May
Birthstone : Emerald
Birthstone Color: Deep Green
Spring is a time of new growth and rebirth.
And the intense brilliant green of the Emerald, May’s
birthstone, is as refreshing to the eyes as a spring
garden after a rain. Within it’s depths are
often tiny fractures or inclusions, which the French
call "jardin," or garden, because of their resemblance
to foliage. The Egyptians were known to engrave Emeralds
with the symbol for foliage to represent eternal youth,
and to bury these jewels with their dead. The
ancient Romans associated this gemstone with fertility
and rebirth, and dedicated it to Venus, the goddess
of love and beauty.
The
Ancient Egyptians mined Emeralds in the eastern desert
region 2,000 years before Cleopatra’s birth, braving
extreme heat, scorpions and snakes to search for the
beautiful crystals. During Cleopatra’s reign,
she claimed the Emerald mines as her own, as this
was her favorite gem. She often wore lavish
Emerald jewelry, and it is said that she bestowed
visiting dignitaries with large Emeralds carved with
her likeness when they departed Egypt.
In
the sixteenth century, the Spanish Conquistadors were
amazed to find the native people wearing Emeralds
larger and more magnificent than any they had ever
seen. Although the natives attempted to hide their
Emerald mines, the Spaniards soon discovered and conquered
most of them. But it took twenty years before
they found the abundant mining operation held by the
Muzo Indians, and another thirty years to overtake
this aggressive tribe. The Muzo mine was in
the area known today as Colombia, and it remains the
source of the most prized Emerald specimens.
Other sources of Emeralds are Brazil, Zimbabwe, Pakistan,
Afghanistan, Madagascar, Nigeria, and Russia.
The
Emerald is a member of the beryl family of minerals.
The green crystals grow slowly within metamorphic
rocks and are restricted in size by the rock, making
large Emeralds rare and costly. Although this
gemstone is relatively hard and durable, it must be
protected from blows because the inclusions found
within make it susceptible to breaking.
Some
people believe that wearing an Emerald brings wisdom,
growth, and patience. And as any couple in a long-term
relationship would agree, all of these qualities are
essential for a successful and lasting love.
This may explain why a gift of Emerald for an anniversary
-- or anytime -- is considered symbolic of love and
fidelity.
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