Those born on May 19th find themselves at a fascinating intersection of astrological influences, resulting in a somewhat complex birthstone attribution. While the emerald is widely recognized as the primary May birthstone, sources indicate that sapphire may also hold significance for individuals born on this date, due to the overlapping nature of zodiac signs. This article will explore the history, geological origins, gemological properties, and symbolism associated with both emerald and sapphire, as they relate to the May 19th birthdate, drawing exclusively from available sources.
History and Lore
The historical understanding of birthstones has evolved considerably over time. Early traditions, rooted in Biblical and Arabic interpretations, assigned different gemstones to each month. For May, agate was initially favored in Hebrew tradition, while emerald held prominence in Arabic interpretations. The formalized lists of birthstones began to take shape in the 19th century, notably with Tiffany & Co.’s publication of “Gregorian Birthstone Poems” in 1870. This poem specifically linked the emerald to those born in May, associating the gemstone with love and a loving marriage. The National Association of Jewellers (now Jewellers of America) further solidified the emerald’s position as the May birthstone in 1912.
The month of May itself carries historical weight, named “Maius” by the ancient Romans, potentially honoring the goddess of growth, Maia, or the goddess of nursing mothers. Roman celebrations of Floralia, honoring the goddess of flowers, Flora, also took place in May, linking the month to themes of renewal and blossoming life. These associations contribute to the emerald’s symbolism of springtime and vitality.
Geological Formation and Sources
Emeralds, a variety of the mineral beryl, owe their vivid green hue to trace amounts of chromium or vanadium. Their formation is a lengthy process, occurring over millions of years under specific geological conditions. The simultaneous presence of beryllium, chromium (or vanadium), and fluid pathways is crucial, making emerald deposits relatively rare. Colombia is globally renowned as the largest single source of emeralds, with crystals possessing unique inclusions that can often be traced back to the country and even the specific mine. Other significant sources include Zambia, Brazil, Zimbabwe, and, more recently, Ethiopia. Emeralds are frequently treated with oils to enhance their color and clarity, and to mask internal inclusions.
Sapphires, on the other hand, are a variety of the mineral corundum, known for their exceptional hardness. While most commonly associated with blue hues, sapphires occur in a wide spectrum of colors, including black, yellow, orange, grey, pink, purple, brown, and even colorless varieties. The most prized blue sapphire is often referred to as “bleu du roi” or royal blue. A rare pink-to-orange variety, known as padparadscha, is particularly valuable.
Gemological Properties
Emeralds and sapphires differ significantly in their gemological properties. Emeralds typically exhibit characteristic inclusions, which, while sometimes detracting from their clarity, can serve as a fingerprint, indicating their origin.
| Property | Emerald | Sapphire |
|---|---|---|
| Chemical Formula | Be₃Al₂Si₆O₁₈ | Al₂O₃ |
| Color | Green | Various (typically blue) |
| Hardness (Mohs) | 7.5 - 8 | 9 |
| Crystal System | Hexagonal | Trigonal |
| Specific Gravity | 2.67 - 2.78 | 3.99 - 4.00 |
Sapphires boast a remarkable hardness of 9 on the Mohs scale, making them exceptionally durable and resistant to scratching. This contrasts with emeralds, which, while still relatively hard, are more prone to damage due to their inherent inclusions and often-present fractures.
The Significance of Zodiacal Overlap
A unique aspect of the May 19th birthstone is the potential for dual attribution based on zodiacal alignment. Astrologers suggest a slight overlap between the Taurus (April 20 - May 20) and Gemini (May 22 - June 21) signs. Consequently, individuals born on May 19th, 20th, or 21st may resonate with both the traditional Taurus stone, emerald, and the Gemini stone, sapphire. This concept acknowledges the fluidity of astrological boundaries and allows for a more personalized gemstone selection.
Sapphire, as the celestial birth gem for Gemini, is associated with a variety of colors, including the highly sought-after velvety blue and the rare padparadscha. The choice of sapphire color can further reflect individual preferences and astrological interpretations.
Symbolism and Metaphysical Beliefs
Emeralds have long been associated with friendship, faithfulness, and loyalty. The green color symbolizes renewal and the vibrancy of spring. Historically, emeralds were believed to offer protection and enhance intuition.
Sapphires, particularly blue sapphires, are often linked to wisdom, royalty, and spiritual enlightenment. They are thought to promote clarity of thought and protect against negative energies. The association with royalty stems from their historical use in adornments of kings and queens.
Alternative May Birthstones
Beyond emerald, agate and chrysoprase are recognized as alternative May birthstones. Agate, with its banded patterns, was one of the original birthstones for May, according to Hebrew tradition. Chrysoprase, a variety of chalcedony containing nickel, displays beautiful apple-green to deep-green shades. Historically sourced from Poland and the Czech Republic, significant deposits have also been found in Australia, Germany, Russia, and the USA. Its translucent texture makes it well-suited for beads and cameos.
Care and Cleaning
Due to their differing hardness levels, emeralds and sapphires require distinct care routines. Emeralds, being relatively softer and more included, are susceptible to damage from harsh chemicals and ultrasonic cleaners. Cleaning should be performed with warm, soapy water and a soft brush. Avoid sudden temperature changes. Sapphires, with their exceptional hardness, are more durable and can withstand more rigorous cleaning methods, though ultrasonic cleaners should still be used with caution.
Conclusion
The May 19th birthstone presents a nuanced and intriguing case. While the emerald remains the widely accepted and historically significant birthstone for May, the potential for astrological overlap introduces sapphire as a viable alternative, particularly for those aligning with the cusp of Taurus and Gemini. Both gemstones offer unique beauty, rich symbolism, and distinct gemological properties, making the selection a personal journey of discovery. The enduring appeal of both emerald and sapphire lies in their ability to connect us to the earth’s geological history, ancient traditions, and the enduring power of symbolism.