Emerald

The May Birthstone

Emerald is the official US birth stone for May. It's a green form of beryl and is classed as one of the "big four" gemstones. It is very rare and high quality emeralds are by weight probably the most valuable of the world's gems. Most of today's emerald production is in South America with Africa second.

The name "emerald" is believed to have originated with the Greek word smaragdos, "green" (itself possible of Persian origin). This went through various etymological changes eventually becoming the Middle English emeraude and eventually emerald.

Commercially available emeralds have usually been "oiled". This improves the look of the stone but does mean that care is required - some processes such as steam cleaning can sometimes remove the oil.

Symbolism and Lore

Emerald has ben sought after since ancient times and it is said that Cleopatra had an emerald engraved with her portrait. The Emperor Nero is also said to have had a monocle made from emerald, although many peple today think that this was more likely to have been aquamarine.

Some legends say that emerald can aid the eyesight - this is possibly as a result of its association with Nero's monacle.

The symbolism of emeralds seems to have been more general than specific. It was associated with general good health, quick wits and joy of life. There is also a rather contradictory collection of lore concerning their effects on one's love life. The Romans dedicated emeralds to Venus and associated them with passion whereas later writers claimed that they promoted chastity.

And, of course, the Emerald City was at the end of the Yellow Brick Road in The Wizard of Oz.