Emerald
The ancient Egyptians mined emeralds nearly 4,000 years ago, and Cleopatra was an avid collector. South America's rich bounty of emeralds was discovered by 16th Century Spanish explorers who found large emeralds in the possession of the Aztecs and Incas. Believed by the ancients to empower the owner with foresight into the future, emerald is regarded as an amulet for good fortune
Emerald, to many, symbolizes rebirth and the abundance of the life force. The rich green hue brings to mind the regeneration of life in spring and hope of new possibilities. Emerald is the birthstone for May and a talisman for Gemini. More Information on Emeralds can be found here.
FACTS
MINERAL: Beryl
CHEMISTRY: Be3Al2Si6O18
COLOR: Vibrant green
REFRACTIVE INDEX: 1.577 to 1.583
BIREFRINGENCE: 0.005 to 0.009
SPECIFIC GRAVITY: 2.72
MOHS HARDNESS: 7.5 to 8
-Source AGTA, GIA
