Emerald.
Emerald, a green variety of beryl, gets its name from the Greek term smaragdus, which refers to a type of precious gemstone. Traces of chromium and vanadium produce the green color.
High quality emerald is more valuable than diamond.
Lore
Emerald has been treasured since at least 4000 BC when it was traded in the gem market of Babylon. Egyptian emerald mines were worked as early as 2000 BC. The ancient Greeks are known to have associated this stone with the goddess, Venus.
Like many green stones, emerald, is a stone of prosperity (perhaps because it has always been expensive).
". . . those whose hearts had been smitten by the shafts from Cupid's bow found in this stone an invaluable auxiliary, for it revealed the truth of falsity of lover's oaths. Strange to say, however, the emerald, although commonly assigned to Venus, was often regarded as an enemy of sexual passion. So sensitive was the stone believed to be in this respect that Albertus Magnus relates of King Bela of Hungary, who possessed an exceptionally valuable emerald set in a ring, that, when he embraced wife while wearing this ring on his finger, the stone broke into three parts." 1
Emerald " . . . can be used to enhance the memory and to stimulate the use of greater mental capacity. The emerald helps to combine intelligence with discernment, allowing for the choice of 'right' action to be the only choice available." 2
Medicinally, emerald is thought to be a curative for eye problems, it brings clear vision. It is also associated with clairvoyance, memory and intuition. "Engravers of gems and other artificers were accustomed, therefore, to keep an emerald in front of them while at work, believing it would rest their eyes to look upon it occasionally . . ." 3
Emerald is thought by many to help in a difficult labor or birth.
"The Egyptian Book of the Dead says that the god Thoth gave the emerald to the Egyptians. Embalmers were instructed to place an emerald at the throat of every mummy to give youthful strength and protection during the journey through the Underworld." 4
Emerald is one of the birthstones for May.
1) George Frederick Kunz "The curious lore of precious stones"
4) D.J. Conway "Crystal Enchantments: A Complete Guide to Stones and Their Magical Properties" pg. 88
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