What is an Emerald? What is Green Beryl?
Emerald is a green variety of Beryl, whose color derives from the presence of trivalent Chromium or trivalent Vanadium. In the 1790s, Louis Nicolas Vauquelin, who discovered Chromium, determined that Emerald and Green Beryl are essentially the same chemical compound. Emerald finally became an accepted variety name for Green Beryl in the 1830s, although some Emeralds contain more trivalent Vanadium than trivalent Chromium. All this is to say that Emerald and Green Beryl are widely considered to be the same gemstone, with the name Emerald being applied to specimens ranging from an opaque grey-green to a transparent vibrant green, depending on quality level. These high transparency Emerald stones are highly prized, often faceted for use in jewelry, becoming Emerald rings, Emerald pendants, Emerald necklaces, or Emerald brooches. Emerald stones with higher opacity and lower color vibrancy are sometimes polished into crystal spheres, gemstone towers, or tumbled stones, often with their surrounding matrix stone included. Other colors of Beryl stone are referred to by the names Aquamarine, Morganite, Heliodor, Maxixe, Goshenite, Davidsonite, Pachea, Red Beryl, or Rosterite depending on their color and mineral makeup. Truly, the Beryl group of gemstones provides a crystal rainbow!
Emerald Meaning and Metaphysical Properties
Emerald stones have been revered throughout history, and are viewed as supreme symbols of wealth, love, harmony, and personal growth. Associated with the goddess Venus, Emeralds are believed to invoke matrimonial peace, drawing beauty and abundance into the home to maintain its serenity and plenty. Emerald resonates with the Heart Chakra and is known as a crystal gem for unconditional love, strengthening relationships, and encourage happiness through positive self image and beneficial transformation. Emerald is a fantastic stone to use in crystal grids throughout the home to maintain a flow of positive energy and affection.
What Birthstone is Emerald?
Emerald is the birthstone for the month of May and is perfect for both of the May Zodiac horoscopes, Taurus (April 20 - May 20) and Gemini (May 21 - June 21). Dependable, hardworking Taurus will enjoy Emerald's properties regarding prosperity, opportunity, and peace, while charming, enigmatic Gemini will appreciate the affectionate energies and personal evolution that Emerald encourages in those who work with it. Gemstones such as Rose Quartz and Tigers Eye make wonderful companion stones for Emerald, with Rose Quartz focusing Emerald's loving intentions and Tigers Eye intensifying Emerald's uses regarding abundance, luck, and wealth.
