Emerald
Name Origin: Emerald derives from the word “Smargos,” meaning “Green Stone.”
Historical significance/folklore: The oldest known mine in Egypt, dating 3000 B.C. Emeralds have traditionally been used on the left arm to protect travelers, or to protect form demons. It was said to protect from the ploys of magicians and could foretell the future. Greek miners were working the mines in the time of Alexander the Great, and later the mines yielded their gems to Cleopatra. Cleopatra was an avid emerald collector. Remains of "Cleopatra's Mines" were discovered about 1817, they are situated on the Red Sea coast. 16th Century Spanish explorers, who found large emeralds in the possession of the Aztecs and Incas, discovered South America's rich bounty of emeralds. The Moguls of India, including Shah Jahan, the builder of the Taj Mahal, loved emeralds so much they inscribed them with sacred text and wore them as talismans. Some of these sacred stones, called Mogul emeralds, can still be seen in museums and collections today. For example, one talismanic emerald is deep green and weighs 78 carats.
Gemstone properties: Emerald is known as the “Stone of successful love.” It brings loyalty to unity, creating unconditional love and partnership, brining harmony and focus. It has been said, that if it changes color, it is signaling unfaithfulness. If pale, love is waning. An emerald symbolizes rebirth and youth. Emeralds strengthen the owner's memory and quicken the intelligence. It promotes friendship it enhances mental equilibrium and metaphysical abilities.
Healing Properties: Memory, claustrophobia, detoxification, lungs, spine, muscles, heart.
