May’s birthstone is the vıvıd Greens emerald, a popular Beryl material. The name jade comes from the Greek word smaragdos, which refers to a green gemstone. Emerald has been prized for millennia and is still popular among many people, and for good reason. Check out April birthstone history, myth and uses.
May Birthstone Colors:
Emeralds are typically green, and scientific studies have shown that the color green relieves stress and eye strain. While stunning to look at, most naturally occurring emeralds have flaws such as fractures, fluid inclusions, and small crystals from other minerals. This gives each emerald a distinct appearance from the moment it is created, such as a birthmark or freckle. This also enables us to track each emerald back to its original source, as certain inclusions are unique to each emerald source around the world.
Emerald Global Sources:
Colombia produces the largest bulk of emeralds, with three big mines: Muzo, Chivor, and Coscuez. Muzo provides darker tones of pure green emerald. Chivor produces light blue-green emeralds. Coscuez produces an emerald-green color. Emeralds grow in Brazil and African countries such as Zambia, where the foliage is a darker green-blue color. It is mostly provided by Pakistan and Afghanistan.
May Birthstone History and Myth:
In the past, emeralds were supposed to treat ailments including malaria and cholera. It was also said to have magical properties, including the ability to protect the wearer from bad spells and reveal the truth. Additionally, inserting an emerald beneath the tongue may improve speaking abilities or provide future insight.
Egypt is home to the first known emerald mines, which date back to at least 330 B.C. and lasted into the 1700s. Queen Cleopatra became well-known for her love of emeralds and her use of them in jewelry. Perhaps this is due to the ancient Egyptians’ belief that emeralds represented endless life. According to the Book of the Dead, ancient Egyptians buried their dead with emerald amulets to represent the deceased’s eternal youth in the hereafter.
Before Spanish conquistadors (colonists who invaded to forcefully grab land in the sixteenth century) arrived, indigenous inhabitants of South America were early consumers of this gemstone, employing emeralds for a variety of purposes for over a thousand years.
The renowned Crown of the Andes, erected in colonial South America, is one example of a Spanish treasure dedicated to the emerald; it has 443 emeralds in all. According to mythology, invader Francisco Pizarro stole the Atahualpa emerald from the last Inca ruler, Atahualpa.
Another Greek philosopher, Aristotle, admired emeralds and thought they had exceptional abilities. He once claimed that owning an emerald can boost one’s commercial standing, bring victory in battle, and aid in conflict resolution.
Long before it was discovered that the emerald’s brilliant green color was relaxing to the eyes, the Greeks and Romans would insert little emeralds in the corners of someone’s eyes who was nearsighted or creative.
They also utilized lighter-colored emeralds for magnifying lenses. In actuality, emeralds were used to create the earliest spectacles, and Roman Emperor Nero is supposed to have watched gladiators fight through an emerald eyeglass.
Pliny, a Roman historian, purportedly wrote of a lion statue with green eyes that was constructed at a cemetery on the island of Cyprus. According to his narrative, the emeralds shone so brightly that they scared all of the fish away from the island, and the lion’s eyes had to be replaced with another gem before the fish returned.
Practical Uses of Emerald:
- Get well soon!: Some people believe that emerald can aid in healing after a sickness, such as a cold or flu. Some people claim that it benefits their sinuses, lungs, heart, and muscles.
- If you have a crush or simply want to make new friends, emerald could be the stone for you. It is frequently referred to as the “stone of successful love” since it is believed to promote unity and build relationships and friendships. It is claimed to settle emotions and increase loyalty. It may also rekindle your enthusiasm for a previously enjoyed hobby or sport.
- Are you planning a collaborative project at school? Emerald can promote mutual understanding and teamwork among a group of people.
- Are you frustrated with something? Carry or wear an emerald, which is thought to grant the owner patience.
- Emerald may help to alleviate claustrophobia, or the fear of small, enclosed environments.
- Wise up: Emerald is a stone of wisdom that is supposed to improve memory and clear thinking.