Gem of the Week: Emerald

Emerald is one of the most well known gems in the world, making up part of the gem trinity (Ruby, Emerald, Diamond). It's deep, true green color has been sought after for thousands of years and is still seen as one of the most valuable gems today. 

  

Emeralds can range from a deep, dark green to a lighter, translucent green. Lighter Emeralds are known as green beryl and are valued less than dark Emeralds. 
Emeralds are part of the Beryl classification of rock. Many other Beryl rocks are used as gemstones like Aquamarine. 

Some of the oldest Emerald mines are in Egypt, India, and Austria. Today's largest producer of Emeralds is Colombia. Emeralds have been found on every inhabited continent. 

Emerald is the birthstone for the month of May, and the stone associated with the star signs Taurus, Gemini, and Cancer.