Emerald is the May birthstone. It’s a symbol of renewal, awakening, and resurrection, and is known to give youth, fortune, and foresight to whoever wears it.
The word Emerald is derived from the Greek word ‘smaragdus’ which means green.
Much like Aquamarine, Emerald is a type of Beryl, a mineral that develops with six sides and grows up to a foot long.
Emerald color can go from light to deep green. They are likewise similar to Aquamarines in that their colors exhibit in the gemstones depending on the good cut by a talented gemologist.
The deeper or greener the Emerald, the more valuable it is. The rarest Emeralds will appear intense green-blue.
Emeralds can be found all over the world, including countries like Zambia, Afghanistan, Brazil, and Colombia.
The accessibility of high-quality Emerald is somewhat limited, though. Treatments to enhance and improve the stone’s quality are performed regularly, though.
Emerald was mined as early as 330 BC in Egypt. However, some gauge that the oldest Emeralds are approximately 2.97 billion years of age.
Cleopatra may be the most renowned historical figure to love Emeralds. She loved them so much that she claimed ownership of all the Emerald mines in Egypt during her rule.
The Egyptians used Emeralds both as adornments and for their elaborate burials. They often bury these gemstones with monarchs as a symbol of security and protection.
