There is a strong connection between birthstones, Western astrology, and Ayurvedic medicine. Because different traditions have different gem options for each birth month, the National Association of Jewelers standardised all American birthstones. Here is more about Emerald Birthstone.
There is a specific birthstone for each month of the year and a flower representing that month. Your birthstone would be Emerald if you were born in May. Here's what you need to know about it. Check out Astteria’s engagement ring catalogue of this striking green gem!
May Birthstone
The stunning green emerald is the birthstone of May, and there is nothing more stunning during this time of year. With traces of those metals chromium and vanadium appearing in it, this mineral is a variety of the mineral beryl that gets its green colour owing to traces of these elements.
With the rest of the birthstones becoming official in 1912, this gem became the official birthstone for May. Previously, it was associated with the zodiac signs Gemini and Taurus, both of which are in May, and it also falls under the sign of the planet Mercury.
Where Emerald Birthstones Are Found Based On What Month It’s Connected To
The finest emeralds have been mined in Colombia for over 500 years, and a Colombian emerald has become the standard by which all other emeralds in the world are measured. Muzo, Chivor, and Coscuez are three noteworthy mining sites in Colombia.
Brazilian state Minas Gerais is also home to the May birthstone. There are many locations where green birthstones can be found, but one of the most productive is the sophisticated Belmont mine.
You can also find the May birthstone in Africa. Zambia is a major source of emeralds. Mines in Ndola Rural Restricted Area are famous for emeralds with bluish-green and darker tones. Pakistan and Afghanistan are major producers of this gemstone.
Emerald Birthstone Meaning
Innumerable mythologies and histories include emeralds as part of their narratives for a good reason.
An emerald gemstone manifests huge blessings of good fortune, abundance, and overall health and wellness for the wearer. In addition to its strong growth and manifestation energies, the emerald radiates creativity.
In the zodiac, Taurus, the bull, is ruled by Venus, the planet of love and beauty. The emerald is associated with these themes as well. There is also a link between the colour green and good luck, and it is also associated with the heart chakra, which further strengthens the stone's association with love.
Known for their calming, inspiring, and protective qualities, emeralds bring peace, calm, and inspiration into your life. Victorian jewellery often features them because they're known as stones of loyalty and friendship, and they promote empathy and friendship.
Caring For Emeralds
The Mohs scale of hardness rates Emeralds between 7.5 and 8, making them more prone to scratching than diamonds. In order to improve the colour or clarity of the May birthstone, it is often treated. A dyed green can enhance the colour of pale emeralds with multiple fractures.
Emeralds with surface-reaching fractures are often filled with oils, waxes, and artificial resins. It is intended to reduce fractures' visibility and increase the image's apparent clarity. As a result of the variety of substances used, the amount of filler can range from a small amount to a substantial amount.
Generally, it is recommended to avoid being exposed to heat, pressure changes, and harsh chemicals. The vibrations and heat generated by the ultrasonic cleaner should never be used on an emerald because the vibrations and heat can cause the filler to either sweat out of fractures or cause the stone to become damaged.
The damaged filled emeralds can also be destroyed by immersing them in hot water while washing dishes. Using a soft brush and warm, soapy water is the most effective way to clean emeralds.
Since emeralds are relatively hard gemstones, the care they require is not particularly special as they are relatively strong gemstones. Even though keeping your emerald jewellery clean is important, you should always consult a professional jeweller before attempting this. To give your emerald a much-needed energy boost, you can check out guides on how to cleanse it in order to give it some much-needed energy refreshment.
Alternative For An Emerald
The standard birthstone for May is an emerald, but if you are looking to give a birthstone as a gift, agate is also a popular option that is a less expensive option than an emerald. Regarding its meanings, agate can be classified into various categories based on its colours like deep blues, medium greens, bright reds, pinks, and more. As a general rule, it is known to facilitate harmony.
Conclusion
Hundreds of crystals are available, and they serve a variety of purposes. The May birthstone is both gorgeous and lucky for those born in May. Emeralds are not just for May birthdays. They are a gift that anyone can enjoy. Visit Astteria for their wide variety of emerald jewellery for your next big purchase!
Below are some alternatives to the green gemstone:
- Amber, rose quartz, rhodonite, selenite, or pink opal for those who have Taurus as their zodiac sign.
- For Geminis, you can choose from moonstones, golden tiger’s-eye, red jasper, and moss agate.
- Other stones complement May’s energy, such as dragon stone, green calcite, and bloodstone.
FAQs
What is the most unique birthstone?
In addition to being June's birthstone, Alexandrite is also considered one of the rarest birthstones worldwide. A special feature of Alexandrite is its remarkable ability to change colour when exposed to different light conditions.
This gem has been referred to as the "Emerald by day, Ruby by night" gemstone due to the contrast between its green and red tones, which are strongly influenced by the light.
What are the different colours associated with birthstones, especially the month to which an emerald birthstone is connected?
January's birthstone is associated with garnet, which is red. February's birthstone is purple with an amethyst gemstone. Bloodstone is the March birthstone, which is aquamarine.
April birthstone is a clear colour with the gem diamond. The May birthstone, the emerald, is green. June's birthstone is known for the alexandrite, which is white.
July's birthstone is the red ruby. Sardonyx, a light green gemstone, is the August birthstone. September is associated with the blue Sapphire.
October birthstone is the Opal gemstone, which is pink. November's tiger's eye is yellow and orange. Finally, the December birthstone is associated with bright blue turquoise.
Why did November's birthstone change?
A standardised set of birthstones was introduced in 1912 by the Jewelers of America. The modern birthstone is based on what is most convenient to sell in large quantities to the public.
It is for this reason that November has two birthstones. Citrine became popular as an affordable alternative to topaz, the traditional birthstone of the month.
