Emerald, the birthstone for May, is a precious gemstone and represents wisdom, faith, success in love, and domestic bliss. Known for its brilliant green color, emerald can also have blue or yellow undertones and loses all color when subjected to high heat. The earliest emeralds were mined in Upper Egypt as early as 2,000 B.C. They were mined throughout the reign of Alexander the Great and were well-loved and collected by Cleopatra. The Aztecs and Incas also coveted emeralds, and the Moguls of India revered them so much they inscribed the gems with sacred text to be used to ward off evil. Historically, emeralds have been mined from Russia, Austria, Australia, and Norway. Today, the majority of emeralds are found in Brazil, Zambia, and Colombia.
QUICK FACTS ABOUT EMERALD
Mined in: Brazil, Zambia and Colombia, Pakistan, Russia, Afghanistan, Egypt, Austria, China, Australia, India, Cambodia, and U.S
May Birthstone color: brilliant green with yellow and blue undertones
Symbolism & meaning: Wisdom, faith, and domestic bliss or success in love
Zodiac sign: Taurus
Derives from: Latin word, smaragdus