Emerald gets its signature forest green colour from the minerals Chromium and Vanadium. This gemstone has similar hardness to steel (7.5 - 8 on Mohs scale) however is extremely brittle due to micro-fractures obtained during the mining process. The less micro-fractures an emerald contains, the more expensive it is.

Colombian emeralds are most sought after due to their high quality, rich colour and the Colombians' expertise cutting. 

Emerald is derived from the Greek words "smaragdus", meaning green. 

During Cleopatra's reign of Ancient Egypt, she adorned herself and her palace with emeralds as a sacred sign of fertility, eternal youth and immortality. She was also known to gift foreign dignitaries with emeralds to demonstrate her power and wealth.

In Greece and Rome, the ancient people dedicated the emerald stone to Venus, the goddess of love and hope. It is said that this connection was made due to the emerging of Venus from the sea in Greek mythology and the sea-green colour of the gemstone. Venus is the ruling planet of the Taurus zodiac sign, leading to emerald becoming May's birthstone.

Emeralds were known as mystical talismans, and were commonly used to protect the Mughal's in India and Ancient Egyptians from enchantments and spells. Aristotle also used these gems to bestow elegance and protect himself from bodily harm.

The ancient civilisations in Inca, Peru, worshipped a giant emerald, who was named Goddess Umina. 

Emeralds have held their position as an emblem of wealth, beauty and style over time, and have been worn by the likes of Queen Elizabeth, Grace Kelly, Elizabeth Taylor and Lady Gaga.

 

Emerald is linked to the heart chakra and is the stone of abundant love.

Physical
Emerald is known as a rejuvenating stone and is said to bring eternal youth. It is also said to aid the healing of the physical body, including the heart, lungs, liver, gallbladder and from malignancies. Emerald elixirs and emerald water is commonly used to aid eyesight, reduce gas and improve skin irritations such as eczema and rashes.

Emotional
Emerald's green energy is said to work powerfully on the heart chakra by resolving blockages and energy imbalances. This is said to increase empathy towards ourselves and others, strengthen loving connections, increase compassion and unconditional love, and makes one more open to receiving love.

Spiritual
This stone is very good for meditation as it is said to help rhythmic breathing, helping to deepen one's meditative state. Emeralds can also assist one with inner reflection and spiritual growth.

There is so much to love about emeralds, from their fresh forest-green colour to their ability to revitalise the spirit.