The birthstone for May is the emerald, a captivating green variety of the beryl family. Recognized for its lush color and unique internal characteristics, the emerald holds a prominent place in the world of gemstones, alongside ruby and sapphire as part of the “Big Three.” This article will delve into the history, geological origins, gemological properties, symbolism, and care of this esteemed gem, drawing solely from available sources.
History and Lore
The association of gemstones with specific months is a practice with evolving roots. While the concept dates back to biblical times, with the twelve gemstones on the breastplate of Aaron potentially corresponding to the twelve tribes of Israel, the modern practice of assigning a single gem to each month emerged between the 16th and 18th centuries. The current listing of birthstones, as it stands today, has continued to be refined, with additions made as recently as the 20th century.
Emerald’s history is particularly rich, with royalty throughout history valuing the gem highly enough to launch expeditions to acquire it. Beyond its status as a May birthstone, the emerald is also traditionally given to celebrate 20th and 35th wedding anniversaries, signifying enduring love and commitment. The name “emerald” itself is believed to originate from the Greek word “smaragdus,” which translates to “green.”
Geological Formation and Sources
Emeralds form within the earth under specific geological conditions, requiring the presence of beryllium, chromium, and vanadium. These elements combine to create the characteristic green hue. Significant emerald deposits are found in several locations around the globe.
Brazil is a major source, particularly the state of Minas Gerais, with the Belmont mine being a sophisticated and productive site. Another Brazilian locality, Capoeirana, is characterized by rugged terrain and is worked by independent miners and small-scale operations.
Africa also yields substantial emeralds, with Zambia being a key producer. Emeralds from the Ndola Rural Restricted Area in Zambia are often noted for their bluish-green color and darker tone. Pakistan and Afghanistan are also important sources of this coveted gemstone.
Gemological Properties
Emeralds belong to the beryl family, a group of minerals composed of beryllium aluminum cyclosilicate. What distinguishes emerald from other beryl varieties, such as aquamarine or morganite, is its vibrant green color, resulting from trace amounts of chromium and sometimes vanadium.
On the Mohs scale of hardness, emeralds range from 7.5 to 8, making them more susceptible to scratching than diamonds (which rank 10). This relative softness necessitates careful handling and protection. A defining characteristic of emeralds is the presence of inclusions, often referred to as its “jardin” – the French word for garden – acknowledging the unique collection of internal features within each stone. These inclusions are not considered flaws but rather a natural part of the emerald’s identity.
Emeralds are frequently treated to enhance their color or clarity. Common treatments include dyeing paler stones to intensify their green hue and filling surface-reaching fractures with oils, waxes, or artificial resins to improve apparent clarity. The stability of these fillers can vary.
Symbolism and Metaphysical Beliefs
Throughout history, emeralds have been imbued with symbolic meaning. While some modern associations, like heightened intuition and pleasure, exist, the stone’s historical significance is more deeply rooted in concepts of prosperity, health, and security. The garnet, for example, is associated with peace, prosperity, health, friendship, and security. Pearls, another birthstone, are associated with purity, chastity, and stability in marriage.
Care and Cleaning
Due to their relative softness and the presence of fractures, emeralds require careful handling and cleaning. The Mohs hardness of 7.5 to 8 means they are more prone to scratching than harder gemstones. It is advisable to avoid harsh chemicals, ultrasonic cleaners, and steam cleaning, as these can damage the stone or the filling materials used to enhance clarity. Gentle cleaning with warm, soapy water and a soft brush is recommended.
Conclusion
The emerald, May’s celebrated birthstone, is a gem steeped in history, beauty, and symbolism. From its ancient origins to its modern-day appeal, the emerald continues to captivate with its vibrant green hue and unique internal characteristics. Its geological formation in specific regions around the world, combined with its distinct gemological properties, makes it a truly remarkable and enduring gemstone. The emerald’s enduring popularity, alongside ruby and sapphire, solidifies its position as one of the most treasured and sought-after gems in the world.