Emerald: May’s Lush Birthstone

Emerald: May’s Lush Birthstone

As May’s birthstone, emerald has captivated hearts for millennia, symbolizing rebirth and renewal. Its rich green hue is often considered the definitive color of spring. From Ireland’s poetic “Emerald Isle” to the gem’s own vibrant tones, this May birthstone has always stirred deep emotions and thoughts. Legends claim emeralds can make the wearer wiser and more quick-witted, and they were once believed to cure diseases like cholera and malaria. Today, emerald is also the gem for 20th and 35th wedding anniversaries.

祖母綠:五月豐茂的生日石

作為五月的生日石,祖母綠數千年來一直令人著迷,象徵著重生與復甦。其濃郁的綠色常被視為春天的代表色。從詩意的「綠寶石島」愛爾蘭,到寶石本身鮮豔的色調,這種五月的生日石始終觸動著人們深刻的情感與思緒。傳說祖母綠能使佩戴者更聰明機敏,並曾被認為能治癒霍亂和瘧疾等疾病。如今,祖母綠也是20週年和35週年結婚紀念日的寶石。


The Meaning and History of Emerald

From Egyptian pharaohs to Inca emperors, emerald has fascinated royalty. Cleopatra adored emeralds and used them in her royal jewelry. The legendary Crown of the Andes, created in the Spanish colonies of South America, exemplifies the reverence for this May birthstone. According to legend, conquistador Francisco Pizarro took the largest emerald (now known as the Atahualpa Emerald) from the last Inca emperor.
The word “emerald” comes from the ancient Greek smaragdos, meaning “green gem.” Roman author Pliny the Elder described emerald in his Natural History: “Nothing greens greener.” He also credited the gem with healing properties, especially for relieving eye strain—a claim modern science supports, as green light can reduce stress.
Emeralds were also thought to possess magical powers: placed under the tongue, they could reveal the future; worn as jewelry, they could make one an eloquent speaker and expose false promises from lovers.

祖母綠的意義與歷史

從埃及法老到印加皇帝,祖母綠一直吸引著皇室。克利奧帕特拉鍾愛祖母綠,並將其用於王室珠寶。傳奇的安第斯皇冠製作於南美西班牙殖民地,體現了對這種五月生日石的尊崇。傳說征服者弗朗西斯科·皮薩羅從最後一位印加皇帝手中奪走了最大的祖母綠(現稱阿塔瓦爾帕祖母綠)。
「Emerald」一詞源自古希臘語 smaragdos,意為「綠色的寶石」。羅馬作家老普林尼在其《自然史》中描述祖母綠:「沒有什麼比它更綠了。」他還認為這種寶石具有療癒特性,尤其能緩解眼睛疲勞——現代科學證實了這一點,因為綠光能減輕壓力。
祖母綠還被認為擁有魔法力量:放在舌下可預見未來;作為珠寶佩戴可使人雄辯並揭穿愛人的虛假承諾。


Where Are Emeralds Found?

For over 500 years, Colombia has been the standard for fine emeralds, with three famous mining areas: Muzo, Chivor, and Coscuez. Each produces distinct hues: Muzo yields deep pure greens, Chivor lighter bluish-greens, and Coscuez yellowish-greens.
Brazil’s Minas Gerais is another key source, with the technologically advanced Belmont Mine and the rugged Capoeirana region, where independent miners operate. Africa also contributes: Zambia produces deep bluish-green emeralds, while Pakistan and Afghanistan are significant sources.

祖母綠的產地

500多年來,哥倫比亞一直是優質祖母綠的標準,擁有三個著名礦區:穆佐、契沃爾和科斯凱茲。每個礦區出產獨特色調:穆佐產深純綠色,契沃爾產淡藍綠色,科斯凱茲產黃綠色。
巴西的米納斯吉拉斯州是另一個重要來源,擁有技術先進的貝爾蒙特礦和崎嶇的卡坡艾依拉納地區,後者由獨立礦工開採。非洲也有貢獻:贊比亞出產深藍綠色祖母綠,而巴基斯坦和阿富汗也是重要產地。


Caring for Your Emerald

With a Mohs hardness of 7.5–8, emeralds are more susceptible to scratching than diamonds. They are often treated to improve color or clarity. Common treatments include:

  1. Dyeing: Pale emeralds with many fractures may be dyed green.
  2. Fracture filling: Oils, waxes, or resins are used to fill surface-reaching fractures.
    Special care is required: avoid heat, pressure changes (like airplane cabins), and harsh chemicals. Never clean emeralds ultrasonically; use only a soft brush, warm water, and mild soap.

祖母綠的保養

祖母綠的莫氏硬度為7.5–8,比鑽石更容易刮傷。它們常經過處理以改善顏色或淨度。常見處理包括:

  1. 染色:裂縫多的淡色祖母綠可能被染成綠色。
  2. 裂縫填充:使用油、蠟或樹脂填充表面裂縫。
    需特別護理:避免高溫、壓力變化(如機艙)和刺激性化學品。切勿使用超聲波清洗;僅用軟刷、溫水和溫和肥皂清潔。

Explore the World of Emeralds

Wherever they are found, May’s birthstone is perfect for celebrating life’s milestones. Immerse yourself in the allure of emeralds at Virtucasa, where tradition meets curated artistry.

探索祖母綠的世界

無論產自何處,五月的生日石都適合慶祝人生重要時刻。在Virtucasa沉浸於祖母綠的魅力,體驗傳統與精選工藝的融合。


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