Happy birthday May babies, your birthstone is the mighty Emerald. It belongs to the mineral family Beryl which also includes Aquamarine and Morgnaite. Emeralds have been used in almost every civilization as religious or protective symbols. Emeralds were first found in Brazil but today we recognize the emeralds from Colombia as the finest. What characteristics should you look for in emeralds? Emerald crystals tend to have many inclusions, cracks and fissures so a clean crystal is very rare and desirable. A deep, vibrant green is the most desirable color for emeralds and usually the most expensive. Emeralds have been commonly enhanced over the centuries because of the surface fissures that are associated with the crystal. Clear oils are applied to the emerald to fill those fissures and give the gemstone more life. Green tinted oils can also be applied to the gem but is not considered an acceptable practice as the oils will dry over time and the true hue of the gem will surface. Very fine emeralds are graded and certified by gemological laboratories which can tell if enhancements have beed used. Emeralds should never be put in cleaning solutions, ultrasonic cleaners, or steam cleaners as this force can cause the gem to chip or crack. A fine emerald should be worn for special occasions and not everyday.