What Is My Birthstone?
May Birthstone: Emerald
Emerald
Emerald is the May birthstone, the green variety of beryl colored by chromium and vanadium. Fine emerald is rarer than diamond, and most stones carry natural inclusions that gemologists call the jardin, or garden, which is accepted as part of the gem's character.
Cleopatra famously claimed Egypt's emerald mines, and the stone has stood for spring and renewal ever since. Colombia still produces the most sought-after emeralds, followed by Zambia and Brazil.
Chrysoprase, an apple-green chalcedony, and green agate are the traditional alternates for May and cost a small fraction of emerald.
May birthstones at a glance
- Modern birthstone: Emerald
- Traditional birthstone: Emerald
- Alternates: Chrysoprase, Agate
- Color: rich green
- Traditionally associated with rebirth, love and wisdom
About Emerald
Emerald is a green variety of beryl, colored by trace amounts of chromium and vanadium. It's one of the four precious gemstones.
| Type | Precious Stones |
|---|---|
| Chemical formula | Be3Al2(SiO3)6 |
| Mohs hardness | 7.5 |
| Crystal system | hexagonal |
| Luster | vitreous |
| Streak | White |
| Cleavage | Imperfect |
- Cleopatra was famous for her love of emeralds
- Colombia produces about 70-90% of the world's emeralds
- Inclusions in emeralds are called 'jardin' (French for garden)
How to tell real Emerald at a glance
- Color: Green, Bluish Green, Yellowish Green. Look at a clean, dry surface in daylight. Color zoning, banding or spots are as diagnostic as the hue.
- Luster: Vitreous. Fresh surfaces shine like glass; a dull surface usually means weathering, so chip or wet a corner.
- Transparency: Transparent. Hold a thin edge up to a bright light and note whether light passes through.
- Mohs hardness: 7.5. It scratches glass, steel and even quartz; only harder gems will mark it.
Other stones on this page
Frequently asked questions
What is the birthstone for May?
The modern May birthstone is Emerald. Chrysoprase, Agate are also used.
What color is the May birthstone?
Emerald is rich green.
Are emeralds fragile?
They are hard (Mohs 7.5–8) but brittle, and most are oil-treated to hide fractures. Avoid ultrasonic cleaners, steam and hard knocks.
What is the difference between emerald and green glass?
Glass has round bubbles and swirl marks under magnification and feels warm; emerald has angular inclusions, is cold to the touch and scratches glass.
