| The beautiful deep green emerald is a variety of | | | | associated with this lovely stone. The emerald |
| the mineral beryl and is considered a precious | | | | represented fertility and rebirth to the ancient |
| gemstone along with ruby, sapphire and diamond. | | | | Romans, and ancient Egyptians associated the |
| Emerald is a highly included stone, which simply | | | | stone with eternal youth. The emerald is also said |
| means it's naturally formed with tiny fissures and | | | | to have been Cleopatra's favorite gemstone. |
| flaws sometimes referred to as jardin (French for | | | | Among its more mystical powers, emerald is said |
| garden). Because inclusions are so prevalent in | | | | to cure diseases of the eye as well as ward off |
| emeralds, it is by and large assumed by | | | | childhood epilepsy. Other practical uses for |
| gemologists and the jewelry industry that any | | | | emerald according to folklore include wearing one |
| natural emerald has been 'oiled,' which is a | | | | to improve memory, enhance clairvoyance and to |
| treatment used to enhance clarity. The process | | | | sharpen intelligence. As if these properties weren't |
| involves filling the emerald's tiny fissures with | | | | bonus enough, emerald is also said to enhance |
| either a natural oil (usually cedar oil) or a | | | | love and contentment. |
| man-made epoxy or resin. It should be pointed | | | | So there you have it: Improved eyesight, no |
| out that lab-created/synthetic emeralds are also | | | | epileptic fits, improved memory, keener |
| highly included gemstones: Since lab-created and | | | | intelligence, ESP, love and contentment. All the |
| synthetic gemstones have the same physical and | | | | gifts that are said to come along with emerald, |
| chemical properties as natural gemstones, they | | | | the May birthstone. As if the gift of own one isn't |
| are also prone to the same flaws. | | | | enough! |
| There are many meanings and traditions | | | | |