May Birthstone

May Birthstone:
Emerald.


Emerald:
















Emerald is another gemstone that is a variety of beryl (along with aquamarine), this time with a beautiful green color. The world's finest emeralds originate in Colombia, a country that is also famous for it's coffee and coca plants. Emerald is the birthstone for May and the Taurus zodiac sign
Emerald is the Modern and Traditional birthstone for May. It is also listed as a birthstone for the Zodiac signs for Taurus and Cancer, as the Planetary stone for Taurus and the Talismanic stone for Gemini. Emerald is the only stone, besides Topaz, that is listed as in all of the ancient birthstone tables.
Emeralds are found in many countries, but Columbia and Brazil are the major producers and Columbia is recognized as the source for the finest stones. They are also found in Pakistan, Russia, Australia, South Africa, India, Norway, and the United States.
Emerald gems have fascinated mankind since they were discovered. Green in color, these stones are a composition of the mineral Beryl. Emerald gemstones are also the May birthstone, that is, people who are born in the month of May can wear an emerald.
Emerald gemstones are also said to give its wearer the gift of good eyesight and intellect. Some also say that emerald gems can be used to treat poison. It can also be used as treatment for dysentery as it has laxative properties.
The emerald's name is indirectly derived from the Greek word "smaragdos," a term ambiguously applied to several kinds of green stones. The history of emeralds can be traced back to antiquity. They were worn by royalty in Babylon and Egypt. Tools dating back to 1300 B.C., during the reign of Rameses II, have been found in emerald mines in Egypt. Queen Cleopatra's emeralds were believed to originate from mines in Southern Egypt, near the Red Sea.
Emeralds can range in price from quite cheap to incredibly expensive. Their quality too ranges from poor to sensational with a side warning about fakes. More so than any other gem, fake emeralds have popped up in the market. These are excellent imitations made of colored cut glass. Too, synthetic emeralds have been around since the 1940's. While quite pretty, they do not carry much value. Should you decide to purchase an emerald, take someone with you who knows gemstones!