Birthstones connect people to the natural world through color and symbolism. May’s birthstone is a highly valued green gem. This gem has been recognized across cultures for millennia and is one of the four established precious gemstones.
Emerald: May’s Primary Birthstone
May’s birthstone is the emerald, a gem prized for its signature green color that perfectly mirrors the lushness of spring. Scientifically, the emerald is a variety of the mineral beryl, a beryllium aluminum silicate. The rich, verdant hue is not inherent to beryl but is caused by trace amounts of chromium and sometimes vanadium present during the crystal’s formation.
The most desired emerald colors are a pure, vivid green to a bluish-green with strong saturation and a medium to deep tone. Emeralds rank between 7.5 and 8 on the Mohs scale of hardness, indicating moderate durability. They are often susceptible to breakage due to numerous internal inclusions. These inclusions, often referred to as the “jardin” (French for garden), are so common that eye-clean emeralds are exceedingly rare and highly valued.
Colombia is recognized as the world’s leading source for gem-quality emeralds, producing a significant percentage of the global supply. Other notable sources for this gem include Zambia, which is known for its distinct bluish-green stones, and Brazil. These stones are formed under specific geological conditions where the beryllium needed for beryl is rarely found in the same region as the chromium that provides the color.
Symbolic Meaning and Historical Context
The emerald has long been associated with renewal and rebirth, a fitting symbol for the season of spring when May occurs. Ancient cultures linked the gem to life and prosperity, believing it brought good fortune and youth to the wearer. The very word “emerald” is derived from the ancient Greek word smaragdos, which translates simply to “green gem.”
Historically, the gemstone was highly revered by royalty and ancient civilizations, including the Egyptians, who mined the stone as early as 330 BC. Cleopatra was famously passionate about emeralds, often wearing them and claiming ownership of the mines in her kingdom. The ancient Romans connected the deep green stone to Venus, the goddess of love and beauty, making it a symbol of love and commitment.
Through the centuries, the emerald acquired a reputation for promoting wisdom, enhancing intuition, and providing clarity. It was often thought to possess protective qualities, serving as a talisman against evil spirits and revealing the truth. The emerald’s symbolism of growth and regeneration aligns perfectly with May’s place in the calendar.