Emeralds have long been associated with the month of May. This vibrant green gemstone is considered the traditional birthstone for May, and is often given as a gift for those with May birthdays. But why is the emerald specifically linked to May? Here’s an in-depth look at the history and significance of emeralds as the birthstone for May.
The History of Birthstones
The tradition of birthstones originated in early astrology and numerology. Ancient cultures believed that certain gemstones were imbued with protective powers based on the time of year a person was born. Over time, specific stones became linked to each month of the year.
The modern birthstone list dates back to 1912, when the American National Association of Jewelers released an official set of birthstones for each month. This list was later adopted in Britain in 1937. While a few stones have shifted over the years, the emerald has long been assigned to May.
Why Emerald for May
There are a few key reasons why emerald makes sense as the May birthstone:
- Color symbolism – The vibrant green color of emeralds evokes springtime, growth, and renewal. May marks the transition from spring to summer in the Northern Hemisphere, so the lively hue fits this time of seasonal change and nature’s blossoming.
- Availability – In ancient times, emerald mining occurred primarily in the spring months. The influx of emerald gems during this time of year made them plentiful for May birthday gifts.
- Connection to Venus – In astrology, the planet Venus rules the month of May. Venus is associated with the color green, which aligns emerald with May.
- Anniversary stone – In addition to being the May birthstone, emerald is also the traditional 20th and 35th wedding anniversary gem. These longer marriages are often celebrated in May, reinforcing the emerald connection.
Beyond these reasons, May’s lush spring renewal simply evokes the vibrant green color and life contained within the emerald. The emerald’s lush color, rarity, and beauty have cemented its status as the perfect May birthstone.
Emerald Meanings and Symbolism
As the May birthstone, emerald carries symbolic meaning in addition to its inherent beauty. Here are some of the key symbolic associations of the emerald:
- Wisdom and patience – The slow process of forming emeralds underground has linked them to the virtues of wisdom and patience.
- Fertility and rebirth – Emeralds symbolize the fertility and vibrancy of Spring.
- Faithfulness – In medieval times, emeralds were believed to reveal truths and ensure faithfulness in relationships.
- Vision and foresight – Some believed emeralds enabled the wearer to have a clearer vision for the future.
- Protection – Their deep green was thought to ward off evil and protect the wearer.
Emerald jewelry is particularly popular in May, when those with May birthdays don emerald as a symbol of their birth month. The positive meanings and associations behind the emerald make it an appealing birthstone full of substance beyond its visual appeal.
Emerald Lore and Legends
Throughout history, emerald has been shrouded in legend and lore:
- Cleopatra’s passion for emeralds led her to claim ownership over all emerald mines in Egypt. The Egyptian queen loved emeralds for their lush green color.
- In ancient Rome, Nero viewed emeralds through an eyepiece as he watched gladiators battle. He believed the emerald’s green tint soothed his eyes.
- The Incas and Aztecs decorated sacred objects with emeralds. They believed emeralds could ward off evil spirits.
- In Hindu mythology, emerald was said to strengthen memory and intelligence. The stones were routinely used in religious ceremonies.
- Colombian emeralds were plundered by the Spanish conquistadors. After the Native Americans hid their emeralds, the Spanish began mining operations themselves.
Throughout the centuries, royals, leaders, and the elite have prized flawless emeralds for their splendor. The emerald’s verdant fire continues to capture our imagination today.
Notable Emeralds
Some of the most famous emeralds throughout history include:
- Crown of the Andes – A Colombian emerald and diamond necklace with the world’s largest best quality emerald crystal, weighing 1521 carats.
- Patricia Emerald – At 632 carats, one of the largest emeralds ever uncovered in Colombia and named after the miner’s daughter.
- Chalk Emerald – A 37.82 carat Colombian emerald once owned by jeweler Harry Winston and model Jocelyn Wildenstein.
- Gachala Emerald – An 858 carat emerald crystal found in 1967 that was gifted to the Smithsonian Institution by New York jeweler Harry Winston.
- Duke of Devonshire Emerald – A historically significant Colombian emerald once part of an emerald and diamond necklace belonging to Empress Josephine of France.
Stunning emeralds like these keep the gem entrenched as one of the most precious and desired stones in the world.
Where are Emeralds Found?
Natural emeralds primarily form in the Earth’s crust within igneous rock formations. Most emeralds originate from three main countries:
- Colombia – Colombia produces the highest quality and quantity of emeralds globally. Its Muzo emerald mines have been active since antiquity.
- Zambia – Zambia’s rich emerald deposits in its Copperbelt region make it a leading producer. Zambian emeralds have a slightly bluer-green tint.
- Brazil – Brazilian emeralds contain traces of vanadium and have a deep bluish-green color. Important mines are located in Bahia and Minas Gerais.
Other sources include Afghanistan, Ethiopia, Pakistan, India, and Russia. But Colombia remains the world’s primary source for fine quality emerald crystals.
| Country | Percentage of Global Production |
|---|---|
| Colombia | 70-90% |
| Zambia | 10-15% |
| Brazil | 2-8% |
| Other Sources | 1-2% |
Emeralds form in the Earth over billions of years. Early Egyptian and Roman emerald mines are still actively worked today.
Emerald Mining
Mining emeralds involves systematically extracting the gems from host rock. Here’s an overview of how it works:
- Emerald deposits are identified through exploratory drilling and mining. Emeralds occur in veins and faults formed in bedrock.
- The rock is extracted through blasting or tunneling underground. This can create extensive underground emerald mine networks.
- The host rock is transported in mining carts and dump trucks to washing areas. Large amounts of waste rock must be removed.
- The rock is crushed and washed to separate out emeralds through flotation and screening. Water and chemicals wash away lighter rock.
- Gem cutters inspect the rough emeralds and cleave away flawed sections. The best emeralds are cut and polished into faceted jewelry stones.
Skilled miners look for telltale signs and color variations that indicate the presence of emerald veins. Most emerald mining operations are relatively small scale and labor-intensive compared to other types of modern mining.
How Emeralds Form
Emeralds crystallize deep underground when specific elements and conditions overlap:
- Beryllium – Emeralds contain beryllium, a rare element that combines with aluminum, silicon, and oxygen to form beryl – the mineral family that includes emeralds.
- Chromium – The presence of chromium as a trace element gives emeralds their green color. It substitutes for aluminum in beryl’s molecular crystal structure.
- Fluids – Hydrothermal fluids transport beryllium into rock fractures and other openings. When cooler temperatures cause beryllium to precipitate from the fluids, emerald crystals grow.
- Pressure – Extreme pressure on the hydrothermal fluids promotes emerald formation. The pressure pushes the fluids through the cracks and openings.
While beryllium-rich pegmatites form other beryls like aquamarine, the simultaneous presence of chromium and specific conditions of pressure and temperature lead to emerald crystallization underground. It’s a delicate combination of elemental and environmental factors.
Emerald Properties
As a variety of the mineral beryl, emeralds have a 7.5 to 8 rating on the Mohs hardness scale. Their key properties include:
- Color – Vivid green, caused by traces of chromium and vanadium.
- Clarity – Almost always included. The best emeralds have visible inclusions but retain their deep green color.
- Luster – Vitreous to resinous
- Crystal habit – Hexagonal prisms
- Refractive index – 1.57 to 1.59
- Specific gravity – 2.67 to 2.78
- Treatments – Oiling, clarity enhancement, fracture filling, irradiation, and dyeing to improve color and clarity.
Inclusions in a gem are normally flaws, but in emeralds they are expected. The rarest emeralds have few eye-visible inclusions and perfect bluish-green hue. Such emeralds command the highest prices.
Grading Emerald Quality
Emeralds are judged on the 4Cs of color, cut, clarity, and carats. The most important factors are:
- Color – Deep green with bluish undertone. Vivid saturation is preferred.
- Clarity – Eye-clean emeralds are exceptionally rare and valuable. Minor flaws are expected.transparency.
- Cut and carat weight – Well-proportioned facets maximize brilliance. Larger uncut crystals have little value until skillfully cut.
While colorless diamonds are considered flawless, almost all emeralds have some inclusions. An emerald may receive a high rating if inclusions aren’t visible, or don’t diminish its color when viewed face-up.
The Value of Emerald
High quality emeralds command extremely high prices and are more valuable by weight than diamonds. What makes emeralds so valuable?
- Unmatched vivid green color
- Prestige as one of the traditional “big four” gems
- Relatively scarce compared to other gems
- Mining challenges limit global output
- Flawless, deep green emeralds are exceptionally rare
Fine emeralds have been treasured throughout history all over the world. Their verdant fire and beauty make them timeless and precious.
Emerald Engagement Rings and Jewelry
While diamonds dominate engagement rings, emeralds are a bold alternative for gemstone rings. Their lush green dazzles within white gold or platinum settings. Solitaire and three-stone emerald rings are especially popular for engagements.
Emerald jewelry suits all tastes and skin tones. Delicate earrings, stacked emerald bands, and tennis bracelets complement the May birthstone’s vibrance. The color enhances warm skin tones and makes blue eyes pop. Emerald also combines beautifully with other gems like diamonds.
Jewelers appreciate emeralds for their strong hues that harmonize as sidestones or in artful clusters. The naturally included gems have an organic beauty that feels potent and alive.
Caring for Emerald Jewelry
While emeralds rate high on the hardness scale, their inclusions make them prone to chipping. Here are tips for protecting your emerald jewelry:
- Avoid blows, pressure, and sharp impacts that can fracture inclusions
- Store pieces separately to prevent scratching other jewelry
- Clean with warm water and mild dish soap
- Avoid steam cleaners, ultrasonic, and heat treatment
- Don’t use any chemicals or abrasives
Reputable jewelers only recommend certain cleaners safe for emeralds. Taking precautions will preserve your emerald’s integrity and fire.
Synthetic Emeralds
While mined from the Earth, emeralds can also be created in labs. Here’s an overview of synthetic emeralds:
- Methods – Synthetic emeralds are mass-produced through flame fusion, flux, and hydrothermal processes.
- Properties – Identical chemical composition to natural emeralds, but with fewer inclusions.
- Value – A tiny fraction the value of mined emeralds. Synthetic stones are still expensive to produce.
- Detection – Labs use microscopic analysis and spectroscopic tools to distinguish synthetic emeralds from natural gems.
While synthetics have the same allure, connoisseurs still strongly prefer naturally formed emeralds. Yet synthetics make emerald’s verdant beauty more affordable.
Conclusion
The emerald’s connection to May spans millennia, with records tracing back to ancient Roman emerald mining. This rarest of jewels captures nature’s bounty and symbolism of spring. Its verdant fire comes from trace elements uniting under intense geological forces. Priest and paupers alike have prized flawless emeralds for their incredible rarity and allure. No gem conveys life and growth like the vibrant green emerald – the perfect emblem of May.
