What are emeralds?
Emeralds are highly valued, deep green gems, deriving their color from chromium. They are the traditional May birthstone, though those born in May might require deep pockets to obtain a good quality emerald. The nature of their formation leads to a greater number of flaws in emeralds than in some other gems. Therefore, a relatively unflawed gem is rare and expensive. Emeralds can be found throughout the Middle East, but are now primarily mined in Columbia. Middle Eastern cultures valued the gems greatly, and representations of jewelry containing emeralds predate the Common Era. Cleopatra was said to have thought emeralds were the finest of all gems. The Maharajahs of India treasured the emerald as well, and old treasure collections of past Indian rule are filled with these marvelous green stones.
