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May

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Emerald

For more than 4,000 years, the deep "green fire" of emerald has been treasured as a symbol of eternal spring and immortality.

Just the facts

The green color of emeralds is unparalleled in the gem kingdom. Its beautiful green, combined with its rarity, makes emerald one of the world's most valuable gemstones. Interestingly, its name comes from the Greek word smaragdos, meaning "green gem."

Emeralds Include:

Colombian, Muzo Mine, Coscuez Mine, Chivor Mine, Brazilian, Pakistani, Russian, Zambian

Emerald	May's Birthstone
Major Sources	Afghanistan, Brazil, China, Colombia, Pakistan, Russia, Zambia & Zimbabwe
Colors Found	Green
Family	Beryl: Be₃Al₂Si₆O₁₈
Hardness	7.5 - 8
Refractive Index	1.56 - 1.60; Uniaxial (-)
Specific Gravity	2.67 - 2.78
Crystal System	Hexagonal