Emeralds are one of the most popular gemstones in the world and for good reason.

These gems are not only stunning to look at, but they also have a rich history and cultural significance.

This beautiful gemstone has captivated humans for centuries with its rich green color and remarkable properties.

Read on to learn all about May's dazzling birthstone.

1.
Emerald is one of the four recognized precious gemstones.
The others are ruby, sapphire, and diamond.

2.
The oldest emeralds are about 2.97 billion years old.

3.
Emerald came from the Greek word "smaragdus," which literally means green gem.
In Indian mythology, emeralds are called "marakata," which means "the green of growing things."
Emeralds are also known in Hindi as "panna."

4.
Emerald is the birthstone of those born in May with the zodiac sign Taurus or Gemini.
In astrology, it symbolizes wealth and is known as the "Stone of Prosperity" due to its color.

Related: 18 Fascinating Facts About May

5.
The rarest emeralds have an intense bluish-green color, which comes from trace amounts of vanadium and chromium.

6.
Emeralds tend to be more expensive than diamonds, as they are more than 20 times rarer.

7.
An emerald pendant necklace owned by Elizabeth Taylor sold for $6.5 million in 2011, breaking down to about $280,000 paid per carat.

8.
The Duke of Devonshire Emerald is one of the largest uncut emeralds weighing 1,383.93 carats.

9.
While most emerald jewelry comes with a high price tag, the Rockefeller Emerald reigns supreme as the most flawless emerald, valued at $5.5 million in 2017.
Initially featured in a brooch, this coveted gemstone was later re-set into a ring.

10.
Since the emerald is a stone of prosperity, astrologers recommend those in banking and money-related careers wear emeralds, especially Taureans.

Related: All About Taurus Zodiac Sign's Personality Traits

11.
Around 90% of the world's gem-quality emeralds are mined in Colombia. Colombia's mines aren't just highly productive; they also churn out some of the highest-quality emeralds in the world!

12.
Synthetic sapphire and ruby were created in 1907, but synthetic emeralds were not created until 1935 when American chemist Carroll Chatham successfully grew his first 1-carat Chatham emerald.
This stone is now on display at the Smithsonian Institute.

13.
In ancient Roman mythology, emeralds are linked with Venus, the goddess of love.
While in Greek mythology, they are associated with Aphrodite, who was gifted a giant emerald by Hermes, the herald of gods.

14.
Queen Cleopatra of Egypt was a fan of emeralds, adorning herself and gifting them to other dignitaries.

15.
In Hinduism, green is associated with the heart chakra, making emeralds a love gem and a heart symbol.
Spiritually, this gem is believed to calm emotions and lead the wearer to receive unconditional love.

16.
Emeralds need proper care and storage because they are more brittle and easily damaged, unlike other gems, due to their natural impurities.

17.
Almost all emeralds have some form of impurity, such as trapped gases. Unlike most other gemstones, these impurities don't always lessen the stone's value.

18.
From a Vedic astrologist's point of view, emeralds are strengthened by the planet Mercury and are believed to enhance a person's intellectual capacity.
Those who wear emeralds are said to have higher odds of succeeding in academics and passing examinations, as influenced by the position of the ruling planet.

19.
It is believed that emeralds possess healing powers; hence they are common elements of bracelets and necklaces and are prevalent in the crystal healing industry.

20.
In the Marvel cinematic universe, the famous Time Stone possessed by Doctor Strange is an emerald that gives the power to control time.

Sources
American Gem Society / Hindustan Times / Brilliant Earth / Fiore Wylde / Geoscience Australia / Allure / The Natural Emerald Company / Screen Rant / Diamond Rocks London / The Spruce Crafts / The Fact Site