May Birthstone: Emerald
May's birthstone is emerald. Emerald is green and traditionally associated with growth, harmony, renewal.
Modern U.S. list · reviewed by MyPiece Editorial · 2026-08-04
- Stone
- Emerald
- Colour
- Emerald: green
- Hardness
- Emerald: Mohs 7.5–8
- Zodiac
- Taurus · Gemini
Emerald
Modern U.S. list · term emerald
Green from a trace of chromium, emerald almost always carries an internal 'jardin' — a garden of inclusions that, far from a flaw, certifies the stone is natural. Cleopatra's mines lay in Egypt, but Colombia's Muzo greens are the benchmark the trade measures every other emerald against. Most are oiled to soften surface reaching fractures — normal, and worth knowing.
Traditionally a symbol of growth, harmony, renewal, and Mohs 7.5–8 — softer, so wear it gently and clean it with care. How to care for it →
Where does emerald come from?
Emerald is mined around Muzo & Chivor, Colombia. Historic Colombian sources associated with benchmark emerald colour. Emerald is mined around Kagem, Zambia. An important modern emerald source.
Mined around Muzo & Chivor, Colombia
Boyaca · Colombia
Historic Colombian sources associated with benchmark emerald colour.
Mined around Kagem, Zambia
Copperbelt Province · Zambia
An important modern emerald source.
Where is emerald cut and traded?
Emerald is cut and traded in Jaipur, India and Bogotá, Colombia.
Modern & traditional
Birthstone lists have shifted across cultures and centuries. This page follows the Jewelers of America modern U.S. list. Emerald is the modern listed stone for May. Emerald is May's stone on both the modern and traditional lists.
Common questions
What is May's birthstone?
May's birthstone is emerald. Emerald is May's stone on both the modern and traditional lists.
What colour is May's birthstone?
Emerald is green.
What does May's birthstone mean?
Emerald traditionally stands for growth, harmony, renewal — associations carried by custom, not science.
Where is emerald sourced?
Emerald is mined around Muzo & Chivor, Colombia. Historic Colombian sources associated with benchmark emerald colour. Emerald is mined around Kagem, Zambia. An important modern emerald source.
What is the Taurus and Gemini birthstone?
May runs from Taurus into Gemini, and emerald serves both in the calendar-month list. Sign-based tables can use different traditions.
Is emerald tough enough for everyday wear?
Emerald is Mohs 7.5–8; use a protected setting and avoid repeated knocks, scratches and harsh cleaning. Hardness is only one care factor, so the setting and the stone's condition still matter.
Sources & further reading
Emerald
- GIA - Emerald Descriptionchecked 2026-08-04
- Wikipedia - Emeraldchecked 2026-08-04