May Birthstone: Emerald
May's birthstone is emerald. Green, and traditionally a symbol of growth, harmony, renewal.
- Stone
- Emerald
- Colour
- green
- Hardness
- Mohs 7.5–8
- Zodiac
- Taurus · Gemini
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 chiefly in Muzo & Chivor, Colombia — the benchmark — the richest 'old-mine' green. It's also found in Kagem, Zambia.
Muzo & Chivor, Colombia
the benchmark — the richest 'old-mine' green
Kagem, Zambia
the leading modern producer
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 — the modern one was standardised by the American jewellers' trade in 1912 and updated since. Emerald is the modern choice 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 mined?
Chiefly Muzo & Chivor, Colombia — the benchmark — the richest 'old-mine' green.
What is the Taurus and Gemini birthstone?
May runs from Taurus into Gemini, and emerald serves both — though sign-based tables can differ from the calendar-month lists.
Is emerald tough enough for everyday wear?
Emerald is Mohs 7.5–8 — softer, so best kept for occasions or worn where it takes fewer knocks, like a pendant or earrings rather than a ring.