Emerald Gemstone: May Birthstone — Meanings, History & Buying Guide

Emerald is the most valued gemstone in the world. Emerald is recognized for its rich green color. It symbolizes life , new beginning and prosperity. Emerald belongs to the Beryl mineral family. The green color of emerald comes from the smallest amount of chromium and vanadium inside the stones. It gives its rich green shade . Other gemstones are judged by clarity , on the other hand Emerald is famous for  their rich color and natural beauty. The value of emerald depends on how deep the color is , the hardness of the stone ,  and the natural pattern inside known as “ jardin” which increases character and uniqueness. The hardness of the emerald is 7.5 to 8 on the mohs scale. It is the official birthstone of May. Its color ranges from light green to intense royal green. The most valuable emerald gemstone shows deep vivid green with a slightly bluish tone. 

Emerald History of  May Birthstone 

Emerald gemstone history has been loved since ancient times. The emerald gemstones were mined in Egypt around 330 BC . But some other experts say that some emeralds on the earth are 3 billion years old. In ancient emeralds civilization the deep color of emeralds are highly treasured . Most people believed that it could bring protection , love and prosperity. Queen Cleopatra cherished emeralds and used it as a royal charm. Greeks carved designs into emeralds . Roman nobles wore emerald rings as a symbol of power and wisdom. People accepted and veiled emerald thousands of years before the modern name for the stone was created . But the word emerald comes from old French and Latin that both mean green gemstone . For a long time people have confused emeralds with green glass or other green gemstones , because it is a member of beryl mineral so it is not related to quartz or other green gemstones. From the middle ages emeralds were thought to have prophetic powers . People start believing that it could reveal truth and protect against evil . By the 14 century emeralds had become highly admired in India and Austria. Where nobles and royalty prized them for their beauty and they believed that it brought luck and protection. Columbia is the main leading source of emeralds. Columbia is a famous emerald in history,  famous for pricing emeralds, especially from the well known Muzo and Chivor mine. So Columbia is the world's largest producer of emeralds. Zambia is the second world largest producer of the emerald because of supplying a  large share of gems found today. 

Emerald Birthstone Meaning

Emerald gemstone called the stone of rebirth and love. It symbolizes renewal , growth and emotional balance. The vivid and rich green color of the emerald is connected to nature, because it represents harmony, compassion, and a fresh beginning. Most people believed that emeralds attract love, innerpiece, and spiritual healing. Emerald is linked with wisdom and prosperity, helping the wearer gain clarity and confidence in life. 

Symbolism & Meaning

• Rebirth and Growth – Heart energy, renewal, love, and emotional healing. Emerald is often called the Stone of Intuition and Compassion.It symbolizes life , new beginning and prosperity
• Its green color symbolizes growth, harmony, and new life.
•  It represents inner balance, wisdom, and spiritual insight.
• It is linked with the heart chakra. 
• Emerald is believed to calm emotional stress, open the heart to love, encourage healing, and bring in relationships and decisions.
• Traditionally it is believed to bring good luck and the ability to see the future. 
• Emerald gemstone is linked with faithfulness in relation and unconditional love 

Emerald Associations as Birthstone for May

Attribute                                 Association

Birth Month                    May Birthstone

Element                          Earth, symbolizing grounding energy, abundance, and growth

Chakras                         Heart Chakra, associated with compassion, love, and emotional renewal

Zodiac Signs               Taurus and Gemini

Color Range                 Rich green shades: deep forest green, vibrant grassy green, slightly bluish-green hues

Nicknames                    Stone of Successful Love, Stone of Rebirth, Gem of Spring

Ruling Planets              Venus  and Mercury 

Symbolism                    Emerald as the May birthstone symbolizes love, renewal, wisdom, prosperity, and emotional balance

Healing Properties of Emerald May Birthstone

Emerald is the official birthstone of May. People believed that it brings both emotional and physical healing. They are believed to help to balance emotional stability, improve focus(clear thinking), and sense of inner calm. Emerald birthstone is known as a powerful healing crystal that brings peace to heart and peaceful mind. Emerald gemstone is also called the Stone of Emotional Healing. Emotional emeralds are known to reduce stress and bring peace and harmony , love. 

• Emerald birthstone is known as a powerful healing crystal that brings peace to heart and peaceful mind. It helps in balancing emotions and releasing emotional blockages, a sense of inner calm.
   
• Many people believe that it supports heart healing, clear mind, bringing peace, compassion, and forgiveness.
  
•  It helps in reducing stress,promoting love,compassion,forgiveness, calming the mind, and promoting emotional stability.
   
• The emerald gemstone increases focus, memory, and clear thinking, making it a favorite of students and thinkers. It also encourages love, connection, and harmony in relationships.
• Many people in ancient times believed that it could rest the eye and make vision clearer. 
• Emerald is connected with heart health and blood flow supporting energy and balance in the body. People believe that it is a detoxification of the body that assists the liver and lungs in cleansing and rebirth.

What is the significance of Emerald in different cultures?

Emerald gemstone as a May birthstone valued in many cultures. Emerald is a symbol of new beginning and love , rebirth, and protection. In Vedic astrology emeralds are associated with planet mercury and believed to bring wisdom and clear communication.  Mostly good and finest emeralds are found in Colombian, Zambia, Brazil, and Pakistan. In Pakistan Swat Emerald mines are famous for producing high quality emerald which has vibrant and good green colour. Swat emerald has good clarity. These Swat emeralds are known worldwide for their good lustre and brilliance. Emerald is known for their healing powers and it is used in jewelry to express love and harmony. Emerald gemstones have been special to many cultures all around the world, each regarding them a symbol of beauty, wisdom, and spiritual power. 

1. Ancient Egypt

In Egypt emeralds were regarded as a symbol of power, rebirth, and eternal life. Many people believe that it brings protection and youthfulness for their wearer.

• Cleopatra is a famous queen of Egypt. She loved emeralds deeply. She wore emeralds to show her power and beauty. She believed it brings strength and power. 
• Egyptians placed emeralds in tombs as a symbol of rebirth and eternal happiness after death. 

2. Ancient Rome and Greece

Emeralds were highly prized by nobles and scholars in ancient and greek. They believed that it refreshed the eyesight , and mind. It symbolizes intelligence and rebirth. People associate emeralds with spring time, seeing them as a symbol of hope, rebirth, and fresh beginning. Nero is the roman emperor who used emerald to rest his eyes while watching games. The Greeks and Roman also associate emerald with Venus believing that stone brings love and peace and abundance.

• Emeralds were highly prized by noble and scholar in ancient and greek.  
• Many Romans and Greek Ancients believed emeralds brought clarity of mind and foresight.

• The Greeks and Roman also associate emerald with Venus believing that stone brings love and peace and abundance.
• Emeralds were highly prized by nobles and scholars in ancient and Greek. They believed that it refreshed the eyesight , and mind. It symbolizes intelligence and rebirth. 

3.Indian Civilization

In India People considered Emerald as a powerful stone and has special healing power.

• Indian Civilizations are associated with Planet Mercury in Vedic astrology. They believe that it symbolizes wisdom, communication and prosperity. 
• They believed that it increases intelligence and creativity and attracts good luck in business and love for the wearer. 

4. Middle Eastern & Islamic Traditions

In the middle east people believed to bring protection, wisdom and good fortune.

• Ancient Persian and Arab believed that emeralds could keep away bad energy and keep people from harm. People wore emerald as charm or talisman to protect against eevil and attract positive energy
  
  
• It symbolizes spiritual harmony, helping the wearer stay calm and concentrated. The green color of the stone symbolizes heaven and divine blessings in Islamic culture.
  

5. European Renaissance

• Throughout the European Renaissance emeralds developed into symbols of wealth , power, and wisdom. 
  
• Scholars and healers also valued them, thinking the green color strengthened memory and sharpened the mind.
  
• Many European Royal families and nobles wore Emeralds in crowns, rings, and necklaces. They want to show their status through it. They believed that emeralds could reveal the reality and against dishonesty. 
  
• Many scholars and healers valued emeralds, they were thinking that green color strengthened the memory and sharpened the mind. 

6. Modern Symbolism

• In modern times emeralds were symbolized as love, rebirth and growth. 
• The rich and vivid color of emerald symbolized nature, balance and fresh beginning. People wear  emeralds to attract harmony in relationships and emotional healing. 
• The Emeralds are connected with good luck and motivation, making them a stone that brought both beauty and positive vibes. 

Emeralds held great importance in ancient cultures.

• In Egypt emeralds were regarded as a symbol of power, rebirth, and eternal life. Many people believe that it brings protection and youthfulness for their wearer.Cleopatra is a famous queen of Egypt. She loved emeralds deeply. She wore emeralds to show her power and beauty. She believed it brings strength and power. 
• The Greeks carved sacred symbols into emeralds to represent wisdom and divine insight.
• Roman also associate emerald with Venus believing that stone brings love and peace and abundance.
• Emeralds were known as Marakata in old Sansakrit writing. It is the name that represents their green color and their connection to nature, growth and new life.
• Real emeralds are prominent for their deep green color and clarity. making them one of the finest gems from the world. True emerald are belong to beryl mineral family so it valued as the noble gemstone throughout the history

What are the colors of Emerald stones?

• Emerald gemstone comes in many shades of green from light to soft tones to deep and rich hues. 
  
• Light green color if the emerald has soft and gentle green tones with bright clarity.
  
• The medium green color of the emerald is the most common color and shows a lively and balanced hue. 
  
• The deep rich green color of emerald has a rich dark shade considered the most valuable .
  
• The bluish green color of the emerald is a touch of blue , it is found in Colombian varieties.
  
• Another Yellowish green emerald stones are warm, golden, from Zambia and Brazil.
  
• Emerald is mostly found in rich shades of green, ranging from light fresh green to deep royal green with a slight bluish tone.
  
• The most valuable emeralds display an intense, vivid green color with excellent saturation and a natural glow.

Locations of Emerald mined in

Natural emeralds of high quality are rare. Most of the fine emeralds available in the market come from a few famous mining regions known for their rich green color. Unlike heat-treated gems, emeralds are often naturally formed but may receive oil treatment to enhance clarity, which is an accepted practice in the gemstone market.

There is a major source of Natural Raw Emerald listed as below 

• Colombia     It is a major source of world largest and finest emeralds. It is known for its vivid green color of emerald ,deep and clarity. Muzo and Chivior are the main mining areas.    
• Zambia          It is the second largest main source of emeralds. Their emeralds are deep green and bluishtone and high clarity. Kagem mine is a major mine in Zambia. It is one of the largest mine in the world
• Brazil             Brazil produces a spacious range of emeralds from light to rich green. Bahia , Goiás and Minas gerais are mining areas in Brazil. The Yellowish green emerald stones are warm, golden, from Zambia and Brazil.
• Afghanistan    Emeralds are found in Pajshir Valley. It is famous for its deep emerald color with slightly bluish tones.
• Pakistan           Sawat valley is the important source of emerald in Pakistan. Sawat is famous for producing vibrant green emeralds with high clarity. 
• Russia               Emeralds are mainly found in the Ural Mountains. Russian emeralds are famous for their dark green tones and historically it is used in imperial jewelry.  
• Zimbabwe            It is also a main source of emeralds. Sandwana mine is located in the south part of Zimbabwe. It is a famous source of fine emeralds.
  

Are there alternative or secondary birthstones for May?

Emerald is the official birthstone for May. But secondary birthstones are also included like Chrysoprase and Agate. Emeralds are famous for their rich green color and are also known for Royal history. 

1. Chrysoprase

• It is a beautiful apple green variety of Chalcedony. 
• It is also called the stone of joy and healing.
•  It symbolises love, happiness, and rebirth. 
• Its green shade of color makes them an affordable alternative to emeralds. 

2. Agate (Green Agate)

• Agate is known as a form of quartz. It can be found all over the world. 
• Agates come in many varieties and colors. A long time ago Agate was believed to bring good health, fertility and protection. It is also a May birthstone.

Buying Guide

You can choose the best emerald by seeing its color clarity and carat weight .

Color

• Color is the main quality factor of emeralds. It is found in light green to dark green or vivid green.
• The most valuable emerald shows a rich , vivid green color with a bluish tone. 
• Many origins have a different color tone of emerald like Colombian emerald are bluishtone and Zambian emeralds have different green color of emerald. 

Clarity

• Emerald may have natural inclusions inside. You can see them with your naked eyes. 
• Eyeclean emeralds are very rare. 
• Emeralds are gently oiled to increase their brilliance, beauty and transparency. This is an acceptable process. 
• High prized emeralds may have inclusion but have to show a good color and transparency. 
• Small inclusion in emeralds never reduces their quality or price unless they make them look cloudy

Emerald Cut

Emeralds are available in different types  of cuts like as below 

• Oval cut
• Cushion cut
• Pear cut
• Round cut 
• Princess cut
• Marquise Cut
• Trillian cut
• Cabochon cut
  

Carat Weight

• Big size emeralds are more valuable, but the price increases significantly with size.
• Even a small emerald with deep bright color and good quality and clarity can be more valuable than the bigger emerald. 
• Even small emeralds with a small carat size between 1 or 3 carat are popular, because they look nice and easy to wear.Therefor small carat size emeralds are more valuable than the bigger one. 

Treatment & Identification

• Most natural emeralds are treated with oil to enhance their transparency. This is quite a natural process and acceptable in the gem market. 
• But other treatments are not acceptable like resin filled or heavily treated emeralds are less valuable. Therefore untreated or minimally treated emeralds are more valuable.
• Whenever you buy Emerald, always ask for a trusted gem report like one from GIA, to confirm if the emerald is natural , treated or lab grown emerald.

Care & Cleaning

• Emerald should be cleaned with warm soapy water and with a soft brush.
• Do not use other harm cleansers or heavy chemicals , it can damage the emerald. 
• Sink your emerald in mild soapy water , gently brush, and then dry it with clean soft cloth. 

May Birthstone Jewelry Ideas

Emerald can be used in various ways like Jewellery like Necklace, Pendant, Fingerings and you can use it many ways. Emerald is the birthstone of May. Emerald can be used as a healing stone as it reduces stress and brings happiness’ people still consider it as a stone of growth, harmony and success.

• May birthstone jewelry often contains emerald cut engagement rings, emerald engagement rings, emerald ring, emerald necklace, emerald earrings, emerald jewelry, emerald bracelet, emerald rings for women designed in every style like simple and fancy to suit every taste.
• You can use emerald in every jewelry design like rings, pendants, earring, and necklaces especially in fancy cuts such as emerald cut , pear cut , oval cut, and cushion cut. 
• You can make your special day's jewelry like your birthday pendants, anniversary necklaces, engagement rings using emerald stone. It gives a good look. 
• Emerald gemstone as a may birthstone is a stone of love , rebirth making it a good gemstone for romantic gift and significant celebration.
• Even Mens also make rings through emerald in classic emerald cut or rectangular shapes look expressive and royal making them a stylish choice for masculine adornments.

Gemstone insider offers Emerald

• We provide you natural emerald gemstones with vivid deep color and less treatment and good source from trusted mines.
• You can select vibrant green shade including light spring green, Colombian green, and deep royal green with bluish tone. 
• We offer customized jewelry in any shape size on customer demands, whatever you want rings, pendants, engagement pieces, or for your great collection of emerald gemstone. 
• You can trust us. We are believing in honest guidance, transparent details, and 7 days return option

FAQs About November Birthstones 

Q1: Is emerald the only birthstone of May or are there alternative options?

A: No emerald is the official birthstone of may. But secondary birthstones are also included like Chrysoprase and Agate 

Q2: Is most emerald natural or heat-treated?
A: Most emeralds are natural. But some are treated by oil to enhance the clarity 

Q3: What emerald color is most valuable?
A: The most valuable colors of the emerald are vivid green to deep green with bluishtone. 

Q4: How durable is emerald for daily wear?
A: The hardness of the emerald is 7 to 8 on Mohs scale making them durable for the wearer. 

Q5: How do I clean emeralds?
A: Emerald gemstone can be cleaned with soapy water with a gentle brush. 

Q6: What’s the difference between emerald and green beryl?
A: Emerald deep green color with bluishtone whereas the beryl green has lighter green color as emerald. 

Q7: What is “Trapiche emerald”?
A: A Trapiche emerald is a rare emerald with a natural star- like pattern,formed by dark inclusion radiating from the center.

Q8: Are lab-created emerald real gemstones?
A: No lab created emeralds are not real emeralds , they are not formed naturally underground. They are formed in the laboratory. 

Q9: Where do emeralds come from?
A: Emeralds are mainly mined in Colombia, Zambia, Brazil, Afghanistan, Ethiopia, and Zimbabwe.

Q10: Is Emerald affordable?
A: It can depend on the clarity and color of the emerald.

Final Thoughts

Emerald is a Birthstone of May having special qualities inside. Emerald is the most beautiful and precious gemstone in the world. It is known for its rich and vivid green colour. Emerald is a precious and bright green colour and variety of mineral beryl. This gemstone is highly valued for its beauty and vibrant colour.It is a symbol of love, rebirth, joy, and happiness of life and special between the earth's beauty and the human heart. Emerald radiant hue gives us a gentle reminder that true sophistication grows with time, just like the abiding spirit it represents. Whenever you want to buy real emerald choose wisely. Just focus on its great vivid green color , natural beauty , and good or trusting sourcing. Processing an emerald is like holding a piece of earth's eternal beauty. Emerald is a great treasure that reflects energy, love and its timeless rhythm.