Emeralds – The May Birthstone

THE GEMSTONE:

Emeralds are the green variety of the mineral group beryl. The beryl group includes emerald, aquamarine, golden beryl, morganite, goshenite, and heliodor. Emeralds range in color from light greens with yellow overtones to dark greens with bluish overtones.  Color often gives a clue as to the country of origin. Most emeralds are treated with an oil or catalyzed polymer to improve appearance.  Emeralds, while quite hard, are brittle and subject to cracking or chipping from hard knocks. 

THE LORE:

The ancient Egyptians believed emeralds stood for fertility and rebirth, and that it could cure eye diseases.  In the 18^th century European gem cutters would look at emeralds when their eyes were tired.  Legend has it that putting an emerald under your tongue would let you see into the future, and that wearing one would strengthen your memory, guard against evil spirits, and reveal the truth of your lover’s feelings.  It is the gemstone of the 20^th and 45^th wedding anniversaries.