Emeralds are one of those stones that nearly everyone recognizes, yet not many people know much about. If you or a loved one enjoy a May birthday, you not only have a distinctive looking birthstone, but one that has a significant honor throughout history. Just as May ushers in a flourishing new season, Emeralds carry an undeniable lushness and vibrancy. Here are some interesting notes about the signature stone.
They Are In a Category All Their Own
Dew Drop Earrings by Keith Field
There are other gems and rocks that fall into the classification of “greenish” or with “green tones,” but only Emeralds have the spectacular radiance that is unmistakably “green.” Not surprisingly, Emeralds derive their name from the Greek word meaning “green.” In fact, gemstones must be determined by a gemologist to have a certain saturation of green to be classified as an Emerald. If its shade is too light, it is considered Beryl, which is significantly less coveted and of significantly less worth.
They Carry Powerful Significance and Meaning
The powers of Emeralds have long been celebrated by groups across the world; Aztecs, Egyptians, Incas, Greeks, Romans, and Indians all claim various benefits carried within the deep green gemstone. Primarily, Emerald is viewed as life affirming and a sign of growth and revival. It’s color is seen as an agent of comfort and relief of stress and weariness, particularly soothing to visual stress on the eyes. Some tout Emerald as a vehicle to foresee the future and enhance intuition, revealing truths and protecting against pending danger and disease.
They Are Tough (But You Should Still Be Careful!)
In terms of toughness, Emeralds are relatively durable, scoring between a 7.5 to 8 on the Mohs Scale of Hardness. But despite their strength, they can also be prone to chip and crack. It’s important to have an experienced jeweler handle these precious stones when placing in its setting, and they should still be handled with care when being worn.
They Are Kind of a Big Deal
Learning that the Emerald was the favorite stone of Cleopatra (it’s said she not only adorned herself in them, but used them to decorate her palace) gives an indication of just how coveted these green gemstones have been for many centuries. In modern times, the desire for Emeralds remains strong, with the famous Moghul Emerald from India, inscribed with ancient script and designs, selling in the states for 2.2 million dollars. But it is the Emerald pendant that belonged to Elizabeth Taylor that demanded the highest price paid, at nearly 7 million dollars.