May has two traditional birthstone colors associated with it: emerald and agate. Emeralds range from a bright grass green to a deep forest green and have long been prized for their vivid color. Agates, on the other hand, come in a wide variety of colors and patterns, making them a versatile birthstone option.
The History of Birthstones
The idea of birthstones – specific gemstones connected to each month of the year – dates back thousands of years. Some of the earliest known origins trace back to the Breastplate of Aaron described in the Bible. This sacred priestly garment contained 12 different gems, each one representing one of the 12 tribes of Israel. Over time, these 12 gems began to be associated with the 12 calendar months. By the 15th century, people were wearing and gifting birthstones much like we do today.
While birthstones first gained popularity in Western culture, many other cultures around the world developed their own traditions linking certain stones to astrological signs, months, or seasons. For example, in Hindu astrology, the navratna gemstones are connected to the nine planets. In Tibet, different birthstones are connected to each of the 12 animals of the Chinese zodiac. Although the specifics vary across cultures, the notion of special gems connected to time of one’s birth appears throughout history worldwide.
The Modern Birthstone List
Today, the most widely used birthstone list in the West consists of one or more birthstones for each month. This list was adopted by the American National Association of Jewelers in 1912 and remains the standard in the United States. However, other variations exist, including older lists with different stones for each month. The traditional list denotes emerald and agate as the two birthstones for May. Here are all the birthstones for each month on the traditional/modern list:
| Month | Birthstone(s) |
| January | Garnet |
| February | Amethyst |
| March | Aquamarine, Bloodstone |
| April | Diamond |
| May | Emerald, Agate |
| June | Pearl, Alexandrite, Moonstone |
| July | Ruby |
| August | Peridot, Sardonyx |
| September | Sapphire |
| October | Opal, Tourmaline |
| November | Topaz, Citrine |
| December | Turquoise, Tanzanite, Zircon |
As you can see, some months have one traditional birthstone while others have two or three. The month of May is associated with the emerald and the agate.
Emerald – One of May’s Birthstones
Emerald is a precious gemstone famous for its vivid green color. It belongs to the beryl family and contains traces of chromium and/or vanadium that give it its distinctive green hue. The word “emerald” comes from the Greek word smaragdos meaning “green gem.” Some key facts about emerald:
- Emerald ranges in color from a pale green to a deep verdant green. The most prized emeralds have a bright grass green color.
- The green color comes from trace amounts of chromium and/or vanadium.
- Emerald has a Mohs hardness of 7.5-8, making it a durable stone suitable for jewelry.
- The finest emeralds come from three main sources: Colombia, Zambia, and Brazil.
- Emerald is a member of the beryl mineral family. Other beryls include aquamarine and morganite.
- Flaws inside emeralds are often called “jardin,” French for “garden.” They do not detract from the value.
- The earliest known emeralds date back to ancient Egypt, where they were mined around 1300 BC.
- Emerald was one of the gemstones worn by High Priest Aaron in the Biblical Book of Exodus.
With its regal green tones, emerald has historically been associated with fertility, rebirth, and the heart chakra. It symbolizes growth and abundance. Emerald is also thought to have healing properties, promote intuition and eloquence, and bring insight and prophecy.
Agate – The Other May Birthstone
Agate is the other birthstone for the month of May. A member of the quartz family, agate forms in concentric layers resulting in various stripes, bands, or other patterns. Here are some key facts about agate:
- Agate comes in a wide variety of colors including gray, red, pink, yellow, white, purple, orange, black, and brown.
- No two agates are exactly alike – each one forms with a unique patterning and color combinations.
- Popular agate varieties include banded agate, moss agate, blue lace agate, and tree agate.
- Agate rates at a 6.5-7 on the Mohs hardness scale, making it durable for jewelry.
- It is found in volcanic and metamorphic rock around the world.
- Agate has been used in amulets and talismans throughout history for protection.
- It was highly valued among ancient civilizations like the Babylonians, Egyptians, and Romans.
- Metaphysically, agate stabilizes emotions, balances yin/yang energy, and provides grounding.
With its banded patterns and myriad colors, agate exemplifies the variability and beauty found in nature. As a birthstone, agate’s grounding and protecting properties make it a great gift for someone born in May.
Which is better – emerald or agate?
Emerald and agate have very different appearances, so preference between the two May birthstones is largely a matter of individual taste. However, here are some factors that can help determine which is better:
- Color – Emerald’s vivid green is prized for its eye-catching beauty. Agate’s multicolored patterns have their own appeal. It comes down to whether you prefer green or multicolor.
- Durability – With a rating between 7.5-8 on the Mohs hardness scale, emerald is a very durable gemstone suitable for all types of jewelry. Agate rates slightly lower at 6.5-7, so it is prone to more scratching and chipping over time.
- Value – Top quality natural emeralds are far more valuable and precious than any type of agate.
- Availability – Agate is readily available and affordable in a huge variety. Natural unenhanced emeralds are rare, so most on the market are treated to enhance color.
- Meaning – Emerald symbolizes life, growth, and the heart. Agate provides grounding energy and emotional balance.
In summary, emerald often surpasses agate in color intensity, durability, value, and meaning. However, agate has a beauty and accessibility of its own. Ultimately, choosing between them comes down to personal preferences.
How are emeralds and agates used in jewelry?
Both emeralds and agates are frequently used in jewelry but in different ways:
- Emeralds – Most often faceted into beads or cut as precious gemstones for fine jewelry like engagement rings, necklaces, and earrings. Used in statement pieces to showcase the emerald’s beauty.
- Agates – Usually cabochon cut, meaning they are shaped and polished but not faceted. Used in more casual, boho-style jewelry. Also popular for agate slices in bracelets and necklaces.
Emeralds have delicate facets that highlight their brilliance, so they require protective settings. Agates have no facets, so they can be bezel set or wire wrapped for more creative, open designs. Both stones work beautifully in birthstone jewelry as pendants, rings, or charm bracelets. Their different looks simply bring their own style to each piece.
How can you tell an emerald from an agate?
It is easy to distinguish an emerald from an agate based on a few key differences:
- Color – Emerald is always a shade of green while agate has a broad spectrum of colors like red, blue, purple, etc.
- Clarity – Emeralds usually have inclusions while agates appear transparent or translucent without inclusions.
- Cut – Emeralds are almost always cut into facets while agates are cabochon cut (smooth dome shape).
- Hardness – Emerald is harder than agate, rating 7.5-8 vs. 6.5-7 on the Mohs scale.
- Banding – Agates exhibit banding while emeralds appear as solid colored gems.
The most obvious difference is color. But cut, clarity, hardness, and banding are also easy ways to distinguish emerald’s precious gemstone nature from the more colorful patterns of agate.
How to care for emerald and agate jewelry
Here are some tips for properly caring for emerald and agate jewelry:
- Cleaning – Use mild soap and water to safely clean both stones. Avoid ultrasonic and steam cleaners.
- Storage – Keep pieces in separate padded compartments to prevent scratches and chips.
- Chemicals – Avoid exposing emerald and agate to harsh chemicals like chlorine, bleach, or acids.
- Temperature – Protect both gems from extreme heat or cold temperature changes.
- Impacts – Prevent knocks, drops, or blows which may chip or crack the stones.
- Remove – Take jewelry off before physical activities, especially for delicate emerald pieces.
With some basic care, May birthstone jewelry can last a lifetime. Ensure proper storage and cleaning, protect from damage, and handle with care.
Unique gift ideas featuring May’s birthstones
For someone born in May, here are some unique gift ideas featuring emerald and agate:
- Custom birthstone pendant with both gems
- Vintage-style emerald ring with delicate filigree sides
- Elegant emerald and diamond drop earrings
- Chunky agate statement bracelet
- Dainty flower pendant with emerald center and agate petals
- Modern agate slice necklace on a 14k gold chain
- Natural raw emerald crystal point for meditation
- Birthstone charm bracelet with emerald and agate charms
- Botanical emerald stud earrings accented with tiny diamonds
- Mixed gemstone necklace with emerald and agate
There are endless options for combining the green hues of emerald with agate’s spectrum of colors for beautiful, meaningful birthstone keepsakes.
Conclusion
May’s two traditional birthstones offer unique beauty. The regal emerald captivates with its vivid green shades. Agate’s banded patterns and array of colors add versatility. Although different, both stones symbolize growth and abundance, providing the perfect meaningful gift for someone born in May. An emerald or agate jewelry piece serves as a reminder of the special bond between a birth month and its stone.
