The Encyclopedia of Crystals, Herbs, and New Age Elements: An A to Z Guide to New Age Elements and How to Use Them - Adams Media 2016

Emerald
The Power of Stones: Crystals and Gemstones

ORIGINS

Emerald is a variety of beryl that owes its green color to the presence of the metallic element chromium and sometimes vanadium. The color ranges from light to dark green, and it can be either transparent or opaque. It is a relatively hard stone (7.5—8 on the Mohs scale), but inclusions can affect its durability. Emerald deposits have been found in Brazil, Columbia, Egypt, India, and the United States.

HISTORY/LORE

Emeralds were first mined in Egypt, as early as 330 B.C.E., and the ancient Egyptian ruler Cleopatra famously loved the stone. The Inca and Aztecs of South America considered emerald to be a holy stone, but when the Spanish conquistadors arrived in the sixteenth century they exploited those deposits for trading. One of the largest and most famous emeralds is the Mogul Emerald, measuring 217.80 carats and about 10 centimeters high. Dating from 1695, this stone is inscribed with Islamic prayers on one side and engraved with flowers on the other. In 2001, it was auctioned off at Christie’s of London to an anonymous buyer for $2.2 million.

USES

Healing Uses: Emerald stimulates the heart chakra and has a healing effect on both the emotions and the physical heart. It is also beneficial for the eyes, lungs, spine, and muscles. Worn around the neck, emerald can ease the effects of epilepsy and seizures. Emerald also aids in recovery from infectious disease.

Magical Uses: Emerald enhances loyalty, unity, and unconditional love, but if the stone changes color it is a sign of unfaithfulness. Wear this stone to ward off negativity and encourage positive actions, but do not wear it constantly, as this can trigger negative emotions. Emerald is especially helpful for enhancing psychic abilities and clairvoyance.

Feng Shui Uses: In feng shui, the color green is associated with wood energy, which encourages growth and new beginnings and enhances vitality and abundance. Place emerald stones in the eastern and southeastern areas of a space as well as the Family/Foundation sector of the home to bring domestic bliss.

Personal/Spiritual Growth: Emerald is the birthstone for the month of May. Working through the heart chakra, this stone balances the emotions, strengthens the connection to the divine, and provides support on one’s spiritual journey. Emerald is excellent for meditation, as it focuses intention, raises consciousness, and gathers wisdom; just be sure to use a clear and not an opaque variety of the stone for meditation.