May Birthstone
Emerald is the birthstone for May. A member of the beryl family, emerald is prized for its rich green color and rarity. It ranks 7.5 to 8 on the Mohs hardness scale and is commonly associated with renewal and growth.
May Birthstone | Description | History | Meaning & Symbolism | Color | Hardness | Care |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Emerald | Official May birthstone and a green variety of beryl. | Prized for centuries and associated with royalty, including Cleopatra. Ancient Greeks and Romans connected emerald with Venus, the goddess associated with love and hope. | Renewal and growth; also associated with truth, wisdom, intuition, foresight, loyalty, abundance, success, love, and harmony. | Bluish green to pure green, typically with a medium to deep tone. Vivid, evenly saturated green is especially valued. | 7.5–8 Mohs. | Clean gently with warm, chemical-free soapy water and a soft toothbrush. Avoid hot steam and ultrasonic cleaning methods. |
Popular May Birthstone Jewelry
History of the May Birthstone
Emeralds have been prized for centuries and have long held cultural associations with royalty, love, and hope. Cleopatra famously adorned herself and her royal jewelry with emeralds, while ancient Greek and Roman traditions associated the gemstone with Venus, the goddess connected with love and hope.
Historical traditions also attributed a range of powers to emeralds. They were once believed to promote intelligence and foresight, protect against evil spells, restore exhausted travelers, and bring good fortune. These beliefs are part of the gemstone's historical lore rather than proven effects.
May Birthstone Meaning & Symbolism
The May birthstone symbolizes renewal and growth. Emerald is also associated with love, patience, harmony, truth, intuition, foresight, loyalty, abundance, success, and emotional balance.
Emerald's connection with renewal also reflects its association with spring. Historically, the gemstone has been linked with fertility and good fortune, while modern symbolism continues to emphasize growth, harmony, love, and rejuvenation.
May Birthstone Color
The May birthstone is green. Emeralds range from bluish green to pure green, and are generally characterized by a medium to deep tone. The most desirable emeralds display vivid color saturation, with a deep, rich green that is neither too dark nor too light.
Color is the most important factor in determining emerald quality and price. While green beryl can appear similar to emerald, it generally has a lighter color than the medium-to-deep green associated with emerald.
Natural emeralds also commonly contain visible inclusions. These irregular internal patterns are sometimes called jardin, the French word for “garden,” and contribute to the distinctive appearance of many natural emeralds.
May Birthstone Hardness
Emerald ranks 7.5 to 8 on the Mohs hardness scale. This makes the May birthstone moderately durable, although natural inclusions can make emeralds more delicate than some gemstones with similar hardness ratings.
Because of these characteristics, emerald jewelry benefits from careful wear and proper maintenance. Occasional professional inspections can also help maintain the gemstone's beauty and durability over time.
May Birthstone Care
The safest way to clean an emerald at home is with warm, chemical-free soapy water and a soft toothbrush. Gently wash the gemstone rather than using aggressive cleaning methods.
Avoid ultrasonic cleaners and intense hot steam when cleaning emeralds. Many natural emeralds are treated with oil, so these cleaning methods can potentially affect the stone or its treatment. Professional cleaning is another appropriate option for emerald jewelry.
May Birthstone FAQ
What month is the emerald birthstone?
Emerald is the birthstone for May. It appears on both the traditional and modern birthstone lists for the month.
What color is the May birthstone?
The May birthstone is green. Emeralds range from bluish green to pure green, with vivid, evenly saturated green among the most desirable colors.
How many birthstones does May have?
May has one recognized birthstone: emerald. Emerald appears on both the traditional and modern birthstone lists, so May does not have separate gemstones for the two traditions.
What does the May birthstone look like?
The May birthstone, emerald, is a green variety of beryl that typically displays a medium to deep green tone. Its color can range from bluish green to pure green, and natural emeralds commonly contain visible inclusions known as jardin.
What does the emerald birthstone symbolize?
Emerald symbolizes renewal and growth. The gemstone is also associated with love, patience, harmony, truth, intuition, foresight, loyalty, abundance, and emotional balance.
Why is emerald the May birthstone?
Emerald is recognized as May's birthstone on both traditional and modern birthstone lists. Its symbolism also closely reflects the month, with emerald representing renewal and growth and carrying a longstanding association with spring.
WITH PURCHASE OVER $1,000.
USE CODE TENNIS IN CART.