Emerald meaning & facts
Emerald is a birthstone for May. Emerald is linked with rebirth, love, wisdom and growth. It was a favourite gem of Cleopatra.
- Birth month
- May
- Colour
- Green
- Mineral
- Beryl
- Hardness (Mohs)
- 7.5–8
- Main sources
- Colombia, Zambia and Brazil
Emerald facts
- Its green colour comes from traces of chromium or vanadium.
- Most emeralds contain natural inclusions, sometimes called the stone's "jardin", French for garden.
- Emerald is the traditional gem for a 55th wedding anniversary.
Birthstones by month
Frequently asked questions
What does emerald mean?
Emerald is linked with rebirth, love, wisdom and growth. It was a favourite gem of Cleopatra.
What month is emerald the birthstone for?
Emerald is a birthstone for May.
How hard is emerald?
Emerald rates 7.5–8 on the Mohs hardness scale, which runs from 1 (talc) to 10 (diamond).
Gemstone meanings are traditional beliefs, shared for interest rather than as proven properties.