The Emerald was the most highly praised stone of the Incas and Cleopatra and was given to pregnant women to protect them during child birth. Its intense and pure green color is said to have come from the Earth’s capturing the colors of Spring. It has been prized for its said abilities to make its wearer more eloquent, creative, and relaxed.

Emeralds are considered one of the four “precious gemstones” along with rubies, sapphires, and diamonds. Emerald is the green variety of the mineral Beryl. Colombian Emeralds are held in especially high esteem due to their shiny emerald green color without any kind of bluish tint. Zambian Emeralds tend to be darker than Colombian Emeralds and often have a slight bluish tint. Zambian Emeralds are also highly regarded in international gem trade. Zimbabwe has a famous Mine called Sandawana; Emeralds from here have a delicate yellowish-green nuance.

Emeralds rank a 7.5-8 on the Mohs scale (used to determine gem hardness). Emerald is often referred to as the “garden” stone because nearly all have small internal cracks. Emeralds are susceptible to chipping with rough wear rather easily despite their hard ranking. Most Emeralds are impregnated with oil to mask cracks and enhance the stone’s brilliance. Emerald is the birthstone for May.