The meaning behind May's birthstone: Emerald
Emerald…
is the birthstone for May, beloved for millennia, evoking rebirth and renewal. Regarded as the very definition of green, emerald is the perfect color for late spring. Emerald has captured hearts and minds throughout the ages. The rich green color suggests soothing and lush gardens.
Legend suggests that emerald has the power to make its wearer more intelligent and quick-witted, and it was believed to cure diseases like cholera and malaria. It's the gemstone given for 20th and 35th wedding anniversaries.
The word “emerald” comes from smaragdos, the ancient Greek for a green gem. Pliny the Elderwrote in his encyclopedic Natural History that “nothing greens greener.” He also posited the therapeutic properties that helped gem cutters: “(they) have no better method of restoring their eyes than by looking at the emerald, its soft, green color comforting and removing their weariness and lassitude.” Now we know, the color green relieves stress and eye strain.
The green birthstone was also thought to have magical powers. By placing it under the tongue, one could see into the future. While others believed it made one an eloquent speaker and exposed lovers who made false promises.
From Egyptian pharaohs to Inca emperors, emerald has always enchanted royalty. Cleopatra was known for her passion for emerald and used it in her royal adornments. The Crown of the Andes, fashioned in colonial South America, is one example of how the Spanish revered the May birthstone. The largest stone in the crown—now called the Atahualpa emerald—was taken from the last Inca emperor, Atahualpa, by conquistador Francisco Pizarro. Emerald and gold treasures recovered from the sunken 17th century Spanish galleon Nuestra Señora de Atocha represent a small fraction of the colonial riches sent to Spain from the New World.
Colombia has historically been the source of the finest emeralds for more than 500 years, Colombian emeralds are the standard by which all others are measured. Three mining sites in Colombia are particularly noteworthy: Muzo, Chivor and Coscuez. Each mine produces a range of colors but, generally speaking, darker tones of pure green emeralds come from Muzo. Emeralds that are lighter in tone and slightly bluish green are associated with Chivor. Slightly yellowish green emeralds are unearthed in Coscuez.
Also found in the state of Minas Gerais, Brazil. One of the most productive sites for the green birthstone is the sophisticated Belmont mine. Capoeirana is another important locality, a rugged region worked largely by independent miners and small-scale operations.
The May birthstone can also be found in Zambia is a major source, and mines in the Ndola Rural Restricted Area are known for producing emeralds that are bluish green and darker in tone. Pakistan and Afghanistan are important producers as too.
Emerald is a 7.5 to 8 on the Mohs scale of hardness, it is more susceptible to scratching than a diamond, which ranks 10 on the scale. Often treated to improve its color or clarity; common treatment methods include: paler emeralds with multiple fractures may be dyed green to enhance their color.
Oils, waxes, and artificial resins are often used to fill surface-reaching fractures in emeralds. This reduces the visibility of the fractures and improve the clarity.
It is best to avoid exposure to heat, changes in air pressure (such as in an airline cabin) and harsh chemicals. Emeralds should never be put in an ultrasonic cleaner, as the vibrations and heat can cause the filler to sweat out of fractures. Filled emeralds can also be damaged by exposure to hot water used for washing dishes. The safest way to clean emeralds is to gently scrub them with a soft brush and warm, soapy water.