May Brithday

 Emerald is the Modern and Traditional Birthstone for May.  The name Emerald is derived from the French "esmeraude” and the Greek root "smaragdos” which means “green gemstone”.  According to legends this stone was traded in one of the earliest known gem markets in Babylon around 4000 B.C., and the emperor Nero would watch the gladiators  fights through an emerald.  Top quality emeralds are a deep grass green with a slightly bluish cast, but many lesser quality stones are lighter shades of green and can have a more yellowish tone. Emerald is the only stone, besides Topaz, that is listed as in all of the ancient birthstone tables. This gem is suggested as an anniversary gift for the 20th and 35th anniversaries and as an alternate stone for the 55th wedding anniversary.

Healing qualities of Emeralds:

 It is also listed as a birthstone for the Zodiac signs for Taurus and Cancer, as the planetary stone for Taurus and the Talismanic stone for Gemini.  Emeralds were used as amulets to ward off epilepsy in children and thought to cure diseases of the eye. Folklore suggests that these stones will improve memory, intelligence, and enhance clairvoyance thus helping to predict future events. They are also worn to enhance love and contentment. Cleopatra prized emeralds above all other.

Sources:

Emeralds are found in many countries, but Columbia and Brazil are the major producers and Columbia is recognized as the source for the finest stones. Emeralds have a vitreous luster and sources include Zimbabwe, South Africa, Russia (Urals), Afghanistan, Australia (New South Wales, Western Australia), Ghana, India, Madagascar, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, Nigeria, Pakistan, Zambia, Tanzania, and the United States (North Carolina).

Care:
 It rates a 7.5 to 8 on the moles scale, making it quite a durable stone.  Though emeralds usually contain many cracks, fissures, and inclusions, the majority of these stones are "oiled". This means that they are immersed in oil which reduces the visibility of the inclusions, and also improves the clarity.  Emeralds are brittle stones and care should be taken when wearing or cleaning them. They should never be immersed in an ultrasonic or subjected to steam cleaning. The best way to clean your emerald is plain warm soapy water and an old soft tooth brush. Once you have washed the stone, rinse well with plain water. Be sure to use warm not hot water, to reduce the dangers of thermal shock.  Enzyme cleaner and detergent should be avoided for they can cause allergic reactions. Avoid sudden temperature changes, steaming and contact with cosmetics, hairspray, perfume or household chemicals.