Emerald
Said to bring renewal and growth.
Birth month crystals: Chrysoprase
Shop emerald
Meaning & lore
The word emerald goes back to the Greek smaragdos, meaning green gem. The oldest known emerald mines are in Egypt near the Red Sea, called the Cleopatra Mines, and emeralds for Cleopatra probably came from there. GIA says emerald's greens mirror the splendor of spring, and the stone is linked with rebirth, love and renewal. Few places on earth have the geology to produce it.
Caring for emerald
Emerald is fairly hard (Mohs 7.5 to 8) but is often full of natural inclusions and is almost always treated with oil. Rinse or wipe it briefly in warm soapy water and dry it. Never use an ultrasonic or steam cleaner, which can strip the oil and make the inclusions show, and avoid soaking it.
Birth flower: Lily of the valley
A symbol of sweetness and happiness returning.