by the Incas, believed by the Chaldeans to contain a goddess, and was highly honored in all major religions for its spiritual power and beauty.
Emeralds were also talismans of Aristotle, Alexander the Great, and the moguls of India. They’ve adorned the crowns and royal jewels of many countries for centuries, and fabulous collections and stunning gems continue to be treasured, displayed and made today.
Emeralds from Colombia were part of the plunder when sixteenth-century Spanish explorers invaded the New World. The Incas had already been using emeralds in their jewelry and religious ceremonies for 500 years. The Spanish, who treasured gold and silver far more than gems, traded emeralds for precious metals. Their trades opened the eyes of European and Asian royalty to emerald’s majesty.
Legends endowed the wearer with the ability to foresee the future when emerald was placed under the tongue, as well as to reveal truth and be protected against evil spells. Emerald was once also believed to cure diseases like cholera and malaria. Wearing an emerald was believed to reveal the truth or falseness of a lover’s oath as well as make one an eloquent speaker.
Called the “Stone of Successful Love,” Emerald opens and nurtures the heart and the Heart Chakra. Its soothing energy provides healing to all levels of the being, bringing freshness and vitality to the spirit. A stone of inspiration and infinite patience, it embodies unity, compassion and unconditional love. Emerald promotes friendship, balance between partners, and is particularly known for providing domestic bliss, contentment and loyalty. It was dedicated in the ancient world to the goddess Venus for its ability to insure security in love. Emerald is also believed to be a remarkable support stone for the workplace. It’s thought to increase mental acuity, strengthens memory and inspires eloquence in speech. Natural Emerald held for five minutes a day can brings rapid recall of facts, and is ideal for occupations where visionary insight is a significant benefit. Emerald is thought to bring a soothing mental and emotional equilibrium, making it extremely beneficial in stimulating cooperation and understanding within a group of people. Dreaming of Emeralds signifies there is much to look forward to.
