Emerald, the birthstone for May, is a green variety of the beryl family and has a hardness of 7.5-8. Emerald, derived from the word smaragdus meaning green in Greek, was mined in Egypt as early as 330 B.C.They have been prized for thousands of years by numerous cultures worldwide. They were a symbol of fertility and life to the Egyptians, alchemists in Europe associated the stone with the God Hermes, and the Aztecans associated emeralds with the beautiful green quetzal bird. That signature green hue represents rebirth and personal growth—and okay, a little cash, too. But while money can't buy you love, emeralds might get you both—the gemstone is actually most associated with the Heart Chakra. Many also believe it can enhance memory and intuition. Known as a symbol of rebirth, it is believed to grant the owner foresight, good fortune, and youth. Today, most of the world’s Emeralds are mined in Colombia, Brazil, Afghanistan, and Zambia. The availability of high-quality Emerald is limited; consequently, treatments to improve clarity are performed regularly. Emeralds are believed to help the wearer heal over a heartbreak and are viewed as a stone of courage, love, intuition, and abundance.