EMERALD

Chakra- Heart (4th);  Hardness-7.5-8; Element- Water

The proper name for the emerald is beryl, but there are different colors of beryl. Emerald Green is the color as well as the stone. When blue is added to the green, the beryl is known as Aquamarine. Pink beryl is morganite, yellow beryl is golden beryl, yellow-green beryl is heliodor. There is also a red beryl, but it is quite rare.  The finest emeralds are found in South America in Colombia, where they have been mined for over 400 years. The gem was a favorite in pre-Columbian Mexico and Peru, where it was cut in intricate designs. The treasure taken back to Spain by early explorers included emeralds.

Emerald derives it's glorious green color from the presence of chromium and vanadium.

Ancient mythology teaches us that the emerald was associated with the Mercury, who was known to be the messengers of the gods, and of travel. It thus makes perfect sense that the emerald is commonly referred to as the Travelers Protection Stone. Emerald is a stone of love and romance. It brings and enhances joy, cleansing, clairvoyance, memory, and faith. It also benefits intuition and communication, and promotes truthfulness. Emerald is associated with the heart chakra.

The emerald is the sacred stone of the goddess Venus. It was thought to preserve love. The emerald has long been the symbol of hope. It is considered by many to be the stone of prophecy. For some the emerald acts as a tranquilizer for a troubled mind. The emerald is said to bring the wearer reason and wisdom. The strongest time for the powers of the emerald is said to be spring.  Lucky for love, give your lover an emerald to stay faithful.  A lesser known "odd" fact of the emerald is that when subjected to heat, it will actually sweat or expel water. Ancient writings speak of this extraordinary phenomenon.

Healing

Emeralds are known to heal both the physical heart as well as emotional love. They can help backaches when worn on the index finder of the left hand of a healer.  A healer may use a ring while the patient lies on his stomach, the healer holding the ring about two inches above the backbone and create small circles, slowly up and down the spine.   A powerful high energy stone, the emerald strengthens the eyes, heart, immune and nervous systems.

The power of the Emerald is highest at the full moon. Some cultures thought the emerald would heal any disease of the eye. The emerald would be placed in a container of water overnight and the water would be poured on the eyes the next day.

Emerald is a stone of great harmony, wisdom and love. Giving your lover an Emerald will bring the lover closer if the giver's motives are pure love. The Emerald can be a bridge between 2 people. The Emerald vibrates with love.

Zodiac
Planets: Venus;  Traditional Birthstone for the Month of May.  
Stone of Taurus, Gemini, Aries