Hardness: 7.50
Refractive Index: 1.57-1.58
Specific Gravity: 2.70
Birthstone: January, May, June, September
Astral Stone: Taurus, Gemini, Cancer
Anniversary Stone: 20th, 35th, 55th
Origination: Colombia, Brazil, the former Russia, South Africa, India & Australia
Care & Cleaning: Fragile: handle with care. To clean, rub lightly with a soft polishing cloth. A plain water rinse may also be used, but stay away from harsh cleansers such as ammonia. Do not soak.
Fiction, Facts & Folklore:
Some astrologers link the emerald to the planet Mercury, while others believed it to be a gift from the moon.
The Colombian mines of Muzo and Chivor are said to produce some of the worlds' finest emeralds.
Emeralds containing vanadium were discovered near Saliniha, Brazil in the mid-1960�s. Previously, only those colored by chromium were considered emeralds.
Emeralds are often submerged in grape seed oil, which sometimes contains an emerald-green dye.
Early Christians believed that wearing an emerald would guarantee their afterlife.
The Romans dedicated the emerald to Venus, the goddess of love.
Those emeralds consistent in color were thought to be a symbol of purity & loyalty.
Those showing more than one shade of green exposed a lovers� infidelity.
Folklore says that dreaming of emeralds meant good fortune ahead.
At one time, emeralds were thought to provide a cure for epilepsy.