May Birthstone: Its Color, Symbolism and Meaning

Properties of the May birthstone: the grounding and protective emerald

• Birthstone color: Vegetable
• Chakra: Heart chakra
• Origin: Varied

Emeralds are a variation of the mineral beryl, making them closely related to aquamarine, which happens to be one of two March birthstones. They get their green color from chromium, according to integrative medicine and crystal expert Elizabeth Trattner, AP, DOMthe owner of wellness center The Helia House. Furthermore, they are often considered gemstones, alongside diamonds, rubies and sapphires. The gemstone usually comes from Colombia, Brazil and Zambia. However, they can also be found in Afghanistan, Pakistan, Russia, Australia and in some parts of the United States.

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Birthstone meaning and symbolism of emerald

The name emerald is derived from the Greek word emerald for ‘green’, which is appropriate, as the gemstone’s green hue is one of its most striking features. It was also called the ‘jewel of the kings’ and was long loved by the royal family, including Queen Cleopatra, who was said to adorn herself with emeralds and give them as gifts to dignitaries. The ancients also considered the emerald to be a symbol of rebirth and fertility, which also reflects the springtime energy of May.

“Emeralds conjure up images of lush forests and earth goddesses,” says astrologer and spiritual coach Tenae Stewartauthor of The Modern Witch’s Guide to Magical Self-Care. “They can help us channel this grounded, earthy energy within ourselves as well.” When you wear or carry emeralds, they remind you to tune into our physical body and focus on the here and now. According to Stewart, invoking the earthy beauty of the emerald can be particularly helpful “when you’re feeling disconnected, out of body, and too wrapped up in everyday realities that feel soul-sucking.”

In Vedic astrology, emeralds are commonly associated with Mercury, the ruling planet of Gemini, which rules communication, intelligence and reasoning skills. The gemstone is thought to help promote clear communication and increase one’s ability to express themselves. This makes it a useful stone for talkative and clever Gemini, the twins of the zodiac. The Emerald can complement these Gemini personality traits and help them combat overthinking and power through indecision. “This birthstone helps May Geminis ground their energy and calm their active minds,” says astrologer and spiritual teacher Jill Wintersteenthe founder of Ghost daughter. “It can also help focus their thoughts, making them more impactful when they share them with others.”

According to astrologer Rachel Langauthor of Modern magicEmeralds are also associated with planet Venus. “Taurus is the child of Venus, so it is no surprise that they are sensual, tactile and sensory beings,” says astrologer Courtney O’Reilly from Vibrant Soul Astrology told Well+Good. Combined with the fact that Taurus are fixed signs, they are steadfast and reliable, even when it comes to love and relationships. “Emeralds represent stable, heart-centered love and loyal commitments in a relationship,” says Lang, making it ideal for enhancing the characteristics inherent in Taurus.

According to Dr. Trattner, the vibrant green emerald also resonates with the heart chakra or Anahata, who manages all affairs of the heart. Emeralds are believed to promote love, compassion and forgiveness, qualities associated with a healthy heart chakra. In addition to love, “emeralds are also about success and staying the course to overcome challenges,” says Lang. “Even if you don’t have much courage, the emerald can help you stay strong.”

Alternatives to the May birthstone

May-born Geminis and Taurus can also benefit from the energetic properties of other gemstones. In addition to emeralds, Gemini can also benefit from agate, chalcedony and rock crystal. According to Wintersteen, “agate helps ground their energy and nervous system,” while “chalcedony works to integrate their mind, body, and spirit.” Additionally, blue-hued chalcedony is beneficial for imparting verbal wisdom — “something Gemini Suns love to do,” says Wintersteen. Clear quartz, also known as a healing crystal, helps Geminis “get rid of negative vibrations like gossip” and “align with higher vibrations that convey pure communication,” she says.

Taurus can also benefit greatly from opal, green onyx and jade, each of which has their own energetic properties. Opal, and especially pink opal, can offer Taurus peace and tranquility, says Wintersteen. Like emerald, green onyx can be a protective crystal, helping protect Taurus energy from negativity. “It also lifts them out of their comfort zone and into new beginnings,” she says. Finally, jade can also provide energetic protection and usher in all forms of abundance.

What are birthstones?

Birthstones are gemstones that represent a person’s birth month or zodiac sign. Their origins are believed to date back to Biblical times, and the first-century historian Flavius ​​Josephus associated the twelve gemstones on Aaron’s breastplate in the Book of Exodus with the months of the year and the twelve constellations. However, the custom of wearing an individual gemstone every month only began in Germany and Poland around the 15th or 16th century. Birthstones also appear to have their origins in Eastern culture. The Ratna Pariksha, a fifth-century Hindu text, linked specific gemstones to gods, celestial bodies and days of the week, while Vedic astrologers recommend certain gemstones to individuals based on their astrological birth chart.

In 1912, the American Council Association of Jewelers (currently known as the Jewelers of America) created a standardized list of birthstones in the United States. This list was updated by the Jewelry Industry Council of America and later by The American Gem Trade Association to include new types of birthstones for certain months of the year.

An overview of the birthstones for each month of the year

Do you want to choose a crystal that corresponds to your birth month? Here is a quick overview of the birthstones for each month of the year:

Frequently asked questions about the May birthstone

Does Taurus have two birthstones?

Taurus is associated with several birthstones. Taurus is usually associated with diamonds, the traditional birthstone for April, diamonds and emeralds, the birthstone for the month of May.

What are the two birthstones of Gemini?

Born in the period of May 21 and June 21, the twin signs can claim emerald, the May birthstone, or pearl, alexandrite or moonstone as their birthstones if they were born in June.