The birthstone
for May is the emerald.
Emerald, a green variety of beryl, gets its name from the Latin
term smaragdus, which refers to a type of precious gemstone.
Traces of chromium and vanadium in the crystaline structure produce
the green color.
Emerald has been treasured since 4000 B.C. when it was traded
in the earliest known gem market of Babylon. The ancient Egyptian
emerald mines near the Reed Sea were worked as early as 2000 B.C.
These mines were the main source of emeralds for the West until
the 16th century. By this time, finer quality emeralds were being
mined in Columbia. These Colombian gems eventually took their
place as the world's most coveted emeralds.
Mohs hardness: 7.5
Refractive Index: 1.56-1.60
Specific Gravity: 2.7
The toughness of emeralds is poor. Emerald may be cleaned by mild
soap or an untreated cloth. DO NOT steam, ultrasonic, boil, or
use jewelry cleaners!
Origin: Columbia, Brazil, South & East Africa, India, Pakistan,
and the Ural Mountains
Color: Light, medium, or dark green
