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Emerald
Emerald (Be3Al2(SiO3)6) is a variety of the mineral beryl, colored green by trace amounts of chromium and sometimes iron. It is highly prized as a gemstone and by weight is the most valuable gemstone in the world, often made less so by inclusions, which all emeralds have. Beryl has a hardness of 7.5 on the 10 point Mohs scale of hardness. However, this Mohs rating is often adversely affected and can decrease, depending on the number and severity of inclusions in a particular stone.
Most emeralds are oiled as part of the post lapidary process. The amount of oil entering an emerald microfissure is roughly equivalent to the size of a period in print. Emeralds come in many shades of green and bluish green. There is a wide spectrum of clarity, along with various numbers of inclusions. Most emeralds are highly included, so it is quite rare to find an emerald with only minor inclusions.
Cultural and historical/mythical usage
Emerald is regarded as the traditional birthstone for May, as well as the traditional gemstone for the astrological signs of Cancer and Taurus. According to legend, the emerald has the power to protect the chastity of the wearer and to ward off evil spirits. Furthermore, it was believed to cure epilepsy and dysentery, and to aid weak eyesight. According to Rebbenu Bachya, the Hebrew word "Nofech" in Exodus 28:18 means "Emerald", and was the stone on the Ephod representing the tribe of Judah. According to other commentaries, "Nofech" means "garnet", and another stone, the "Bareqet", representing the tribe of Levi, is thought to be the emerald.
In some cultures, the emerald is the traditional gift for the 55th wedding anniversary. It is also used as a 20th and 35th wedding anniversary stone.
