May boasts not one, but two significant birthstones: the esteemed emerald and the captivating green onyx. While the emerald is widely recognized as the primary May birthstone, green onyx offers a compelling and accessible alternative, steeped in its own history and symbolism. Both gemstones embody the fresh energy of spring, representing rebirth, growth, and vitality. This article will delve into the origins, properties, and significance of these two verdant gems, drawing exclusively from available sources.
History and Lore
The emerald has been revered for millennia. Sources indicate its enduring appeal throughout time, inspiring awe and admiration. While specific dates regarding its initial discovery are not provided, the sources emphasize its long-held status as a gemstone of significance. The association with May as a birthstone is a more recent development, aligning with the modern tradition of assigning specific gems to each month.
Green onyx, emerging from the heart of India, also possesses a rich history. For centuries, it has captivated jewelry enthusiasts with its brilliance, often being compared to the more expensive emerald. Its symbolic significance centers around optimism, creativity, and new beginnings, making it particularly fitting for those born in May.
Snapchat, a modern platform, has integrated birthstones into its charm system, offering a “Friend’s Birthstone Charm” to acknowledge and celebrate the birthdays of connections. This demonstrates the continuing cultural relevance of birthstones in contemporary society. Charms related to astrological signs and birthdays further personalize the user experience, connecting individuals through shared celestial and temporal markers.
Geological Formation and Sources
Emeralds are formed under specific geological conditions, typically within metamorphic rocks. Major sources of emeralds include Brazil, specifically the state of Minas Gerais and the Belmont mine, known for its sophisticated operations. Capoeirana, a rugged region within Brazil, is also a significant source, worked primarily by independent miners and small-scale operations. Africa, particularly Zambia, is another key producer, with mines in the Ndola Rural Restricted Area yielding bluish-green and darker-toned emeralds. Pakistan and Afghanistan also contribute to the global emerald supply.
Green onyx, in contrast, is sourced primarily from India. The sources do not detail the specific geological processes involved in its formation, but highlight its origin within the Indian landscape.
Gemological Properties
The sources provide limited detailed gemological data. However, some key properties are noted. Emeralds register between 7.5 and 8 on the Mohs scale of hardness, making them more susceptible to scratching than diamonds (which rank 10). This relative softness necessitates careful handling and protection.
Emeralds are frequently treated to enhance their color or clarity. Common treatments include dyeing, used to intensify paler stones, and fracture filling, employing oils, waxes, and resins to reduce the visibility of internal fractures. The stability of these fillers can vary.
The sources do not provide the chemical composition, refractive index, or specific gravity of either emerald or green onyx.
Symbolism and Metaphysical Beliefs
Both emeralds and green onyx carry symbolic weight. The green onyx is explicitly linked to the vibrancy of spring, embodying optimism and new beginnings. It is considered a stone that encourages creativity.
Aquamarine, the birthstone associated with Pisces, is believed to promote inner peace and balance emotions. It is thought to aid in communication, helping individuals establish boundaries and express their feelings. While not a May birthstone, its connection to emotional well-being highlights the broader tradition of attributing metaphysical properties to gemstones.
Snapchat’s incorporation of birthstone charms suggests a belief in the power of these stones to foster connection and understanding between individuals. The “Astrological Compatibility Charm” implies a belief in the influence of zodiac signs and their associated gemstones on relationships.
Care and Cleaning
Due to its hardness of 7.5 to 8 on the Mohs scale, emerald requires careful handling to avoid scratches. The sources do not provide specific cleaning instructions for either emerald or green onyx, but the mention of fracture filling in emeralds suggests avoiding harsh chemicals or ultrasonic cleaners, as these could damage the fillers. Gentle cleaning with warm, soapy water and a soft cloth is likely the safest approach for both gemstones.
Petite Snaps and Global Availability
Snappy Jewels offers “Petite Birthstone Snaps” including a “Petite May Birthstone Snap” for use with their jewelry and accessories. This indicates a market for smaller, more affordable birthstone jewelry options. The company operates with pricing in multiple currencies, including USD, EUR, JPY, and others, demonstrating a global reach. Noes Jewelry, located in Raymore, Missouri, also stocks birthstone jewelry, catering to a local customer base.
A Note on Snapchat Charms
Snapchat’s charm system awards charms based on friendships, birthdays, and snap exchanges. The “Friend’s Birthstone Charm” is awarded to acknowledge a friend’s birthstone, while other charms celebrate milestones and connections. This demonstrates a modern application of birthstone symbolism within a social media context.
Conclusion
The May birthstones, emerald and green onyx, represent the vibrant energy of spring and offer a range of aesthetic and symbolic qualities. The emerald, with its long history and geological origins in Brazil, Africa, and Asia, remains a highly prized gemstone. Green onyx, sourced from India, provides a more accessible alternative, embodying optimism and creativity. Both stones continue to hold cultural significance, as evidenced by their inclusion in modern platforms like Snapchat and their availability through jewelers worldwide. While the provided sources offer a glimpse into the world of these gemstones, further research would be needed to provide a more comprehensive understanding of their gemological properties and historical context.