Emerald Minerals

The name emerald is derived from the Greek ‘smaragdus’ meaning “green gem.” Emerald is a gemstone specimen from the Beryl mineral family. According to birth charts, emerald is widely known and associated as the birthstone for the month of May. Emeralds obtain their various shades of green color from traces of amounts of chromium and/or vanadium.

They can be found in igneous, metamorphic, and sedimentary rocks in select locations mined around the world such as Zambia, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Madagascar, Columbia, China, Switzerland, Russia, United States, and Brazil. In Fact, Columbia actually is the main contributor and largest exporter of emerald production, producing almost 50% of the world’s emeralds.

In history, it is said that ancient civilizations located in Africa, Asia, and South America were the pioneers in the discovery of Emerald Gemstones. Historically, the first known emerald mines were said to be found in Egypt dating back as early as 330 BC. In the 16th century, emeralds were discovered by the Spanish in South America but Emeralds were being used well before their discovery by the Incas. Since then, for well over 5000 years Emeralds have become one of the most desired and valued gemstones. The majority of emeralds often times are always found containing some type of inclusions or imperfection, emeralds to be found with little to no inclusions are very rare and hard to find thus making them worth quite a lot.

According to ancient folklore, it is said that if one were to place an emerald under their tongue it would make it possible for them to gain the ability to see the future. Romans and Greeks believed Emeralds were a representation of the Goddess Venus which is why they perceived them as a symbol of love, hope, and fertility. In crystal belief, it is often said that emeralds are associated with magic and mystery. Green is known as the color of nature so its emerald was believed to promote a positive calming spirit.