10 Strange Facts About Emerald Gemstone
Emerald, the gemstone of gods, is one of the most celebrated gemstones in the world. Known for its graceful green color, the enchanting gemstone has maneuvered everyone into believing that it is a symbol of truth and true love. In ancient Greece and Rome, the May birthstone was said to be the gemstone of the Goddess Venus who stood for love and hope. On the other side of the world, Egyptians believed that the green gem was a source of eternal life.
Emeralds come from a mineral named beryl that also constitutes other gemstones like aquamarine and green beryl. However, the major differentiator for these gemstones is the color and the presence of trace elements mixed in the mineral that helps the gemstone receive its shades! The presence of vanadium and chromium in the mineral beryl results in its sparkling green color.
These facts about emeralds coming to life definitely spark the question – What more interesting facts surround this stunning gem?
Excited to learn more about the magical green mystery that emerald is? Let’s dive in to learn more!
1. As Old as a Human Heartbeat
The presence of this stunning gemstone is said to be as old as the first human heartbeat. The unique antiquities were mined in 1500 BC in Egypt on Mount Smaragdus. The word emerald is derived from a Latin word ‘smaragdus’ which means green gem.
2. Emerald – Cleopatra’s Favorite Gemstone
Passionate about the green gemstone, Cleopatra was said to have fallen in love with emeralds and adorned both the palace and herself in emeralds as they were sacred symbols of immortality and fertility. Emerald has always been a favorite among the royalties and hence Cleopatra’s obsession with these dazzling gemstones can be explained!
3. Emerald is all about Royalty
One of the four most precious gemstones in the world, the emerald too enjoys the status of being one of the favorites among the royalties of the world. Not only do the royalties adore these gems but celebrities and common people equally love this green beauty. The Royal family’s collection of emeralds is enormous.
They can be found in the Queen Mother’s brooches and the Duchess of Cornwall’s symbolic Welsh pins; Princess Diana’s iconic emerald choker, which she wore with the matching earrings that were presented by Prince Charles on her 22nd birthday.
4. Emerald Symbolism
A symbol of love, rebirth, abundance, peace, and renewal, emeralds were thought to heal pregnancy and fertility problems, by the ancient Romans. The Egyptians also believed that this priceless gem could let people see into the future and relieve eye discomfort.
5. Strength and Durability
Emerald scores 7.5 to 8 out of 10 on the Mohs scale of hardness making it one of the hardest gemstones in the world that can be used on a day-to-day basis.
Emeralds adorned in the form of a ring, bracelet, earrings or a pendant make for a statement piece and should definitely be a must-have in your vanity.
6. Rarity of emeralds
One of the rarest of the gemstones, the emerald has paved its path to be one of the most valuable gems too. It is believed that emeralds are twenty times rarer than diamonds and hence are valued higher. Because of this rarity, emeralds command a higher price.
7. Emerald – The Only Gemstone with a Cut Named After it
The Emerald Cut is the classic rectangular step-cut given to any gemstone. It is the only gemstone that has received a cut named after it.
8. Anniversary Gifts
Generally, a precious gemstone stands to represent a wedding anniversary year. Emerald is said to represent the 20th and 55th year of marriage and hence should be considered as the precious gift that can be presented to your loved one.
9. Celebrities Green – Crush
Celebrities’ crush on green emeralds has been an everlasting love affair. Halle Berry, Victoria Beckham, and Jaqueline Kennedy Onassis have adorned the evergreen emerald on their hands which signifies their love for their better halves.
10. May Birthstone
Each month has been given a gemstone and hence, emerald is known as the May birthstone. People born in May are lucky to call the graceful green gemstone their birthstone. Emerald is said to bring luck to its wearers born in May.
Emerald – God’s own gemstone is the most loved and highly appreciated gemstone in the world. We hope you find the information here inspiring enough to consider buying one for yourself if not already done. There are a lot of emerald jewelry such as emerald ring, emerald earring, emerald neckalce, etc. at GemsNY at affordable prices.
