May's Birthstone – The Enchanting Emerald
The Elegant Green Gem Treasured by Kings and Queens for Centuries
Oct 1, 2009
The emerald is the birthstone for May and is also the gemstone to be given to celebrate the 20th and 35th wedding anniversary. This highly-prized gemstone has been enchanting people with its beauty for over 4000 years and has been valued for its magical and healing powers by many affluent people in history.
How the Emerald was Named
The origin of the name emerald has a complicated past. Indian legend says the name emerald was translated from Sanskrit as marakata meaning “the green of growing things”. Later, an ancient Persian word that was translated to Latin as smaragduswas used to describe almost all gemstones that were the color green. Down through the centuries that word has been changed to the name we know today, emerald.
About the Emerald
The emerald is from the beryl family of minerals which is the same family that aquamarine comes from. While its hardness ranges from 7.5 to 8 on the Mohs scale, cracks and chips in emeralds can soften its durability. For this reason many emeralds are treated with oils or epoxy resins to fill in cracks and enhance their color. Reputable jewelers should inform customers if a stone has been treated. Because real emeralds are scarce and more expensive per caret than diamonds, synthetic emeralds have been perfected to simulate real ones. It is important for buyers to know their stones when purchasing an emerald so they are not tricked into buying a fake.
Emeralds were originally mined near the Red Sea in Egypt but now the most sought after emeralds are mined in Columbia. South Africa, India, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Russia and Zimbabwe also mine fine emeralds and these precious stones have recently been found in the United States in North Carolina.
Emeralds in History
Emeralds have a long and powerful history. They were worshiped by the Incas, revered by Aristotle for their powers to raise confidence in speech and business and also for their healing powers, and were favored by Cleopatra, Queen of Egypt. In ancient Rome, Nero used a transparent emerald to watch the gladiator fights through because the color gave a calming effect. Because the stones were so precious they were mostly owned and worn by the affluent and royalty and have adorned royal crowns and jewelry throughout the ages.
Mystical Powers of the Emerald
Emeralds are believed to contain the goodness of life within their deep green depths. They are said to have the power to foretell the future by placing one on your tongue or wearing one on the body’s left side. Emeralds have also been used as antidotes for spells and enchantments. However, the greatest power the emerald possesses is as a symbol of adoration, love and devotion.
Owning an emerald is like owning a piece of gemstone history. Whether you were born in May or just adore the beauty of its luscious green color, you are sure to be enchanted while wearing an emerald.
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