Emerald is a member of the Beryl family. Natural, transparent Emerald is one of five “precious” gemstones (including Diamond, Tanzanite, Ruby and Sapphire), and is the green variety of Beryl, a beryllium aluminium silicate mineral coloured by trace amounts of chromium and/or vanadium. Emerald occurs in hues ranging from yellow-green to blue-green, with the finest being a pure verdant green hue, medium to dark in tone. Light coloured gems are usually known by the species name, Green Beryl. Most Emeralds are highly included with surface breaking fissures, so their toughness, or resistance to breakage, is usually classified as generally poor. This gemstone has been a source of fascination and reverence in many cultures for over six thousand years, sold in the markets of Babylon as early as 4,000 B.C. It was a stone worshipped by the Incas and it was considered a symbol of eternal life in ancient Egypt, a gift of Thoth, the god of wisdom, and was a favourite jewel of Queen Cleopatra. Emeralds were also thought to be talismans of Aristotle, Alexander the Great, Charlemagne, and the moguls of India. Emerald’s have adorned the crowns and royal jewels of many countries for centuries, and in the UK The Imperial Crown of India, set with around 6,000 diamonds and magnificent rubies and emeralds, was made for King George V to wear at the Delhi Coronation Durbar in 1911. It has never been worn since. The strongest time for the powers of the emerald is said to be spring. In several cultures the Emerald was the symbol for fertilizing rain. In the Christian faith it is the symbol of faith and hope.
Mohs Hardness
Gemstone hardness is measured on the Mohs scales. This stone is 7.5 – 8 on the Mohs scale. For further information please see http://www.geologypage.com/2016/04/mohs-hardness-scale.html
Sources
Colombia,Brazil,India, Australia, South Africa, Pakistan, and Zimbabwe.
Gemstone Meaning
Emerald is the sacred stone of the goddess Venus. It was thought to preserve love and has long been the symbol of hope. Emerald is also a stone of great vision and intuition, associated with the eyes and sight, long believed to foretell future events and reveal one’s truths. It is a stone of wisdom, enhancing memory and increasing mental clarity. It combines intelligence with discernment, and brings to the conscious mind what is unconsciously known. Emerald also increases focus and intent, activating psychic abilities and opening clairvoyance. Traditionally it was used as a protection against enchantment and spells.
Spiritual Healing Properties
It is a stone of regeneration and recovery, bringing in freshness and vitality, love and compassion – for the self as well as for others.
Emerald is known as Called the “Stone of Successful Love”. Its soothing energy provides healing to all levels of the being, bringing freshness and vitality to the spirit. A stone of inspiration and infinite patience, it embodies unity, compassion and unconditional love. Emerald promotes friendship, balance between partners, and is particularly known for providing domestic bliss, contentment and loyalty. It was dedicated in the ancient world to the goddess Venus for its ability to insure security in love.
Chakra
Element
Zodiac Sign
Birthstone
May
Anniversary
Emerald is a suitable gift for the 20th,35th and 55th wedding anniversaries.
Stone Combination
The following are good stones to combine with Emerald.
The following are incompatible stones with Emerald.
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For in depth information please visit the Gemological Institute of America’s Gem Encyclopedia.