May, a month synonymous with the vibrant resurgence of life, is heralded by gemstones that capture the very essence of spring: emerald and chrysoprase. These two distinct green stones share the honor of being May's birthstones, each offering a unique shade of verdancy and a rich tapestry of history. The modern birthstone list, established by the American National Association of Jewelers in 1912 and subsequently revised, officially associates both emerald and chrysoprase with the fifth month of the year. This dual designation provides those born in May with a choice between two stunning and meaningful gifts, one a celebrated precious gem and the other an affordable, joyful quartz variety.
Emerald, the more renowned of the pair, is a variety of the mineral beryl, prized for centuries for its intense green hue. It is considered one of the four precious gemstones, alongside diamond, ruby, and sapphire. Chrysoprase, on the other hand, is a translucent green variety of chalcedony, a cryptocrystalline form of quartz. While emerald has long been associated with royalty and opulence, chrysoprase carries its own lore of happiness and inner peace. This article will delve into the geological origins, gemological properties, historical significance, and cultural symbolism of both emeralds and chrysoprase, providing a comprehensive guide to the green gems of May.
History and Lore
The history of emerald is as deep and luminous as its color. Evidence suggests that emeralds were mined in Southern Egypt as early as 3,300 B.C., making it one of the oldest known gemstones. The ancient Egyptians revered the stone, and it was famously associated with Queen Cleopatra, who was known to have a passion for emeralds and used them extensively in her royal adornments. The word “emerald” itself derives from the ancient Greek word smaragdos, which translates to “green gem.” The stone’s allure extended beyond the Mediterranean. In South America, Spanish explorers in the 16th century discovered vast emerald deposits, leading to the creation of legendary artifacts like the Crown of the Andes. This magnificent crown, fashioned in colonial South America to adorn a statue of the Virgin Mary, contains nearly 450 emeralds. Lore surrounding the Crown of the Andes includes the story of its largest stone, the Atahualpa emerald, which was said to have been taken from the last Inca emperor, Atahualpa, by conquistador Francisco Pizarro. The reverence for emeralds continued into the colonial era, with treasures laden with the gemstone being sent from the New World to Spain, exemplified by the emerald and gold recovered from the sunken 17th-century Spanish galleon Nuestra Señora de Atocha.
Beyond its historical use in jewelry and art, emerald has been attributed with powerful metaphysical and healing properties for millennia. Throughout history, physicians from various cultures used the stone in attempts to cure poison and ward off infection. Legend holds that emerald has the power to make its wearer more intelligent and quick-witted. It was once believed to cure diseases such as cholera and malaria. The stone is strongly associated with rebirth and renewal, a fitting symbolism for a gem whose color evokes the lush gardens of spring. Today, emerald is the designated gemstone for the 20th and 35th wedding anniversaries, a testament to its enduring value and symbolism of enduring love and growth.
Chrysoprase, while less historically prominent than emerald, possesses a distinct and fascinating past. The name chrysoprase is derived from the Greek words chrysos (gold) and prason (leek), a reference to its characteristic apple-green color. Its first recorded mining occurred in Silesia, now part of Poland, during the 1500s. The stone gained significant popularity in Russian jewelry starting in the 1700s. By the 1800s, new deposits were discovered and mined in Australia and Brazil, expanding its availability and appeal. Culturally, chrysoprase has been linked to the goddess Venus, earning it the nickname “stone of Venus.” Metaphysically, it is believed to instill happiness, joy, and openness, and is also thought to provide inner peace and relieve anxiety. This contrasts with the more regal and powerful lore of emerald, positioning chrysoprase as a stone of emotional comfort and gentle positivity.
Geological Formation and Sources
Emerald is a beryllium silicate mineral, colored by trace amounts of chromium and/or vanadium. It forms under specific geological conditions, typically in metamorphic, igneous, and sedimentary rocks. The gem’s formation requires the rare combination of beryllium and chromium, elements that are not commonly found together in the Earth’s crust, which contributes to its rarity and value. Historically, the most significant emerald sources include Colombia, Brazil, Zambia, and Russia. Colombia, in particular, has been a major emerald producer for over 500 years, and its emeralds are renowned for their exceptional color and quality. The country’s geology provides ideal conditions for emerald formation, with deposits found in the Andean mountains.
Chrysoprase is a variety of cryptocrystalline quartz, specifically chalcedony. Its distinctive green color is not due to chromium or vanadium but comes from traces of nickel, iron, or copper impurities within the quartz structure. Unlike emerald, which forms in veins and pockets within host rock, chrysoprase often occurs as massive nodules or layers. Its historical mining locations include Poland (Silesia), Russia, Australia, Brazil, and the United States. The availability of chrysoprase is generally greater than that of emerald, making it a more affordable option for those seeking a green gemstone.
Gemological Properties
The gemological properties of emerald and chrysoprase differ significantly, reflecting their distinct chemical compositions and crystal structures. The following table summarizes their key characteristics based on the provided sources:
| Property | Emerald | Chrysoprase |
|---|---|---|
| Mineral Family | Beryl (a variety of beryl) | Chalcedony (a variety of quartz) |
| Chemical Composition | Beryllium silicate, colored by chromium/vanadium | Silicon dioxide (SiO₂), colored by nickel/iron/copper |
| Hardness (Mohs Scale) | 7.5 - 8 | 6 - 7 |
| Color Range | Vibrant green, bluish-green to yellowish-green; most prized is vivid grass green. | Apple-green, spring-green, yellow-green to blue-green. |
| Transparency | Typically translucent to opaque; often found with inclusions. | Translucent; prized for bright, uniform color. |
| Common Inclusions | Inclusions are common and often expected; can resemble a field of grass (French: jardin). | May contain impurities like iron oxide that influence color. |
| Toughness | Poor; often features surface-breaking fissures. | Not explicitly stated, but as a quartz variety, it is generally more durable for daily wear than emerald. |
| Typical Treatments | Oiling is common to enhance clarity; colored stones may be treated. | Natural material is never neon green; such a color indicates treatment. |
Color and Quality Grading The color is the most critical factor in grading both emeralds and chrysoprase. For emerald, the ideal color is a pure, vivid grass green without excessive blue or yellow tones. The presence of iron can impart a slightly yellowish tint, while chromium and vanadium provide the classic green. Natural emerald is never black, though heavy inclusions can make it appear dark. For chrysoprase, the most prized stones exhibit a bright, translucent apple-green or spring-green color without appearing too dark. Natural chrysoprase is never neon green; a neon hue is a clear indicator of treatment.
In terms of clarity, emeralds are almost always included. These inclusions, often referred to as the stone’s jardin (French for garden), are accepted as part of the gem’s character and are used by gemologists to distinguish natural from synthetic stones. Chrysoprase, being a translucent quartz, is typically cleaner but can contain impurities that affect its color. Regarding durability, emerald has a higher hardness (7.5-8 on the Mohs scale) but suffers from poor toughness due to frequent surface-breaking fissures. Chrysoprase, with a hardness of 6-7, is slightly softer but is often considered more suitable for daily wear due to its more durable nature as a cryptocrystalline quartz.
Symbolism and Metaphysical Beliefs
The symbolism of May’s birthstones is deeply rooted in their color and historical lore. Emerald, with its intense green, is universally associated with rebirth, renewal, and the vitality of spring. It is often called the “jewel of kings,” symbolizing wisdom, growth, patience, and eternal love. Its historical connection to royalty and its use in sacred artifacts like the Crown of the Andes reinforce its status as a gem of power and prestige. The metaphysical beliefs surrounding emerald are potent; it has been thought to enhance intelligence, provide protection from evil, and offer healing properties, particularly for the eyes and heart.
Chrysoprase, in contrast, symbolizes happiness, joy, and emotional openness. Its lighter, apple-green hue evokes feelings of peace and tranquility. Believed to instill a sense of inner calm and relieve anxiety, it is often used as a stone for emotional healing. Its association with the goddess Venus links it to love and beauty, but in a more nurturing and gentle way compared to the passionate energy often attributed to emerald. Chrysoprase is seen as a stone that promotes forgiveness, compassion, and a connection to nature.
Care and Cleaning
Proper care is essential to maintain the beauty and longevity of these gemstones, given their differing physical properties. Emerald, with its frequent inclusions and fractures, requires careful handling. It is susceptible to chipping or cracking from hard impacts. To clean emerald jewelry, use warm water, a mild soap, and a soft brush. Avoid ultrasonic cleaners and steam cleaning, as the vibrations and heat can exacerbate existing fractures or cause damage to any oil treatments that may have been applied to enhance clarity. Store emerald pieces separately in a soft cloth to prevent scratching from other harder gems.
Chrysoprase, while slightly softer, is generally more resilient for daily wear. It can be cleaned with warm, soapy water and a soft brush. Like emerald, it should be kept away from harsh chemicals, prolonged exposure to high heat, and ultrasonic cleaners, which could potentially damage the stone. It is also advisable to avoid prolonged exposure to strong sunlight, as some chrysoprase may experience color fading over time. Both stones should be stored away from harder materials like diamonds or sapphires to prevent surface scratches.
Conclusion
Emerald and chrysoprase, the two birthstones of May, offer a captivating study in contrasts. Emerald stands as a timeless symbol of luxury, power, and renewal, its deep green hue coveted by royalty and collectors for over three millennia. Its journey from ancient Egyptian mines to the treasures of the Inca and the jewelry of modern celebrities underscores its enduring legacy. Chrysoprase, while less historically opulent, provides a vibrant and joyful alternative. Its bright, translucent green and lore of happiness and peace make it a meaningful and accessible gem for those born in the spring month. Together, these stones perfectly encapsulate the spirit of May—a time of growth, rebirth, and the lush, verdant beauty of the natural world. Whether chosen for its historical prestige or its cheerful symbolism, a green gemstone from May offers a profound connection to the season of renewal.