An emerald is a precious gemstone and a variety of the mineral beryl that gets its rich green color from trace amounts of chromium, vanadium, or both. It is one of the four traditional precious stones, alongside diamond, sapphire, and ruby.

Key Characteristics of Emerald:

• Color: The most prized emeralds are a vivid, intense green with slight bluish undertones. The depth of color is the most important factor in determining value.

• Clarity: Most emeralds naturally contain inclusions (called jardin, meaning “garden” in French, due to their moss-like appearance). Unlike diamonds, a certain level of inclusions is accepted and even expected.

• Hardness: Emeralds rank 7.5–8 on the Mohs scale, making them fairly hard but more brittle than sapphires or diamonds because of their inclusions.

• Cut: The “emerald cut,” a rectangular step cut with beveled corners, was named after this stone since it reduces stress during cutting and highlights color while protecting against chipping.

• Transparency: High-quality emeralds are transparent, but many are translucent.

Symbolism & Meaning:

• Long associated with rebirth, love, and fertility.

• Considered a stone of wisdom and foresight in ancient cultures.

• Traditionally the birthstone for May.

Sources:

• Major emerald deposits are found in Colombia, Zambia, Brazil, Afghanistan, and Ethiopia. Colombian emeralds are especially famous for their rich, saturated green.