
Description
Found in various depths of green, the word Emerald is derived from the word "smaragdus" which literally means green in Greek. It is a variety of beryl which is a mineral that grows with six sides and up to a foot in length. The deeper or more green an emerald is, the more valuable it is. The rarest emerald gemstone appears to be an intense green blue color.
History
Mined in Egypt as early as 330 BC, some estimate that the oldest emeralds could be 2.97 million years old.
During her reign, Cleopatra, perhaps the most famous historical figure to cherish this gemstone, sought to achieve eternal youth and beauty through the reflection of the most precious emeralds on her skin. She even claimed ownership of all emerald mines in Egypt.

In ancient mythology, the emerald was associated with Mercury, the messenger of the Gods and God of travel. Emeralds were the foundation of wealth of the Pharoahs.
Elizabeth Taylor's famous emerald pendant sold for 6.5 million dollars in 2011.
Astrology
The Emerald promotes harmony and balance and has been valued by all cultures and ruling houses in every period. It is the symbol of rebirth and is the birthstone for those born in the month of May.
Archangels
The emerald represents Archangels Haniel, Jophiel, Raziel and Raphael.
Healing Properties
Pliny the Elder wrote: "When the eyes are weakened, they are strengthened again by observing the emerald; the stones mild green expels weariness." Emerald fragments are effective when placed at the corner of the eye to stabilize vision or work against headaches. It promotes mental health, farsightedness and perceptiveness.
The Emerald is regarded as a powerful stone for all problems of impaired balance. It is used for multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's disease, epilepsy and vertigo. It is a stone of the heart, which works amazing during meditation, or dream work. It is an all purpose healing stone which deepens spirituality and consciousness.

Metaphysical Properties
The Emerald symbolizes hope, divine intuition, development and maturity. It is a symbol of loyalty, new beginnings, peace and security.
Chakra
The energy of the emerald flows best over the heart chakra.
Message

"With regal stature, I accept the honors bestowed upon me by Heaven's hand, and I guard your heart's essence, which is Divine love. Co-creating with me requires your full attention and lucidity since I operate at God's speed, and from thoughts to manifestation, our energies join to deliver the highest good. Behold-the mantle of univesal graciousness is draped upon your life as I compel you to function at the highest levels, ensuring that you walk an illuminated path with the brilliance of love as your guide. All you require and desire is yours when you focus on service, for if you respond with generosity, so shall you receive goodness in all matters. Similarly, when I'm in the hands of a healer, I expand their accessible knowledge and provide the strongest of green rays to heal broken hearts."
Resources:
- Crystal Theraphy by
Doreen Virtue, PhD
and Judith Lukomski
- Healing Crystals and Gemstones
Dr Flora Peschek-Bohmer
and Gisela Schreiber