Give me songs to sing and emerald dreams to dream and I'll give you love unfolding. — Jim Morrison
Emeralds are a vibrant alternative jewel for lovers, offering deep meaning and symbolism that transcend cultures. Rarer than diamonds, they have long been coveted by royalty, and even thought to have mystical properties. They are found throughout the world, and are particularly popular in Brazil, Colombia, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. This precious jewel ranks between 7.5 and 8 on the Mohs scale, making it a superb choice for everyday wear.
Read on to learn just how "the stone of successful love" can serve as a talisman to invoke and amplify its healing, protective, and rejuvenating properties and supercharge your life. Or, you could just wear a pretty pendant and leave it at that.
It is often assumed that diamonds are the rarest gemstones, but emeralds can wind up taking that crown. Compared to diamonds, quality emeralds are 20 times rarer.
Emerald is a variety of the mineral beryl, and its most defining characteristic is its color. While diamonds are assessed based on their clarity and lack of color, the emerald’s quality is determined by the tonal grade and the vividness and intensity of the green. The deeper, more intense the hue is, the more valuable the emerald.
Unlike other beryls, these glimmering green beauties are known for their inclusions. As opposed to being viewed as imperfections, their inclusions lend character to the stone as well as ensuring its authenticity. It is reminiscent of “un petit jardin” or “a little garden” , each boasting its own lush inner beauty.
Emeralds & Symbolism
Throughout history, emeralds have been thought to possess numerous medicinal, magical, astrological, and spiritual properties.
Emeralds have been revered since ancient times as the holy stone and were offered up to the gods by the Aztecs and Incas in exchange for good fortune. Greeks and Romans also believed that it held great power. The Egyptian royalty adorned their jewelry with emeralds, none more so than the romantic femme fatale herself, Cleopatra, who was notoriously never without her emeralds. As a symbol of eternal life, they even buried their pharaohs with them.
No matter what anyone says or does, my task is to be emerald, my color undiminished. — Marcus Aurelius
Talisman & Amulet
Among other gemstones, Emeralds, have long been believed to hold powerful protective properties. Modern ideas about birthstones, religion, the gemstones' healing powers, and New Age Metaphysics are all influenced by ancient apotropaic traditions. An apotrope is essentially a charm that’s meant to protect the wearer and ward off evil. These charms usually fall into one of two types: talisman or amulet.
A talisman is an auspicious charm is intended to bring good luck to the wearer. They are also believed to empower or instill confidence in the wearer. An amulet on the other hand, is an apotropaic charm that is intended to protect the wearer against evil. It is said that they can ward off evil spirits, negative energy, and illness.
Navaratna (also called Naoratna) is the most famous amulet and is still worn today. Hindu astrologers have long used the stars to guide their clients what stones-or combinations of stones-would be most suitable for them. In the Navaratna, meaning "nine gems," there is an emerald, ruby, diamond, pearl, blue sapphire, topaz (or yellow sapphire), cat's eye, coral, and zircon (or hessonite).
These gems each represent a celestial planet or deity, the emerald symbolizing Mercury. In Astrology, Mercury is the messenger planet of communication, intellect, creative expression, memory, and transportation. The gem itself is known to symbolize fidelity and true love, as well as enabling the wearer to become a more eloquent speaker. Due to their vibrant green hue, they have become synonymous with abundance — whether it is in nature or in finances. To be the most effective, emerald amulets are supposed to rest against the skin.
Emerald as a Birthstone
Since the days of the Bible, many cultures have flirted with the idea that gemstones represent the signs of the Zodiac and that birthstones can bring good luck, good health, and protection. In fact, astrologers have long attributed supernatural powers to certain gemstones. Each with its own symbolism, birthstones can serve as a talisman in rituals that invoke and amplify its healing, protective, and renewing properties. Or, you could just wear a pretty pendant and leave it at that.
The month of May is thought to have as many as six birthstones — Emerald being the most traditional.
Emeralds, being the stone of intuition and foresight, is said boost your mental clarity and resolve, bringing to light that which is unconsciously known. Legend has it that placing an emerald under your tongue will give you the ability to see into the future (but we don't recommend it!). Bringing about growth and renewal, as well as vigor and harmony with the arrival of spring, its vibrant green color makes them the ideal birthstone for May.
Love
“The stone of successful love”. In many cultures, emeralds have traditionally stood for love and fidelity. It is believed to open the heart chakra and promotes harmony and domestic bliss by enabling the wearer to both give and receive unconditional love.
Love is an emerald. Its brilliant light wards off dragons on this treacherous path. — Rumi
Heart Chakra
In keeping with their role as the gem of love, emeralds are associated with the heart chakra. Their healing properties promote emotional and physical well-being. As well as improving mental clarity and bolstering spiritual intuition, it fosters deep inner growth. A peaceful mind promotes healthy body functions, after all.
The Psychology of the Color Green
Green is a dominant color in nature that represents natural and forested environments. The human eye sees more green than any other color in the spectrum. It’s considered the most restful and relaxing on the color wheel for the human eye. It represents harmony, tranquility, and peace. The color green promotes stability and endurance. It is commonly associated with growth and renewal, as well as fostering optimism, and balance.
So there you have it, the benefits of emeralds so you can bring on the abundance and super-charge your life with natural good vibes.