 
The birthstone for May is the emerald.Emerald, a green variety of beryl, gets its name from the Latin term smaragdus, which refers to a type of precious gemstone. Traces of chromium and vanadium in the crystaline structure produce the green color. Emerald has been treasured since 4000 B.C. when it was traded in the earliest known gem market of Babylon. The ancient Egyptian emerald mines near the Reed Sea were worked as early as 2000 B.C. These mines were the main source of emeralds for the West until the 16th century. By this time, finer quality emeralds were being mined in Columbia. These Colombian gems eventually took their place as the world's most coveted emeralds. Mohs hardness: 7.5 Refractive Index: 1.56-1.60 Specific Gravity: 2.7 The toughness of emeralds is poor. Emerald may be cleaned by mild soap or an untreated cloth. DO NOT steam, ultrasonic, boil, or use jewelry cleaners! Origin: Columbia, Brazil, South & East Africa, India, Pakistan, and the Ural Mountains Color: Light, medium, or dark green
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