Emerald is a variety of a mineral species beryl. Emerald is the birthstone for the month of May and is designated for the 20th and 45th wedding anniversaries. The earliest recorded mines were located in ancient Egypt. Today emeralds are found in Colombia, Brazil, South Africa, Zambia and Zimbabwe. Emeralds occur in light to dark shades of yellowish green to green to bluish green.
Inclusions are acceptable in emeralds.
Stones of intense green with little or no inclusions can command very high prices. Emeralds are frequently oiled to enhance their beauty. This process is routinely performed on stones with internal fractures that reach the surface. When working with emeralds, high heat, steam cleaners, ultrasonic cleaners and chemicals must be avoided.