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About emerald
Emerald is a beryllium aluminum silicate mineral, a variety of beryl rated 8 on the Mohs hardness scale, well suited to necklaces, earrings, and bracelets with gentle everyday care. Its color ranges from vivid spring green to deep forest green, with the most prized stones showing even saturation and high clarity.
Emerald is a variety of the mineral beryl, colored vivid green by trace amounts of chromium and vanadium. The finest stones come from Colombia, Zambia, and Brazil. Most natural emeralds contain visible inclusions called jardins, French for gardens, which are accepted as part of the stone's character and proof of its natural origin. Light oiling to enhance clarity is a standard and traditional practice in the emerald trade.
Historically, emerald has been associated with renewal, abundance, and enduring love. Treasured by Cleopatra and worn by Mughal emperors and European royalty, emerald has been the gemstone of devotion, wisdom, and lasting prosperity for over 4,000 years.
Emerald vs chrysoprase
Same color family, different stones. Here's how to choose.
Emerald
Transparent, faceted, Mohs 7.5 to 8. Vivid, jewel-tone green with natural inclusions called jardins that give each stone individual character. One of the four precious gemstones alongside diamond, ruby, and sapphire.
Chrysoprase
Opaque to translucent apple green, Mohs 6.5 to 7. A softer, more affordable green stone with a waxy or chalcedony-like finish. Beautiful in pendants but less brilliant and less durable than emerald.
Born in May?
Emerald is the sole May . Emerald stands alone as May's birthstone, a precious gem ranked alongside diamond, ruby, and sapphire. Its vivid green captures the spirit of spring, and its 4,000-year history makes it one of the most storied stones a person can wear.
See all May birthstones on the May birthstone jewelry hub.
Shop May birthstone jewelry