May birthstone

Emerald: the May birthstone

Emerald symbolizes rebirth, love, wisdom and growth. Its color, history, care, value and where it comes from.

Birth month: May
Hardness: 7.5–8 Mohs
Anniversary: 20th & 35th
Sources: Colombia, Zambia, Brazil, Zimbabwe and Afghanistan

Color

Bluish green to pure green. Most emeralds have visible inclusions, which the trade calls "jardin" (garden).

#1F7A4D #2E9C63 #11502F

History & lore

Cleopatra was famous for her love of emeralds and claimed Egyptian emerald mines as her own. The Spanish took huge Colombian emeralds back to Europe in the 1500s, and Colombia still produces the most prized stones.

Care

Hard but brittle, and usually oil-treated. Skip ultrasonic cleaners and steam. Wipe gently and remove before hard work.

Value

Fine emeralds can rival diamond prices. Lab-created emeralds are an affordable, beautiful alternative.

Shop emerald

Emerald jewelry on Amazon →

We may earn a commission on purchases, at no extra cost to you. Disclosure.

May jewelry ideas May birth flower

Questions, answered

What month is emerald the birthstone for?

Emerald is the May birthstone.

What does emerald symbolize?

Emerald symbolizes rebirth, love, wisdom and growth.

How hard is emerald?

Emerald is 7.5–8 on the Mohs scale. Hard but brittle, and usually oil-treated. Skip ultrasonic cleaners and steam. Wipe gently and remove before hard work.

Where is emerald found?

Colombia, Zambia, Brazil, Zimbabwe and Afghanistan.