Emerald
Emerald is a form of the mineral beryl. Its glorious green color arises from chromium and vanadium. Rarely flawless, emerald is often treated with oil to hide its imperfections. Perhaps this accounts of ancient legends that emerald will "sweat" or exude liquid when heated. The step cut, or emerald cut, also helps maximize the beauty of this stone.
The metaphysical properties of emerald include protection for travelers. Emerald is the stone of Mercury, the messenger of the gods who traveled widely to inform and warn mortals of the gods' intentions for them.
An emerald of the right shade of green is more valuable than diamond, carat for carat. The finest emeralds have been mined in South America for over 400 years. India, Zimbabwe, and Australia are other minor sources of emerald. Synthetic emeralds are grown in laboratories in Germany, France, and the United States.
Green is color of the heart chakra, and emerald is renowned as a stone of love and romance. The emerald is sacred to the goddess Venus, and is thought to preserve and strengthen love.
Emerald amplifies the voice of the heart, allowing intuition and clairvoyance to be heard over the rational mind's chatter. It strengthens hope and resolve, giving one the determination to live one's dreams. It can enhance the gift of prophecy. In the Christian faith, emerald is a symbol of faith and hope.
Emerald healing properties rule the heart and middle back. A healer may wear an emerald ring and pass hands about two inches above the affected area of a client's body to heal heart disorders, backaches, and dysfunctions of the spine.
The metaphysical and healing properties of emerald are said to be greatest at the time of the full Moon, and in the Spring when life turns green again. A high-energy stone, emerald can be placed in water overnight to infuse and elixir that is good for the eyes when poured into them.
Emerald is used in magical rituals to strengthen spiritual insight and as a scrying stone to foresee the future. With the proper rituals, an emerald can be charged with energy that brings love and romance into one's life when it is worn on the left ring finger. Similar rituals enhance emerald's ability to bring customers and good public relations to a business or professional. Ancient sages said that emerald's powers are enhanced by setting the stone in silver or copper.
Emerald is the modern birth stone for the month of May. Emerald is also associated with the Zodiac Water signs of Scorpio, Pisces, and Gemini. Mercury, emerald's planetary ruler, connects the stone to Taurus, Gemini, and Aries.