Uncover the Beauty of May's Birthstone - The Enchanting Emerald

All birthstones contain distinct features, both physical and mystical, which set them apart from the other. For instance, some stones promote growth and intuition, while others encourage self-awareness and courage. The stone we will discover today, the emerald, is all about boosting positive vibrations, increasing optimism, and reaching self-actualization!

The striking emerald is one of the most enchanting and beloved stones, and has a long history of being associated with Hindu deities, as well as royalty around the globe. This stone is not only rich in color, but is also steeped in mysticism and legend. Mesmerized by emeralds? Read on to find out all about this gorgeous and powerful May birthstone!

The World of Emerald

Emerald is a stone that encourages you to live your life to the fullest by calming the emotions and opening the heart chakra. Inspiration, equilibrium, knowledge, and patience are all provided by this multi-faceted stone. Allowing the wearer to both offer and receive unconditional love, it is said to encourage friendship, peace, harmony, and domestic bliss. It is also useful for business transactions and other forms of partnerships because it fosters honesty and loyalty. Emerald strengthens the spirit and aids in overcoming adversity. It gives the downtrodden a sense of joy, recuperation, and rebirth. It also alleviates claustrophobia and fury, while promoting a sense of overall well-being. It enhances self-awareness by bringing subconscious thoughts to the surface.

As long as the stone is not opaque, it elevates creative and mental abilities. Emerald increases consciousness and improves concentration. It can also lead to good action and change since it eliminates negative thinking, enables self-expression, and restores mental homeostasis. By removing free radicals from the body, emerald improves health and vitality. It is believed to help strengthen and heal the heart and kidneys, as well as improve circulation and neurological function. When held over the third-eye chakra, emerald promotes psychic sensitivity and clairvoyance. The stone is used by mystics to draw insight from the spiritual levels. When worn over the heart, on the right arm, or on the little or ring finger, emeralds are most effective.

In classical Hindu literature, emeralds are associated with the God of communication and commerce, Mercury, or in Hindi, Budh. If in your birth chart, Mercury is not strongly placed, then wearing emerald would change the positioning for the better. In Palmistry, the little finger is also associated with the planet Mercury. So, people who have a low-set little finger, or people who want more of a Mercurian influence in their lives, tend to wear emerald on their little finger. Mercurian qualities include being faster in speech and instincts. The Mercurian in palmistry is the money-maker of all personality types, which is why so many people wish to increase the presence of Mercury in their lives.

Emerald is also known in other New Age and Metaphysical traditions. Though it is mostly known for its association with astrology and palmistry, less is known for its relevance with the occult sciences, especially regarding magic. One of the most well-known occultists, Eliphas Levi, in his Book of Black Magic listed four essential amulets for ceremonial magic namely the Mercurial amulet, Venusian amulet, solar amulet and the lunar amulet. The importance of Mercury in ceremonial magic is that without its amulet, nothing can move forward.

The Connection Between Emerald & the Zodiac 

Two signs are represented by Mercury in Astrology, namely Gemini and Virgo. Traditionally, emerald is a particularly perfect stone for these two signs, yet it is equally important for all the zodiac signs. The striking emerald helps increase the Mercurian qualities of being quick in everything. Since the dawn of the zodiac, astrology has been associated with the emerald stone.

The importance of "the self" is becoming increasingly apparent in today's fast-paced world, with an exponentially growing number of people realizing the importance of "the self". They are realizing that they can make the world a better, more peaceful place once they begin working on themselves, and addressing any and every issue associated with the human condition. As people begin to look for solutions and ways to improve themselves, and in turn, the quality of their lives and the quality of the world around them, they begin to look for clues from ancient cultures and and natural treasures. More people are learning about the way vibrant and attractive stones have brought good luck and guidance to their wearers throughout the ages.

When you dig deeper into the archives, you will discover that there have been several documented instances of humankind seeking out stones to make their lives easier. It all began when the first human stepped foot on the planet. Yet, the jewelry worn by people during that time period was not created in the same manner as it is today. Ancient people adorned themselves with feathers, bones, shells, and colored stones as ornaments. These coloured pebbles were jewels, which have long been prized for their beauty and durability. They have since been used in the creation of jewelry and to commemorate important events.

Ancient societies used jewelry as an amulet to ward off bad luck and illness, and it is still used today. In mythology, too, we can remember Frodo's silver vest and how it shielded him from harm. Even today, we hear stories and firsthand accounts of people who, through the use of gemstones and jewelry, are able to attract good fortune and financial success. These mythologies inspire the creation of jewelry in the form of symbols that are believed to grant the wearer control over wealth and love. Later on, jewelry came to represent human bonding and commitment, as well as love. Wedding rings symbolized a couple's commitment to one another and their relationship. At one point in history, only the wealthy and high-ranking church officials were permitted to wear jewels in Europe. This was a symbol of wealth and power at the time.

GEMSTONE JEWELRY 

Stones can be fashioned into any type of jewelry, as this is one of the most effective and convenient ways to reap the benefits of gemstones. They can be worn as bracelets, rings, pendants on a favorite neck chain, or as earrings, depending on your preference. They have the added bonus of being an intricate and glamorous addition to your everyday ensemble. Additionally, if you are looking for a thoughtful gift to give to a loved one, jewelry adorned with gemstones makes for an excellent way to show how much you care. As well as these benefits, gemstones that are placed directly on the body have a powerful vibratory effect, resulting in an energetic transfer of energy from the gemstone to the wearer.

A very common jewelry item that people wear are gemstone bracelets, which are typically found to be very delicate and minimalistic in design. They can be worn with any outfit, from your casual loungewear sets to your formal business suits, and can be worn with any occasion. It is important to remember that while gemstone bracelets can be worn for their aesthetic appeal, each gemstone also has energetic characteristics that attract pure, beneficial energies into our bodies.

Wearing gemstone bracelets on a daily basis has the potential to subtly alter the wearer's life experience. What are the best places to wear your gemstone bracelets, and where should you avoid them? The left side of our bodies is sensitive and receptive, so wearing bracelets on your left wrist will help you attract positive energies into your being while wearing bracelets on your right wrist will help you actualize specific intentions and energy.

Birthstones are frequently used as jewelry, and are especially admired in bridal jewelry. It is worth noting that, as there are twelve months in the year, there are also twelve birthstones associated with each of these months. According to most sources, the month of January is associated with the gemstone garnet, which represents happiness and passion. February is the month of amethyst, which brings tranquility and clarity. March’s two stones are aquamarine and bloodstone.

Bloodstone, for confidence and vitality, and aquamarine, for protection against evil and improved communication. April's birthstone is diamond, which represents longevity and love, May's birthstone is emerald, which represents compassion and tenderness, and June's birthstone is ruby. June is also associated with Alexandrite, which represents harmony and peace, as well as Pearl, which represents integrity. 

July is the month of Ruby, which brings energy and protection. August's birthstone is peridot, which provides protection, as well as spinel, which brings harmony, and sardonyx, which provides strength and bravery. September is associated with the gemstone sapphire, which promotes clarity of expression and honesty. October is associated with tourmaline, which represents individuality and protection, as well as opal, which represents truth and honesty. November's stones include topaz for courage and intelligence, as well as citrine for blessings and attracting abundance. December's stones include turquoise for well-being and blessings, tanzanite for an activated sixth sense or intuition, and zircon for wisdom and clarity, among other things.

Known to contain certain characteristics and properties, each of these birthstones is associated with one of the twelve zodiac signs, which are: Gemini, Taurus, Aries, Aquarius, Pisces, Cancer, Libra, Virgo, Scorpio, Leo, Sagittarius, and Capricorn. Each of these birthstones is associated with a personality trait associated with one of the twelve zodiac signs. Since the dawn of civilization, people have adorned themselves with birthstones. Certain stones were thought to have magical properties that could improve the health, fortune, or prosperity of those who wore them, according to legend. People have also been known to distinguish between stones in the past based primarily on their color in the course of history.

Monthly birthstones are not the same as zodiac birthstones, which are referred to as astral stones. Wearing your astral stone is said to provide you with access to its hidden abilities, allowing you to uncover your full potential, which is a belief that dates back thousands of years. It is more than just a collection of jewels that correspond to each month of the year that are known as birthstones. Each one has a healing quality that corresponds to the sign of the zodiac on which it is placed. It is possible to use them to cleanse, purify, and energize the body's aura. Using the natural energy contained within birthstones can help to reduce stress, boost confidence, and strengthen relationships.

Emerald Gemology

Gemstones are rare and valuable natural materials that are mined from the Earth and used to create a variety of pieces of jewelry, including necklaces, bracelets, and earrings. Minerals such as gemstones are extremely valuable, but mining for them requires a significant amount of time, effort, and expertise. Gemstones are found in abundance in the Earth's crust.

Numerous people choose to adorn themselves with these birthstones simply because of their inherent beauty. In contrast, others are drawn to them because of the numerous health and wellness benefits that they are said to provide. Since the beginning of time, human beings have been drawn to the idea of a force that is vastly superior to themselves; a force that may, in one way or another, alleviate their suffering during times of adversity, attract good fortune and luck, or simply cure the ills of the human condition. Among many other ideas and versions of this higher power, it is believed that gemstones are one of these forces.

Gemstones are pieces of mineral crystal that are cut and polished to then be used to create jewelry and other adornments. Gemstones are also known by other names, such as fine gems, jewels, precious stones, and semiprecious stones. Although certain rocks, such as lapis lazuli and opal, and occasionally non-mineral organic materials, such as amber, opal, and pearl, are used in jewelry, they are not considered gemstones in the traditional sense.

Despite the fact that most gemstones are hard, some soft minerals are used in jewelry because of their luster or other physical properties that are considered to be aesthetically pleasing. Gemstones are also valued for their rarity and notoriety. Aside from jewelry, engraved gems and hardstone carvings, such as cups, have long been considered major luxury art forms, dating back to antiquity. In the gem industry, a lapidarist or gemcutter is the name for artisans who cut and shape gemstones, while a diamantaire is a diamond cutter.

In the Western world, dating back to the ancient Greeks, the distinction between precious and semiprecious stones was made, and similar distinctions are made in other cultures. Today's precious stones include emerald, ruby, sapphire, and diamond, with the rest of the gemstones being classified as semi precious or less precious.

This distinction reflects the rarity of the respective stones in ancient times, as well as the quality of the stones themselves. All, with the exception of the colorless diamond, are translucent with fine color in their purest forms, and all are extremely hard, with hardnesses ranging from 8 to 10 on the Mohs scale. Color, translucency, and hardness are the characteristics that distinguish them from other stones.

The traditional distinction does not always correspond to contemporary values; for example, while garnets are relatively inexpensive, a green garnet, known as tsavorite, can be far more valuable than a mid-quality emerald of comparable size and quality. Hardstone is an unscientific term for semiprecious gemstones that have been used in art history and archaeology to describe semi precious gemstones. As a result, it is argued that the term "precious" and its variants “semiprecious" in a commercial context is misleading in that it implies that certain stones are intrinsically more valuable than others, which is not always the case.

Gemologists are now responsible for identifying gemstones in modern times. They describe gems and their characteristics using technical terminology that is specific to the field of gemology. The chemical composition of a gemstone is the first characteristic that a gemologist looks for when identifying it. Diamonds, for example, are composed of carbon, while rubies are composed of aluminum oxide. Many gems are crystals, and they are classified according to their crystal system, which can be cubic, trigonal, or monoclinic in shape. Another term used is habit, which refers to the shape that the gem is most often found in. Diamonds, for example, which have a cubic crystal system, are frequently found in the shape of octahedrons. 

Gemstones are divided into several categories, including groups, species, and varieties. The red variety of corundum, for example, is referred to as ruby, whereas any other color of corundum is referred to as sapphire. Other gemstones that are varieties of the mineral species beryl include the emerald (green), aquamarine (blue), red beryl (red), goshenite (colorless), heliodor (yellow), and morganite (pink). All of these gemstones are varieties of the mineral species beryl. Gemstones are distinguished by their refractive index, dispersion, specific gravity, hardness, cleavage, fracture, and luster. They may exhibit pleochroism or double refraction, among other characteristics.

Their luminescence and absorption spectrum may be distinguishable from that of other materials. Inclusions are small pieces of material or flaws that can be found within a stone. Gemstones can also be classified according to how much "water" they contain. This is a recognized grading system for determining the luster, transparency, or "brilliance" of a gemstone. Gems with a high transparency are referred to as "first water", while gems with a lower transparency are referred to as "second water" or "third water."

The Grading System of An Emerald 

There is no universally recognized grading system for gemstones. However, the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) did develop a system for grading diamonds in the early 1950s, which is still in use today. Historically, all gemstones were graded using only the naked eye to determine their quality. The GIA system included a significant innovation: the introduction of a 10x magnification as the standard for grading clarity, which became the industry standard. Other gemstones are still graded with the naked eye, assuming 20/20 vision, as is the case with diamonds.

The "four Cs" (color, cut, clarity, and carat weight) are a mnemonic device that has been developed to help describe the factors that are used to grade a diamond in more concise terms. These categories, if modified, can be useful in understanding the grading of all gemstones, including diamonds. The four criteria have varying weights depending on whether they are applied to colored gemstones or colorless diamonds, and the weights of the criteria are listed below. 

The cut of a diamond is the most important factor in determining its value, followed by clarity and color. Scintillation is the ability of a diamond to break down light into its constituent rainbow colors (dispersion), chop it up into bright little pieces (scintillation), and deliver it to the human eye (brilliance). When in its raw crystalline form, a diamond will not perform any of these functions; it must be properly shaped, which is referred to as "cutting". When it comes to colored gemstones, such as colored diamonds, the purity, and beauty of the color is the most important determinant of quality.

Color, clarity to a lesser extent (emeralds will always have a number of inclusions), cut, and unusual optical phenomena within the stone such as color zoning (the uneven distribution of coloring within a gem) and asteria are the physical characteristics that make a colored stone valuable (star effects). Star-corundum, for example, was highly valued by the ancient Greeks, who considered them to be powerful love charms. Helen of Troy is said to have worn a star-corundum as a pendant. 

Aside from the diamond, ruby, sapphire, and emerald, and other gemstones such as the pearl (which is not technically a gemstone) and opal are also considered to be valuable. Prior to the discovery of large quantities of amethyst in Brazil in the nineteenth century, amethyst was also regarded as a "precious stone". Although some stones have been historically popular, such as aquamarine, peridot, and cat's eye (cymophane), they have not always been considered valuable.

Today, the gemstone trade no longer distinguishes between these two types of gemstones. Even the most expensive jewelry can contain a wide variety of gemstones, depending on the designer's brand name, fashion trends, market supply, treatments, and other considerations. Despite this, diamonds, rubies, sapphires, and emeralds continue to enjoy a reputation that far outweighs that of other gemstones in terms of value. 

Some examples of rare or unusual gemstones include andalusite, axinite, cassiterite, clinohumite, and red beryl. Rare or unusual gemstones are generally understood to include those gemstones that occur so infrequently in gem quality that they are only known to a small number of connoisseurs. Gemstone pricing and value are influenced by a variety of factors and characteristics that determine the stone's overall quality.

Clarity, rarity, defect-freeness, the beauty of the stone, and the demand for such stones are some of the characteristics to look for. Both coloured gemstones and diamonds have different pricing influences, and each has its own set of factors to consider. Colored stones are priced according to market supply and demand, but diamonds are more difficult to price because of their complexity. The value of a diamond can fluctuate depending on the location, the time of day, and the opinions of diamond vendors. Proponents of energy medicine also place a high value on gemstones because of their alleged healing properties.

A few gemstones are used as gems in the crystal, or other, forms in which they are found, but the majority are used as jewelry. The two main classifications are stones cut as smooth, dome-shaped stones known as cabochons, and stones cut with a faceting machine by polishing small, flat windows known as facets at regular intervals at exact angles.

Cabochons are smooth, dome-shaped stones known as cabochons. Cabochons are commonly used to cut stones that are opaque or semi-opaque in nature, such as opal, turquoise, variscite, and so on. Gems like opal and star sapphire are created to display the color or surface characteristics of their respective stones.

Smooth dome shapes are achieved through the use of grinding wheels and polishing agents, which are used to grind, shape, and polish the stones. For transparent stones, faceted cutting is the most common method of displaying the optical properties of the stone's interior to their best advantage. Faceting increases the amount of reflected light, which is perceived as sparkle by the observer. Faceted stones can be cut into a variety of shapes that are commonly seen. Aspect ratios must be maintained throughout the gem's life, and this varies depending on its optical properties.

Light will pass through and not be reflected back toward the viewer if the angles are too steep or too shallow. The faceting machine is used to hold the stone onto a flat lap so that it can be cut and polished to create the flat facets on the stone. Some cutters, on rare occasions, will use special curved laps to cut and polish curved facets.

Illuminating A Deep Green Emerald 

The color of any material is determined by the nature of the light that illuminates it. Daylight, also known as white light, is a combination of all of the colors of the visible spectrum. When light strikes a material, the vast majority of the light is absorbed, with only a small amount of light of a specific frequency or wavelength being reflected. The part of the image that is reflected reaches the observer's eye as the perceived color.

Ruby appears red because it absorbs all the other colors of white light while reflecting the red light that is reflected by it. Even though the material is largely the same, it can exhibit a variety of colors. For example, while ruby and sapphire have the same primary chemical composition (both are corundum), their colors are different due to the presence of impurities in the gemstones.

Even the same named gemstone can be found in a variety of colors: sapphires come in a variety of shades of blue and pink, while "fancy sapphires" come in a variety of other colors ranging from yellow to orange-pink, the latter of which is known as "padparadscha sapphire". Depending on the atomic structure of the stone, there will be a difference in coloration. 

Despite the fact that the different stones have the same chemical composition and structure, in theory, they are not exactly the same in practice. Every now and then, an atom is replaced by an entirely different atom, which can occur as frequently as once in a million. In this case, the so-called impurities are sufficient to absorb certain colors while leaving the remaining colors unaffected. Using the example of beryl, which is colorless in its pure mineral form, it turns to emerald when impurities such as chromium are added to it.

When manganese is substituted for chromium, beryl is transformed into pink morganite. When combined with iron, it transforms into aquamarine. Some gemstone treatments take advantage of the fact that these impurities can be "manipulated", changing the color of the gem as a result of the manipulation.

Gemstones are frequently treated in order to improve the color or clarity of the gem. They can have an impact on the value of the stone depending on the type and extent of the treatment. Some treatments are widely used because the resulting gem is stable, whereas others are not widely used because the resulting gem's color is unstable and may revert to the original tone after a short period of time.

Heat has the ability to enhance or degrade the color and clarity of gemstones. Gem miners and cutters have been familiar with the heating process for centuries, and heating is a common practice in the production of many different types of gemstones. The majority of citrine is created by heating amethyst, and partial heating with a strong gradient results in "ametrine", which is a stone that is partly amethyst and partly citrine. 

Hydrothermal treatment is frequently used to remove yellow tones from aquamarine, changing green colors into more desirable blues, or enhancing the existing blue color of aquamarine to a deeper blue. It is nearly universally accepted that tanzanite is heated at low temperatures to remove brown undertones and produce a more desirable blue/purple color. A significant portion of all sapphire and ruby is subjected to a variety of heat treatments in order to improve the color and clarity of the gemstone. When jewelry containing diamonds is heated for repairs, the diamond should be protected with boric acid; otherwise, the diamond, which is made up entirely of carbon, could be burned on the surface or even completely consumed by the heat of the repair.

When jewelry containing sapphires or rubies is heated, the stones should not be coated with boric acid (which can etch the surface) or any other substance to prevent the stones from becoming etched. They do not require the same level of protection from fire like a diamond, although the stones do need to be protected from heat stress fracture by immersing the part of the jewelry with stones in the water when metal parts are heated.

Imitation or simulated gemstones are distinct from gemstones in that they are not natural. Synthetic gems are identical to natural stones in terms of physical, optical, and chemical properties, but they are created in a laboratory. Imitation or simulated stones are chemically distinct from natural stones, but they can appear to be very similar to them in appearance. They can be more easily manufactured as synthetic gemstones made of a different mineral: spinel, glass, plastic, resins, or other compounds, and they can be more easily manufactured than natural gemstones.

Diamond simulants include cubic zirconia, which is made up of zirconium oxide and is a synthetic stone, synthetic moissanite, and uncolored synthetic corundum or spinels, all of which are imitation stones. The simulants have the appearance and color of natural stone, but they do not have any of the chemical or physical characteristics of the real thing. In general, all of these materials are less hard than diamond.

Moissanite actually has a higher refractive index than diamond, and when placed next to a diamond of the same size and cut, the moissanite will appear to have greater "fire". Diamonds, rubies, sapphires, and emeralds have all been created in laboratories to have chemical and physical characteristics that are identical to those of their naturally occurring counterparts, such as color and clarity. Ruby and sapphire are examples of synthetic corundum (lab-created corundum), which is very common and costs significantly less than natural corundum. Small synthetic diamonds have been produced in large quantities for use as industrial abrasives, but larger gem-quality synthetic diamonds in multiple carats are now becoming available.

The chemical, physical, and optical characteristics of a gemstone are the same whether it is a natural stone or a synthetic stone. They are both composed of the same mineral and colored by the same trace materials, and they have the same hardness, density, and strength. They also have the same color spectrum, refractive index, and birefringence, as well as the same hardness and density. As the synthetic stone does not contain the impurities found in natural stones, the color of lab-created stones tends to be more vibrant than natural stones.

In order to provide a more drab, natural appearance or to deceive an assayer, synthetics are made free of common naturally occurring impurities that reduce gem clarity or color unless they are purposefully added. Synthetic stones, on the other hand, frequently exhibit flaws that are not present in natural stones, such as minute particles of corroded metal from lab trays used during the synthesis process.

Birthstones & Gemstones 

A birthstone is a gemstone that represents the month and zodiac sign of a person's birth. What makes a diamond intriguing is not dependent on its design, historical significance, scarcity, or any other physical or visual characteristic; every diamond has something unique to offer. Some gemstones are suitable for use as jewelry gemstones, however, not all of them are. There are many different types of gemstones available in a variety of shapes and colors, and each one is believed to have a specific benefit or to have an overall calming and healing effect on the person who wears the gemstone.

It is still a very small percentage of the world's population who is familiar with the intricately complex world of gemstones or who enjoys keeping up to date with the latest findings on their favorite stone. Despite the fact that there has been an increasing shift in the level of awareness that we as humans possess in recent years, gemstones are still not widely accepted or understood. It is reasonable to conclude that the gemstone industry serves a highly specialized market as a result of this observation. However, it is exciting to see that the number of people who fall into this category has been steadily increasing in recent years.

Birthstones are widely used in jewelry, and are particularly popular in bridal jewelry. Consider the fact that, just as there are twelve months in a year, there are also twelve birthstones associated with each of these months. Garnet, which represents happiness and passion according to the majority of sources, is associated with the month of January, February is associated with amethyst, which represents tranquility and clarity, March is associated with Bloodstone, which represents confidence and vitality, and Aquamarine, which represents communication as well as protection against evil.

The birthstone for April is diamond, which symbolizes longevity and love, while the birthstone for May is emerald, which represents compassion and tenderness. The birthstone for June is alexandrite, which symbolizes harmony and peace, as well as pearl, which symbolizes integrity. Ruby is the birthstone for July, and it symbolizes energy and protection.

August's birthstone is peridot, which symbolizes protection, as well as spinel, which symbolizes harmony, and sardonyx, which symbolizes strength and bravery, among other things. Sapphire is the birthstone for September, and it symbolizes clarity of expression and honesty. October is associated with tourmaline, which symbolizes originality and protection, as well as opal, which symbolizes truth and honesty and is associated with the month of October. 

November's stones include topaz, which is associated with courage and intelligence, as well as citrine, which is associated with blessings and attracting abundance. December's stones include turquoise, which is associated with well-being and blessings, tanzanite, which is associated with an awakened sixth sense or intuition; and zircon, which is associated with knowledge and clarity, among other things.

Each of these birthstones is associated with one of the twelve zodiac signs, which are as follows: Gemini, Taurus, Aries, Aquarius, Pisces, Cancer, Libra, Virgo, Scorpio, Leo, Sagittarius, and Capricorn. Each of these birthstones is known to contain specific characteristics and properties, and each is associated with one of the twelve zodiac signs. Each of these birthstones is associated with a personality trait associated with one of the twelve zodiac signs, and each birthstone represents a different personality trait.

Birthstones have been worn by people since the beginning of civilization, and they are still worn today. According to legend, certain stones were thought to have magical properties that could benefit those who wore them, such as improving their health, wealth, or prosperity. Individuals have also been known to distinguish between different stones in the past, primarily on the basis of their color, throughout history.

In contrast to zodiac birthstones, which are sometimes referred to as astral stones in some circles, monthly birthstones are not the same as annual birthstones. When you wear your astral stone, it is believed that you will gain access to its latent abilities, allowing you to awaken to your full and maximized potential. Birthstones are more than just a collection of jewels that are associated with each month of the year and are referred to as such in the industry. Each one possesses a therapeutic quality that corresponds to the sign of the zodiac on which it is placed on the table.

The May Birthstones

Taurus and Gemini are represented by a total of 15 different gemstones that are either birthstones for the month of May or Sun/Star, Planetary, or Talismanic stones for the Zodiac signs Taurus and Gemini. As these two zodiac signs occupy a portion of the month of May, they are both important to discuss. The birthstones for the month of May are emerald, sapphire, agate, and carnelian, according to the calendar. Coral, turquoise, aventurine, garnet, amber, rose quartz, tiger's eye, chrysoprase, citrine, white sapphire, and pearl are the gemstones associated with the signs of Taurus and Gemini, in addition to the traditional gemstones.

The name "emerald" comes from the Greek word "smaragdus", which literally translates to "green gem". Emerald, like aquamarine, is a variety of beryl, which is a mineral that grows with six sides and can grow up to a foot in length and is found in nature. Depending on the variety of beryl used, the color of an emerald can range from light green (although there is some debate as to whether these very light beryls are truly emeralds) to a deep, rich green. Emeralds are similar to aquamarines in that the way the color appears in jewelry is dependent on how well the stone has been cut by a skilled gemologist.

It is more valuable to have an emerald that is deeper in color or more green in color. The rarest emerald gemstones will have an intense green-blue color to them when they are cut. Emeralds can be found all over the world, including Colombia, Brazil, Afghanistan, and Zambia, amongst other countries. In order to compensate for the limited availability of high-quality Emerald, treatments to improve clarity are carried out on a regular basis.

The Physical Properties of This Radiant Green Beauty 

Emeralds, like all coloured gemstones, are graded based on four fundamental characteristics known as the four Cs of connoisseurship: color, clarity, cut, and carat weight. Color, clarity, cut, and carat weight are the four Cs of connoisseurship. Color is typically the most important criterion in the grading of colored gemstones, and it is by far the most subjective. Clarity, on the other hand, is considered to be a close second in the grading of emeralds. When it comes to being considered a top gemstone, an emerald must not only have a pure verdant green hue, as described below, but it must also have an extremely high degree of transparency.

This member of the beryl family, along with diamonds, rubies, and sapphires, is considered to be one of the traditional "big four" gems. The American jewelry industry changed the definition of emerald in the 1960s to include the green vanadium-bearing beryl, which was previously excluded. Therefore, vanadium emeralds purchased in the United States as emeralds are not recognized as such in the United Kingdom and Europe. "Colombian emerald" and other terms like that are frequently used in the United States to distinguish between traditional emeralds and the new vanadium variety.

Aura cleansing, purification, and revitalization are all things that can be accomplished with them. Using the natural energy contained within birthstones can assist in stress reduction, confidence enhancement, and the development of interpersonal relationships. This article contains additional information, as well as information on the specific significance and therapeutic properties of some of these incredible stones.

Color, Texture, and Outer Appearance

Color is divided into three components in gemology: hue, saturation, and tone. Hue is the most visible component of a color. Emeralds are found in a variety of colors ranging from yellow-green to blue-green, with green being the most common. Emeralds are found in a variety of sizes and shapes. Yellow and blue are the most common secondary colors found in emeralds, and they are also the most expensive.

Only gems with a medium to dark tone are classified as emeralds; light-toned gems are referred to as green beryls, which is the species name for the stone. On a scale from 0 percent tone to 100 percent tone, the finest emeralds are approximately 75% tone on a scale from 0 percent tone being colorless and 100 percent tone being opaque black. 

An additional characteristic of a fine emerald is that it will be saturated with color and have a bright, vivid hue. Gray is the normal saturation modifier or mask found in emeralds; a grayish-green hue is a dull-green hue; a grayish-green hue is a dull-green hue.

Emeralds are characterized by a high density of inclusions and surface-breaking fissures. Unlike diamonds, where the clarity of them is graded using the loupe standard, which is ten times magnification, emeralds are graded with the naked eye. As a result, if an emerald is completely free of visible inclusions to the naked eye (assuming normal visual acuity), it is referred to as flawless. The availability of stones without surface-breaking fissures is extremely limited, and as a result, almost all emeralds are treated, or “oiled”, to improve their apparent clarity.

Because of their mossy appearance, the inclusions and fissures within an emerald are sometimes referred to as "jardins" (French for garden) in the literature. Each emerald has its own set of imperfections, which can be used to identify a specific stone by its appearance.

The most expensive stones are those with a vivid primary green hue (as described above) and no more than 15% of any secondary hue or combination (either blue or yellow) in a medium-dark tone, with no more than 15% of any secondary hue or combination (either blue or yellow). Due to their relative non-uniformity, cabochon-cut emeralds are preferred over faceted-cut emeralds for their beauty and durability.

Oval cuts are the most common shape for faceted emeralds, but they can also be cut into the signature emerald shape, which is a rectangular cut with facets around the top edge. A common practice in the post-lapidary treatment of emeralds is to coat them with oil, which helps to fill in surface-reaching cracks, thereby improving clarity and stability.

Cedar oil, which has a refractive index that is similar to that of water, is frequently used in this widely practiced method. It is also possible to use other liquids, such as synthetic oils and polymers with refractive indexes that are similar to those of emeralds, such as Opticon. The least expensive emeralds are frequently treated with epoxy resins, which are effective for filling stones with numerous fractures and are less expensive than diamonds.

A vacuum chamber with mild heat is typically used to apply these treatments in order to open the pores of natural stone and allow the fracture-filling agent to be absorbed more effectively. When an emerald that has been treated with oil is sold in the United States, the Federal Trade Commission requires that the treatment be disclosed. The use of oil in the gem industry is traditional and widely accepted, despite the fact that oil-treated emeralds are worth significantly less than untreated emeralds of comparable quality.

Additionally, untreated emeralds must be accompanied by a certificate from an independent gemology laboratory that is licensed and regulated. Other treatments, such as the application of green-tinted oil, are not permitted in the industry. An enhanced gemstone is graded on a scale of one to four points, with the lowest being none and the highest being highly enhanced. These categories are based on levels of enhancement rather than on levels of clarity.

Mining Emeralds

Emeralds have been mined in Egypt at various locations on Mount Smaragdus since 1500 BCE, and in India and Austria since at least the 14th century CE, according to historical records. Roman and Byzantine empires, as well as Islamic conquerors, used Egyptian mines to produce a large amount of wealth on a significant industrial scale. With the discovery of the Colombian deposits, mining in Egypt was brought to an end. Today, all that is left are ruins. In terms of emerald production, Colombia is by far the world's largest producer, accounting for 50–95% of global output, with the exact figure depending on the year, source, and grade of the stones.

Colombia's emerald production has skyrocketed in the last decade, increasing by 78% between 2000 and 2010, according to official figures. Muzo, Coscuez, and Chivor are the three most important emerald mining regions in Colombia. Colombian emeralds with ray-like spokes of dark impurities, known as "trapiche" emeralds, are extremely rare and can only be found there.

With its Kafubu River area deposits, the Kagem Mines, which are located 45 kilometers (28 miles) southwest of Kitwe, account for 20% of the world's production of gem-quality stones. In 2004, Zambia was the world's second-largest producer of gem-quality stones. In the first six months of 2011, the Kagem Mines produced 3.74 tonnes of emeralds, according to the company.

Emeralds can be found all over the world, in countries such as Afghanistan, Australia, Austria, Brazil, Bulgaria, Cambodia, Canada, China, Egypt, Ethiopia, France, Germany, India, Italy, Kazakhstan, Madagascar, Mozambique, Namibia, Nigeria, Norway, Pakistan, Russia, Somalia, South Africa, Spain, Switzerland, Tanzania, the United States, Zambia, and Zimbabwe, among others. Connecticut, Montana, Nevada, North Carolina, and South Carolina are among the states where emeralds have been discovered. The discovery of emeralds in the Yukon Territory of Canada took place in 1997.

Since the emergence of concerns about the origins of diamonds, research has been carried out to determine if the mining location of an emerald that is already in circulation could be determined with certainty. In the past, researchers used qualitative criteria such as the color of an emerald, the style, and quality of cutting, the type of fracture filling, and the anthropological origins of the artifacts bearing the mineral to determine the location of the mine where the Emerald was found to determine where the Emerald was found.

In more recent studies, researchers have discovered minute differences in the chemical elements present in emeralds from different mines, including those located in close proximity to one another. American gemologist, David Cronin, and his colleagues have extensively investigated the chemical signatures of emeralds resulting from fluid dynamics and subtle precipitation mechanisms.

Their research has demonstrated the chemical homogeneity of emeralds from the same mining location, as well as the statistical differences that exist between emeralds from different mining locations, including those between the three mining locations in Colombia, South America: Muzo, Coscuez, and Chivor, among other findings.

Synthetic Emeralds Vs. Real Emeralds

A method for producing an emerald overgrowth on colorless beryl has been developed, and synthetics of both hydrothermal and flux-growth origin have been produced. A lithium vanadate flux process is most likely what Carroll Chatham used to create the world's first commercially successful green emerald synthesis process. Chatham's emeralds contain no water and trace amounts of vanadate molybdenum and vanadium, among other elements. Pierre Gilson Sr., another major producer of flux emeralds, has been in business since 1964 and has been selling his products worldwide.

Gilson's emeralds are typically grown on natural colorless beryl seeds that have been coated on both sides with a protective coating. Growth occurs at a rate of one millimeter per month, and a typical seven-month growth run results in emerald crystals seven millimeters in thickness. Water-thermal synthetic emeralds were first produced in the 1950s and 1960s by Johann Lechleitner of Innsbruck, Austria, and were the first satisfactory commercial product.

IG Farben and Nacken were credited with developing the technology, as were Tairus and other companies. These stones were originally marketed under the names, “Emerita" and "Symeralds", and they were created by growing a thin layer of emerald on top of natural colorless beryl stones in a controlled environment. From 1965 to 1970, the Linde Division of Union Carbide produced completely synthetic emeralds by hydrothermal synthesis, which was later withdrawn from production. According to sources (which are attributed to E.M. Flanigen), acidic conditions are required in order to prevent the precipitation of chromium (which is used as a colorant).

Additionally, it is critical that the silicon-containing nutrient be kept separate from the other ingredients in order to prevent nucleation and keep growth confined to the seed crystals themselves. Diffusion-reaction processes, aided by convection, are responsible for the growth process. Tairus is the world's largest producer of hydrothermal emeralds today, having succeeded in synthesizing emeralds with chemical compositions similar to those found in alkaline deposits in Colombia, and whose products are referred to as "Colombian created emeralds" or "Tairus created emeralds".

When determining whether an emerald is natural or synthetic, the presence of luminescence in ultraviolet light is considered a supplementary test because many natural emeralds, though not all, are inert to ultraviolet light. A large number of synthetics are also UV inert. The emerald stone was created through the process of hydrothermal synthesis. Synthetic emeralds are frequently referred to as "created", owing to the fact that their chemical and gemological composition is identical to that of natural emeralds.

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) of the United States has very strict regulations regarding what can and cannot be referred to as a "synthetic" stone. The Federal Trade Commission states that it is unfair or deceptive to use the words "laboratory-grown", "laboratory-created", "[manufacturer name]-created", or "synthetic" in conjunction with the name of any natural stone. In order to describe any industrial product, the industrial product must have essentially the same optical, physical, and chemical properties as the stone named."

The History of Emerald

In addition to being the traditional birthstone for the month of May, Emerald is also considered to be the traditional gemstone for the astrological sign of Cancer. When the 16th-century historian, Brantôme, told the story of the many impressive emeralds the Spanish under Cortez had brought back to Europe from Latin America, it was considered one of the more charming anecdotes about emeralds. Brantôme considered engraving, a beautiful and simple artform of nature, to be sacrilegious.

He believed that Cortez's loss of an extremely valuable pearl (to which he dedicated a work, a beautiful and incomparable pearl), as well as the death of King Charles IX of France, who died shortly after, were the result of this act. The goddess Meenakshi is the principal deity of one of India's most famous temples, the Meenakshi Amman Temple in Madurai, whose idol is traditionally believed to be made of Emerald, according to local legend.

Since antiquity, the lush green color of the emerald has soothed souls and piqued the interest of people's imagination. Its name derives from the ancient Greek word for green, "smaragdus", which means "smaragdot", or green stone. Pliny, the Elder of Rome, described the emerald in his book of natural history, which was published in the first century AD. He said, "...there is nothing greener than an emerald." According to him, early lapidaries used emerald to restore their eyes because "there is no better method of restoring their eyes than by looking at the emerald", with its soft, green color comforting and removing their weariness and lassitude, as he put it.

Even today, the color green is recognized for its ability to alleviate stress and eye strain. Although there are other green gems, such as tourmaline and peridot, emerald is the one that has always been associated with the most lush landscapes and the most vibrant greens. Ireland is referred to as the “Emerald Isle”, and “The Emerald City” is located in the state of Washington in the United States. Despite the fact that it is carved from green jadeite, Thailand's most sacred religious icon is referred to as the Emerald Buddha. Egypt was home to the world's first known emerald mines, which date back to at least 330 BC and continued into the 1700s. A passion for amerald was known among Cleopatra's courtiers, and she incorporated it into her royal adornments.

Emeralds from what is now Colombia were among the loot taken by Spanish explorers during their invasion of the New World in the sixteenth century. For more than 500 years, the Incas had been wearing and using emeralds in their jewelry and religious ceremonies. The Spanish, who valued gold and silver far more than gems, exchanged emeralds for precious metals in order to increase their wealth.

They were able to open the eyes of European and Asian royalty to the majesty of the emerald through their trade. Emerald is the most well-known of the beryl family's gemstones. Emerald was said to give the wearer the ability to foresee the future when placed under the tongue, as well as the ability to reveal the truth and be protected from evil spells, according to ancient legend.

Emerald was once thought to have the ability to cure diseases such as cholera and malaria. When one wore an emerald, it was said to reveal the truth or falsehood of a lover's oath, as well as improve one's ability to speak eloquently. In addition, according to legend, the emerald was one of the four precious stones that God gave to King Solomon. The king was said to have been endowed with power over all of creation as a result of these four stones. Because of its vibrant color, which represents new Spring growth, it is an excellent choice as a birthstone for the month of May. It is also the gemstone of choice for wedding anniversaries on the twentieth and thirty-fifth wedding anniversaries.

Symbols of the emerald include not only royalty but also intelligence, eloquence, and prophetic insight. "The Jewel of Kings" is another name for this noble birthstone of the month of May. Due to their enchanting sparkle and mesmerizing color, this gem has long been considered a superior jewel, regardless of its alleged mystical properties. Emeralds are rare and beautiful, and their brilliant green color has earned them a prestigious place in the hearts of people all over the world.

A figure as well-known as Cleopatra can be found on the list of notable royalty who prominently displayed this green gem. Indeed, she may have contributed significantly to the public's awareness of this connection. These gemstones were revered as sacred symbols of fertility and immortality by the ancient civilizations. According to legend, Cleopatra used emeralds to decorate herself and her palace, as well as to give them as gifts to foreign dignitaries. Almost certainly, she intended for this to be a display of wealth and power on her part. People believed that wearing emeralds as talismans could bestow riches, power, and eloquence on the wearer. According to legend, these gems also helped to improve memory and sharpen wits.

Its most valuable ability was perhaps the ability to predict future events, which was perhaps its most important and useful quality. Historically, Arab, Hindu, and Spanish physicians used emeralds to treat poisoning, infection, and dysentery, among other ailments. Many people were under the impression that the gemstone could also protect against demon possession.

Emerald was reputed to be a truth-revealing stone, capable of cutting through all illusions and spells, including the truth or falsity of a lover's oath. The soothing green color of the emerald was thought to be restful to the eyes when they were tired. This strain, on the other hand, did not arise solely as a result of the examination of objects of desire. Emeralds used to be a common sight on the workbenches of many gem cutters. They would gaze at them for a while after spending long hours scrutinizing other gems up close.

There are many ancient Indian stories and legends that tell of mysterious and legendary cities of fabulous wealth, with walls or entire temples made of emeralds and other precious stones. These stories are often based on historical events. It was suggested that those who were fortunate and moral enough to locate these cities would be rewarded with heavenly jewels in the form of abundant plants with leaves dripping with emeralds and rubies.

Stories like this began to spread throughout Europe. Of course, when the Spaniards arrived in the New World and discovered a plethora of emeralds and gold, they were likely convinced that they had discovered the legendary treasure cities of the Incas. It is believed by Hindus that those who make offerings of emeralds to the God Krishna will receive rewards. They will receive "knowledge of the soul and the eternal" because they will be "high in Heaven", as the saying goes. Such generous giving is lavishly rewarded by the gods. In addition, emerald is associated with the planet Mercury in Hindu teachings, as evidenced by the traditional "nine-gem" Navaratna jewel setting.

However, in western traditions, emeralds are more frequently associated with the planet Venus. Perhaps the story of Venus emerging from the sea, which appears in Greek and Roman mythology, makes a difference in this situation. For those who practice Western astrology, the "sea green" color of emerald may be a better match for the goddess's namesake planet than the color of diamond.

Other people make offerings to their gods in the form of precious gems as well. The natives of northern South America were the subject of a book written by the Spanish historian, Francisco López de Gómara, in the 16th century CE. He observes that they "burned gold and emeralds" in front of images of the Sun and Moon, which he believes to be their highest divinities.

The Healing Characteristics of Emerald

Emerald is a stone that encourages one to live the best and most authentic version of their life. It has the ability to open the heart chakra and calm the emotions. It brings inspiration, balance, wisdom, and patience to the person who uses it. As it allows the wearer to both give and receive unconditional love, it is said to promote friendship, peace, harmony, and domestic bliss in the wearer's life. In addition to being beneficial for personal relationships, it is also beneficial for business transactions and all types of partnerships.

Spiritual and Metaphysical Benefits

Emerald is a stone that strengthens the spirit and aids in overcoming adversity. It provides a sense of joy, recovery, and rejuvenation to those who are downtrodden or disadvantaged. It also alleviates claustrophobia and rage, while promoting a general sense of overall well-being. It brings subconscious thoughts to the forefront and helps people become more self-aware of their own thoughts. As long as the stone is not opaque, it has the ability to stimulate the mind's creative and mental abilities. 

Emerald increases one's ability to concentrate while also raising one's level of consciousness. The removal of negative thoughts, encouragement of self-expression, and restoration of mental equilibrium are all benefits of meditating with this stone that can also lead to more constructive action and change. Emerald increases health and vigor in the body by removing free radicals from the system. It is said to strengthen and heal the heart and kidneys, as well as promote circulatory and neurological function in healthy individuals. When the emerald is placed over the third-eye chakra, it increases psychic sensitivity and clairvoyant abilities.

Those who practice mysticism use the stone to gather information from the spiritual planes. Wearing an emerald over the heart, on the right arm, or the little finger or ring finger is the most effective way to use it. Emeralds hold a wealth of properties said to boost intuition and guide you on your path towards spiritual growth.

Physical Benefits

Emerald's regenerating rays can be carried to all parts of the body by unseen energetic forces. It can be used to relieve headaches, allergies, and a wide range of skin rashes and ailments, among other things. It can also help to strengthen the eyes, sharpen the memory, and temper gastric issues. It is said to have the ability to revitalize and reenergize tired organs because of its deeply rejuvenating energy. Emerald energizes and strengthens every part of the body, from the liver to the beautiful beat of your heart. It is a stone of great strength and power. Emerald is also thought to be a stone of fertility and good fortune, so for those embarking on the journey of pregnancy, this could be a valuable talisman to carry with you.

Mental & Emotional Benefits

Emerald is known as the "stone of eternal love", and it is believed to be a source of unconditional love as well. It is a crystal that speaks to the heart and clears away any weight or dark energy that may be clogging up your emotional system at the time of usage. Returning to that innate vibrant and rejuvenating energy, the emerald stone will lend a helping hand and lift you right back up when you are feeling stumped or overwhelmed. It helps pull you away from being trapped in victim narratives, reminding you of your immense personal power, thus helping you return to your true nature.

Bask in the Wisdom of Emerald 

Wearing emerald against the skin is one of the most effective ways to make the most of this stone’s healing powers, which is one of the reasons why emerald jewelry is so popular. While emerald jewelry is stunning and can make you feel like a million dollars, it also encapsulates a wealth of healing powers and abilities. By putting an emerald necklace on, you are inviting the soothing and wise energies of this stone to cleanse and purify the spirit.

Whether it is an emerald necklace worn close to the heart, an emerald ring, or an emerald bracelet worn against the pulse, when this stone is pressed against the skin, it can send those healing vibrations right through the body. Whether you are looking to heal physically, or on a mental and emotional level, this stone steeped in mysticism and magic can surely help. Simply by gazing into its rich green surface, you will feel instantly calmed and revitalized. This stone reminds you of your innate inner power, and wakes you up to your full potential. 

Ready to add an emerald to your collection? Visit our website today to browse our full collection of gorgeous emerald jewelry. You are sure to find the piece that catches your eye and excites your spirit.