May Birthstone - Emerald

Emerald is simply one of the most desirable, famous and historical gemstones of all time. Part of the Beryl family of gemstones, which also includes Aquamarine and Morganite, Emerald has been mined for around 4,000 years. From Ancient Egypt to the modern day, all those who have gazed on the intense vivid greens of the gem have fallen under its spell, and it can be found throughout time in some of the most stunning pieces of jewelry ever to have existed. Let's delve deeper into the fascinating history of this unmistakable treasure.

Where it can be found?

Emeralds are typically found in Colombia, Madagascar, Canada, Zambia and Brazil among other countries. Emerald can be found in a variety of rock types that include shale and limestone. Colombia is the largest producer of emeralds in the world followed by Zambia.

Facts

Emeralds aren’t usually found by themselves. In many locations, you can also find emeralds near large deposits of quartz.
Emeralds are made of beryl. This is also what makes the aquamarine gemstone, but emeralds get their color from small amounts of vanadium and chromium.
It can be difficult to tell the difference between a real emerald and a synthetic emerald, which makes it a commonly faked gemstone. They even put cracks in the fake ones to make them look real.
Emeralds are thought to enhance love and commitment while also promoting healing.
Some of the most famous emeralds include the Chalk Emerald, Duke of Devonshire Emerald, Gachala Emerald, Mogul Mughal Emerald, Patricia Emerald, Bahia Emerald, and the Emerald of Saint Louis.
In the United States, a couple's 55^th wedding anniversary is celebrated with an emerald gift.
Emerald is one of the few gemstones where the array of inclusions and imperfections are not only welcomed but often serve as part of the beauty of each stone.

Meaning

Emerald is the birthstone for May and the anniversary gemstone for the 20th, 35th and 55th year of marriage. It is the ideal birthstone for May as its deep bright greens perfectly reflect the new life and regeneration of nature during spring time. Emeralds are a member of the Beryl family of gemstones, making them a close relative of Aquamarine, Morganite, Golden Beryl and Heliodor. Emeralds are colored green by impurities in the gem’s crystal structure – usually a mixture of chromium and vanadium and sometimes iron. Their color ranges from pure green to yellowish or bluish green.

Emerald brings happiness, prosperity, success, and goodness. Emerald is also believed to cure ailments and legends say that emeralds have bewitching and magical properties.

Famous Women with May Birthdays

May 5 - Adele - English singer-songwriter.

May 14 - Cate Blanchett - Australian actress and theatre director.

May 18 - Tina Fey - American actress, comedian, writer, and producer.

May 20 - Cher - American singer and actress.

May 25 - Octavia Spencer - American actress and author.