Emerald is the world's most popular green gem and the birthstone for the month of May! Emeralds are designated as the 20th and 35th anniversary stones. Emerald is the green variety of the mineral beryl, composed of beryllium aluminum silicate. Pure beryl is colorless, however, inclusions within the mineral cause beryl to form in a variety of colors. Emerald belongs to the same mineral family as Aquamarine, Heliodor, Morganite and Red Beryl (Bixbite). Emeralds receive their beautiful green color from chromium or vanadium in the crystal's structure. Stones with lighter color or tone should be called "green beryl".

Most Emeralds on the market are sourced from Colombia, Zambia, Brazil, Ethiopia, and Zimbabwe. Gems usually form during the cooling of mineral rich water or magma. Emeralds have an additional process where super hot, liquid minerals (aluminum, oxygen, and beryllium) must come into contact with silica-rich stones such as granite. This is why Emeralds are so rare, because they need two relatively rare elements (beryllium and chromium) in the earth’s crust to form.

Our enchantment with Emeralds dates back to Ancient Egypt where the first known Emerald mines found. Cleopatra was known for her love and passion of Emeralds, using them in her royal adornments. Cleopatra’s Emerald mines, were the world’s primary source of emeralds until additional deposits were discovered in the Americas in the 16th century. According to ancient lore, Emerald was one of the four precious stones given by God to King Solomon, said to have endowed the king with power over all creation. Emeralds have been adored and used throughout history in various cultures for protection, divination and healing of disease.

Emerald is a powerful activator and healer of the Heart Chakra. Emeralds carry one of the strongest vibrations for manifesting financial abundance and security. An enchanting gem of attraction, honesty and fidelity, Emerald is also an empowering crystal that improves your self-worth. It promotes forgiveness, patience, and wisdom.

Hardness: 7.5-8

Color: Green

Structure: Hexagonal

Care: Emeralds are fragile stone and should be worn with care. Remove before contact sports, weight lifting or activities where it may come into contact with force. As always, it should be stored away from minerals higher on the MOHs scale.

Cleaning: Gentle cleaning in soap & water when need. Steam and ultrasonic cleaning can remove oils and other fracture-filling treatments.

Feng Shui Placement: Wealth & abundance or knowledge & personal growth. Emerald is a great stone to keep in the bedroom to promote love and healthy relationships.