Hello May!
Let's talk about one of the most beautiful and sought-after birthstones out there - the emerald! Emerald is the birthstone for the month of May, and it is a truly stunning gemstone that has captured the hearts of people for centuries.
First things first, let's talk about the facts. The emerald is a variety of the mineral beryl, and it gets its green color from the presence of chromium and vanadium. It's a hard stone, ranking 7.5-8 on the Mohs scale of hardness, which means it's durable enough for everyday wear. The finest emeralds come from Colombia, but they can also be found in countries such as Zambia, Brazil, and Zimbabwe.
Now, let's move on to the folklore and mythology surrounding the emerald. Throughout history, this gemstone has been associated with a wide range of beliefs and legends. In ancient Egypt, emeralds were believed to be a source of eternal life, and they were often buried with pharaohs. The Greeks and Romans associated emeralds with Venus, the goddess of love and beauty, and believed that wearing an emerald could help attract love and fertility.
In medieval times, emeralds were believed to have healing powers, and were often used to treat ailments such as eye diseases and epilepsy. They were also thought to protect against evil and enchantments, making them a popular choice for royalty and nobility. In fact, many famous emeralds throughout history have been owned by royalty, including the Emerald Crown of the Andes, which was made for the last Inca emperor.
In more recent times, emeralds have continued to capture the hearts of people around the world. They are a popular choice for engagement rings, and have been worn by celebrities such as Elizabeth Taylor and Angelina Jolie.
So there you have it! The emerald is a truly fascinating gemstone that has captured the imaginations of people throughout history. Whether you believe in its mythical powers or simply appreciate its stunning beauty, there's no denying that the emerald is a gemstone that deserves to be celebrated. So if you're lucky enough to have a May birthday, be sure to treat yourself to a gorgeous emerald piece of jewelry - you won't regret it!