Emerald is a green gemstone and a variety of Beryl. It has a hexagonal crystal system and a vitreous luster. Emerald is considered to be a precious gem and takes its green color from traces of chromium and vanadium. Emerald is 7.5-8 on the Mohs hardness scale. Emerald meaning is eternity and everlasting love.
Emerald is found in large deposits in Afghanistan, Colombia, United States, and Zambia. Additional notable deposits are in Australia, Brazil, China, Egypt, Ethiopia, Italy, Madagascar, and Russia.
Emerald is mined at its primary deposit, still in in relationship with the host rock. In some cases, the mining is a byproduct of mining Feldspar, Mica, or Granite. In a few locations, Emeralds are the primary purpose of the mine. The gems tend to be found in small veins or on the walls of cavities. These deposits are often found deep underground.
For over six thousand years the world has long fallen in love with the gleaming green beauty of the Emerald stone. This gem holds its worth, with some stones even surpassing diamonds when comparing carat to carat. But beyond the exquisite expense and beauty, Emerald has so much more going for it. There’s a reason this gem has been enchanting royalty, jewelry makers, and philosophers for centuries. Even Aristotle was said to have been utterly charmed by Emerald, writing that - it should be hung around the neck to prevent the falling sickness.
The Emerald takes its name from the Sanskrit word ‘Marakata’ which means the green of growing things. We can’t think of a more poetic name for this stone of growth, love, and the power of rebirth.
One enduring theme that radiates from its leafy spring shades is the promise of eternity and love. Like all green gems and crystals, Emerald is linked to the heart chakra and the color green is also said to be the calmest shade our bodies and minds just want to drink in. Emerald has huge healing properties. It’s a symbol of romance and rebirth and is equally stimulating and calming. There’s a lot to love about this green beryl and for those who want to embrace the concept and spiritual meaning of eternity, Emerald brings that endless reminder, that even though all things must pass, the spiritual truth sits in a timeless being.
Vibrant and gleaming with pure unconditional love and health, just holding the Emerald stone can fill you to the brim with a bounty of joy. Even in ancient times, this stone was revered for its healing nature and worn by children of noble kin to keep them flushed in physical and mental finery. It’s a stone of regeneration, renewal, and recovery but also comes riddled with the ripest themes of harmony, compassion, love, and illumination. It shares the ruling planet of Mercury - the planet of intelligence and wisdom. For those seeking a stone that elevates and nourishes in many different ways, Emerald is here to brighten your energy.
Spiritual Healing Benefits:
Emerald encourages our spirit to grow! It helps us to surrender old visions of what “should be” and instead embrace the full potential of what “can be.” When used in meditation, Emerald can reveal conscious and subconscious beliefs that hold us back. When examined thoughtfully, these beliefs can soon be dismissed as utter nonsense and in their place new and more positive thoughts can take hold and grow. Emerald is particularly good for releasing scarcity thinking and instead cultivating abundance. A strong and open heart also allows universal blessings to flow into one’s life. Emerald stimulates not only the hope of wealth in material possessions and financial standing, but allows one to experience true abundance beyond mere wealth. Abundance is the ability to receive the gifts of Spirit within all of life’s experiences and embrace its manifestations with gratitude. It encourages trust that the Universe will provide for all of one’s needs and that there can be no lack in reality. Emerald connects us directly with the power of Divine Love and helps us to make choices that are life-affirming. It inspires us to be more compassionate and appreciative and to see the true beauty in everyone.
Physical Healing Benefits:
Aristotle was convinced that Emerald could help ward off the ‘falling sickness’ AKA epilepsy and it is still believed that the green gem can help to stabilize this condition. But even beyond epilepsy, Emerald can bring its regenerating rays to all parts of the body. Emerald is used by metaphysical healers to treat the eyes, sinuses, upper respiratory tract and the physical heart and liver. It is also believed to strengthen the immune system and help the body to recover from infectious diseases. It can help soothe headaches, allergies, and all manner of skin rashes and ailments. It can also sharpen memory, and help to temper gastric issues too. With its rejuvenating energy, it is also said to have the power to freshen up tired organs. From the liver to the beautiful beat of your heart, Emerald brings strength and power to all parts of the body. Emerald was also believed to be a stone of luck and fertility so for all those setting out on this journey, this could be a trusted talisman to carry with you.
Emotional Healing Benefits:
Emerald is the stone of “successful love” and is an exceptionally good crystal ally for both committed partners and anyone searching for a long-term romantic relationship. It enhances cooperation, understanding and inter-dependence, allowing us to merge with others without losing our own sense of self. Emerald also teaches patience, helping us to overcome setbacks and misfortunes, and stay hopeful for the future. It keeps our heart young, and allows us to remember our friends and lovers as they were when we first met and to never let our love for them grow stale or jaded. Emerald encourages us to show love and concern for others without fear of being rejected or misunderstood.
Emerald provides us with a broad and sensible vision, helping us to see situations clearly and understand different perspectives, without negative judgement. It increases discernment and encourages intelligence, helping us to make the best choice possible based on the current information. Emerald encourages us to be goal-oriented and to not let fears of failure or unworthiness hold us back. It enhances memory and helps us to stay mentally focused and pro-active. Emerald is also a stone of justice, asking us to step up and fight for what is right and to protect the innocent and those who can not protect themselves. It encourages us to grow up and set aside any petty selfishness and instead act with nobility and strength.
Chakra Healing:
The calming shades of green remind us of the deep sigh of relief that comes with spring after a cold hard winter. This is also reflective of how Emerald can feel in your soul. Emerald is a heart chakra stone, meaning that it is always here to help clear that tightly wound space around your heart and to make sure that you aren’t throwing up any roadblocks to love and self-care in your own way.
When our heart chakra is closed or out of balance we may feel timid in our approach to people. We may struggle with empathy or compassion and we may judge ourselves and others too harshly. We may also have problems with forgiveness and trust which can keep us closed off and locked in loneliness. When our heart chakra is wide open, we can trust in our own choices, we can love deep and wide, and we practice healthy self-care and compassion, cutting out the inner editor, and making sure that we remain kind and considerate to others and to ourselves. With this practice comes the chance for deepening into divine love and saying yes to universal blessings. There are also themes of eternity tied up in the Emerald stone which speaks to our sense of spiritual timelessness and letting go of mortal fears.
Cleaning Emerald:
As a precious gem and energetic partner, you should take some time to care for your Emerald stone. The best way to cleanse your emerald is to run it under warm water and to let any built-up energy wash away. You can cleanse it with a cloth and warm soapy water but be sure to avoid any harsh detergents or chemicals that may upset the balance of your beautiful gem. You also want to protect your Emerald from sharp blows and scratches. While it is a hard stone and hits highs on the Mohs scale, you should still keep it free from heavy knocks and blows in case you fracture it. Emerald loves love and this should reflect in the care and adoration you offer it.
If you want to lift your Emerald up and infuse it with energy you can place it in soft sunlight for an hour and let the light fill it right up with joyous energy. Other safe methods for infusing Emerald with energy include smudging, singing bowls, and placing it in the presence of geodes or other energy raising crystals too.
Once a symbol of status, there’s no doubt that Emeralds are fortune bringers. These rich and vibrant gems are here to fill your world with love and lasting pleasure. From deepening bonds to nourishing your deepest self, encouraging light and laughter, and cutting out fear and mistrust, this is a gem that wants you to experience the radiance of a life well-lived. Emeralds are forever, while they are pricey pieces, they will stay by your side for the rest of your days and long into eternity.