May Birthstone: Emerald

Introduction to May Birthstone Emerald

Step into the radiant world of May’s birthstone, the captivating emerald. As the gemstone that symbolizes rebirth and renewal, the emerald possesses a mesmerizing allure that has enchanted civilizations for centuries. With its lush green hue and inherent elegance, it is no wonder that the emerald is cherished by both ancient and modern cultures alike. Let us delve into this extraordinary gemstone’s fascinating history, mystical qualities, and stunning beauty.

Table of Contents

What is the Birthstone of May?

Emerald, a deep green variant of the varied beryl gem group, is the birthstone for May. Emeralds must have a dark enough tone and saturation to be termed by that name. Both big and little stones are widely available on the market. It is acceptable for emerald crystals to have notable clarity features, unlike other translucent birthstones. The distinctive group of inclusions in each stone is affectionately referred to as its “Jardin,” which is the French word for garden and alludes to the luxuriant color of the diamond.

The emerald has long been royalty’s favorite; some have even gone on land and sea expeditions to get it. Now you can use emeralds in jewelry that ranges from reasonably priced to incredibly expensive. Emeralds belong to a select group of colored gemstones known as the Big 3, which also includes sapphire and ruby, because of their distinctive and potent green color, which has given them such great and enduring popularity on a global scale.

History of Emerald

The Greek word “smaragdos,” which describes several types of green stones, is where the name “emerald” originates. Moreover, emeralds have been known since ancient times. They were worn by royalty in Egypt and Babylon. In actuality, artifacts found in Egyptian emerald mines date as far back as Ramesses II’s reign in 1300 B.C. The emeralds of Queen Cleopatra most likely came from mines in southern Egypt near the Red Sea. Spanish conquistadors were the first to arrive in South America, encountering emerald-encrusted indigenous chieftains.

Then, during the invasion, they took a lot of emeralds from the Peruvians. However, they have yet to learn where the emeralds came from. Then, in Colombia’s Chivor, where there is today a sizable emerald mine, the Spaniards made their discovery in 1537. They took over the Muzo mine after they defeated the Muzo Indians. Mining has continued at Muzo almost continuously since the Spanish invasion. The best emeralds in the world are produced at this mine, possibly the most well-known in Colombia.

Where is Emerald Found?

Since more than 500 years ago, Colombia has produced the best emeralds, which you can compare the gold standard with all others. Muzo, Chivor, and Coscuez are three notable mining locations in Colombia. While each area generates a variety of hues, Muzo is typically where you may get pure green emeralds in their darker tones. Chivor is connected with lighter-toned, somewhat bluish-green emeralds. In Coscuez, emeralds with a faintly yellowish-green hue are discovered.

Color of Emerald

The color of emeralds can range from a bright green with blue or yellow undertones to a rich, deep green. The finest emeralds are transparent, deep, and clear, with a deep green hue that is occasionally tinged with a tint of blue. Impurities of chromium, vanadium, or a combination of the two give the material its green hue. Iron will also impact the shade, giving it bluish tones.

Emeralds are unique stones renowned for their inclusions, alien substances trapped inside the jewel. Some claim the inclusions may resemble mossy plant life when viewed under a microscope. You can also reveal the gem’s origin may through its inclusions. The emerald is an example of the mineral beryl, which has six sides. Aquamarine, the birthstone for March, is a beryl.

Properties of May Birthstone: Emerald

The vivid green color and clarity of emeralds make them magnificent gemstones that are highly prized. You can create emeralds using unique chemistry. Emeralds’ visual attractiveness is influenced by the chemical components that govern how intensely green the color will look. The classic emerald green hue of the May birthstone is added by chemicals chromium or vanadium combined with the mineral beryl. When chromium or vanadium levels in a beryl stone are insufficient, the stone is categorized as a light-green beryl rather than an emerald.

Because of their low iron concentration, Colombian emeralds are among the best emerald specimens, as was previously established. The most expensive emerald illustrations, which are from Colombia, have a little bluish tint. The color of the gems in your jewelry is, of course, a personal choice. Beautifully clear emeralds are produced in Zambia. The emeralds from Zambia are deeper green and have less of a blue tint than those from Colombia.

Emeralds are gemstones of Type 3. By this word, it means that emeralds frequently have inclusions due to how they form. Minor flaws within the diamond called inclusions give it its emerald quality. A less-included emerald will cost more than an emerald with more apparent inclusions. A genuine emerald with no inclusions at all is extremely rare.

Meaning and Symbolism of May Birthstone: Emerald

To increase emerald durability and overall luster, cedar oil or resin filler is frequently applied to the gemstone.
The Old French word emerald, which comes from the Ancient Greek word smaragdos, is where the English word “emerald” originates.
“Nothing greens greener” than an emerald, according to Pliny the Elder.
While the stone was linked to Venus in Western traditions, in Hindu teachings, the planet Mercury was associated with emeralds.
Emeralds were supposedly one of the four stones that God gave to the Israelite King Solomon.
It has a reputation for generating a loving and peaceful energy. It was viewed as a fertility and longevity emblem by ancient civilizations.
Emeralds have historically been linked to creativity, endurance, rebirth, and renewal. It also enhances one’s intelligence, wit, and passion when speaking.ls
It aided in relieving problems with the muscles, spine, and chest region. People initially believed that the emerald could treat illnesses like malaria and cholera.
It has a long history of being connected to the eyes, from easing eye fatigue to providing a peep into the future for those who place it under their tongue.
Today, emeralds stand for fidelity, fresh starts, security, and serenity. It is also thought that the diamond reduces stress.
The emerald is the jewel given to commemorate the 20th and 35th wedding anniversaries.

Some Other Myths of Emerald: May Birthstone

Emeralds are found in several well-known historical artifacts. One of them is the Crown of the Andes, which Atahualpa, the final Inca (king) of Peru, wore. It is made of emeralds. Approximately 450 emeralds totaling 10 ounces (1523 carats) are placed in the crown.

The emerald is the subject of numerous myths. It stops bleeding, treats fever and dysentery, prevent epilepsy and shields the user from terror. In addition, the eye might be soothed and relaxed by its stunning green color. Additionally, because the green emerald represented the reproductive powers of nature, the ancient Romans dedicated emeralds to the goddess Venus. Early Christians also interpreted it as a representation of Christ’s resurrection. Then, during the Middle Ages, people believed emeralds could predict the future.

May Birthstone: Emeralds Jewelry

Rings, necklaces, bracelets, and earrings frequently feature emerald gemstones. Emeralds require careful care and should only be cleaned with warm, soapy water. Avoid putting gems adjacent to harder gems like diamonds, which can scratch them, as well as hot water, heat, and strong chemicals.

Cost of May Birthstone: Emerald

The average cost of emeralds can vary significantly depending on various factors such as size, quality, color, clarity, and origin. A high-quality emerald can range from $500 to $5,000 per carat. However, more enormous and exceptionally rare emeralds can command prices well beyond that range. Factors like color intensity, inclusions, and overall transparency contribute to the value of an emerald. Colombian emeralds are highly regarded and usually more expensive due to their vibrant green color and exceptional quality. It’s essential to consult with a reputable jeweler or gemologist to assess the specific characteristics and determine the accurate cost of an emerald.

Emerald Care and Cleaning

On the Mohs hardness scale, the emerald stone ranges from 7.5 to 8.0. For comparison, chalk has a hardness of three, while a diamond has a hardness of ten. The emerald stone is robust and resistant to scratches. However, because emeralds contain inclusions, daily and extended wear can harm them.

An emerald will gradually lose some of its lusters with daily use, and the margins of the facets may degrade. Using a solution of warm water and soap is ideal for cleaning emeralds. Emeralds can be submerged in water, but do not leave them submerged for too long. Watch your emerald jewelry sparkle like new as you gently dry it with a microfiber towel.

When cleaning your emerald jewelry, avoid using methods that involve steam, chemicals, or excessive heat because doing so could shatter the stone.

Other Birthstones for May

Agate is a famous stone for this month and a less expensive alternative to emeralds if you want to give a birthstone as a gift. However, emeralds are the traditional birthstone for May. Agate comes in various colors, including blue, green, red, pink, and more, and each color has a unique meaning, but the primary purpose is that it promotes harmony.

You can also work with stones that carry the energy of May, such as green calcite, dragon stone, or bloodstone. Tauruses may like rose quartz, rhodonite, pink opal, amber, or selenite if they are more interested in the zodiac. However, Geminis might choose red jasper, moonstone, moss agate, or golden tiger’s eye.

Conclusion

In conclusion, as the May birthstone, the emerald holds a special place in the hearts of gemstone enthusiasts and those born in this enchanting month. Its lush green color evokes feelings of vitality, growth, and harmony. Whether adorning a piece of jewelry or serving as a heartfelt gift, the emerald’s timeless beauty is a testament to its enduring popularity. From its rich history steeped in legend and lore to its vibrant presence in contemporary fashion, the emerald continues to captivate and inspire, reminding us of the wonders of nature and the power of gemstones to elevate our spirits.