Emeralds are more than just a beautiful green gemstone – they hold a significant symbolic meaning across various cultures and are associated with love, prosperity, and intellectual capacity.
From being favored by an Egyptian queen to featuring in Greek mythology, emeralds have a rich history!
Read on to learn all about May’s dazzling birthstone.
Emerald is the birthstone of those born in May with the zodiac sign Taurus or Gemini. In astrology, it symbolizes wealth and is known as the “Stone of Prosperity” due to its color.
Since the emerald is a stone of prosperity, astrologers recommend those in banking and money-related careers wear emeralds, especially Taureans.
Almost all emeralds have some form of impurity, such as trapped gases. Unlike most other gemstones, these impurities don’t always lessen the stone’s value.
Emerald came from the Greek word “smaragdus,” which literally means green gem. In Indian mythology, emeralds are called “marakata,” which means “the green of growing things.” Emeralds are also known in Hindi as “panna.”
Emeralds are commonly preferred by the wealthy and were typically the gemstones of choice for historically significant jewelry pieces. While most emerald jewelry comes with a high price tag, the Rockefeller Emerald reigns supreme as the most flawless emerald, valued at $5.5 million in 2017. Initially featured in a brooch, this coveted gemstone was later re-set into a ring.
The rarest emeralds have an intense bluish-green color, which comes from trace amounts of vanadium and chromium.
Queen Cleopatra of Egypt was a fan of emeralds, adorning herself and gifting them to other dignitaries.
In ancient Roman mythology, emeralds are linked with Venus, the goddess of love. While in Greek mythology, they are associated with Aphrodite, who was gifted a giant emerald by Hermes, the herald of gods.
In Hinduism, green is associated with the heart chakra, making emeralds a love gem and a heart symbol. Spiritually, this gem is believed to calm emotions and lead the wearer to receive unconditional love.
Emeralds need proper care and storage because they are more brittle and easily damaged, unlike other gems, due to their natural impurities.
In the Marvel cinematic universe, the famous Time Stone possessed by Doctor Strange is an emerald that gives the power to control time.
From a Vedic astrologist’s point of view, emeralds are strengthened by the planet Mercury and are believed to enhance a person’s intellectual capacity. Those who wear emeralds are said to have higher odds of succeeding in academics and passing examinations, as influenced by the position of the ruling planet.
It is believed that emeralds possess healing powers; hence they are common elements of bracelets and necklaces and are prevalent in the crystal healing industry. For example, emeralds are said to help people suffering from skin diseases and brain-related conditions.
Emeralds tend to be more expensive than diamonds, as they are more than 20 times rarer.
Around 90% of the world’s gem-quality emeralds are mined in Colombia. Colombia’s mines aren’t just highly productive; they also churn out some of the highest-quality emeralds in the world!
Emeralds are more than just beautiful green gemstones. From their rich history of being favored by Cleopatra to their association with love and prosperity, emeralds have a significant symbolic meaning.
Additionally, their rarity and unique impurities make them valuable and precious gemstones sought after by many.
Whether you’re born in May or just appreciate the beauty of this stunning gem, choosing an emerald for your next piece of jewelry is a wise and meaningful choice.
