Emerald
Symbol: Love & Compassion
Emerald is the green variety of beryl, colored by trace chromium and vanadium absorbed during its formation deep within the earth. Its saturated green is prized so highly that emeralds are graded partly on color rather than clarity alone, since natural inclusions are almost always present.
Where It Comes From
Colombia is the world's most renowned source today, but emerald mining dates back to ancient Egypt, where mines near the Red Sea were worked as early as 1500 BCE. Zambia and Brazil are also major sources.
What Different Peoples Believed
| People | What It Symbolized |
|---|---|
| Ancient Egypt | Associated with fertility and rebirth; famously worn by Cleopatra. |
| Inca and Aztec civilizations | Considered sacred and used in religious ceremonies and adornment. |
| Ancient Rome | Dedicated to Venus, goddess of love and beauty. |
Birth Month
Emerald is the official birthstone for May.