Emerald Meaning and Healing Powers

Introduction to Emerald

Search far and wide and I doubt if you could find a gemstones with a more illustrious history than the gorgeous green emerald.

The ancient world only had one notable source for emeralds and that was deep in the deserts of southern Egypt.

Yet they were found across the old world from the markets of Babylonia to the medicine cabinets of China and the observatories of Vedic astrologers.

The 'one notable source' were the fabled Emerald mines of Cleopatra, worked for 1000s of years, lost and abandoned for 5 centuries and then rediscovered in 1817 by French mineralogist and explorer, Frédéric Cailliaud.

These mines provided the emerald gemstones so loved by Queen Cleopatra, worn by the Caesars of Rome, placed on Mummies to ensure everlasting youth in the afterworld and written about by the naturalist , Pliny, in the first century AD:

”No color is more attractive than their color …. it is the only gem that satisfies without tiring the eyes”

They may have had attractive coloring but they were revered as much for their medicinal use as their beauty. All the ancient cultures from east to west crushed emeralds into powder to treat various ailments from poison to epilepsy, to scaring off snakes and dragons and restoring vision. Even today poor quality emeralds are crushed for therapeutic use in China.

Emeralds were also highly considered in the New World, Incas, Mayans, Toltecs and Aztecs all used emeralds in their exquisite jewelry and when the Spanish conquistadors arrived, they quickly seized enormous quantities to be sold and traded around the world.

• Truth and Love
• Intuition
• Prophecy
• Re-birth and New Beginnings
• Fertility
• Good Luck
• Stone of Successful Love
• Freshness and Vitality

All emeralds are green, but only a particular intense green that is unequalled by anything else in nature can be a real emerald. If the emerald is considered too pale it will become simple green beryl or if it is too blue it might be considered an aquamarine.

The green color represents spring, vitality, new life, fertility and abundance. Green can mean young, immature, naïve as well as natural, lush, environmentally friendly, ecological and fresh but can also symbolize greed, envy and jealousy.

In historic times both red rubies and green emeralds stood for love but the ruby was a passionate almost violent love while the green emerald’s love was faithful, deep and everlasting.

Emerald is renowned for combating aging by rejuvenating and revitalizing debilitated organs. The May birthstone's connection to the heart is physical, as well as spiritual, and it is thought to treat cardiac weakness.

In addition, emerald can be useful in treating ailments and conditions of the lungs, liver, gall bladder, pancreas, and kidneys, as well as muscles, bones and joints.

Emeralds are best known throughout the ages as the top gemstone for treating the eyes and restoring eyesight. According to Pliny, ancient gem cutters and engravers would soothe tired eyes by looking at emeralds:

. . “when the vision has been fatigued with intently viewing other objects, it is refreshed by being turned upon this stone.”

Anyone who has spent the day staring at a computer screen could do with one of these easing gemstones.

A large assortment of illnesses may be treated by the use of emerald as a healing gemstone. These include cancer, colic, epilepsy, high blood pressure, skin disorders, syphilis, dysentery, vomiting, indigestion, asthma and anemia.

There was a time when emerald was highly prized as an antidote to poisoning. In fact, today there are Chinese folk healers still using the powder of poorer quality emeralds to create their medicines.

The Chakras are energy centers located about the body which influence your physical and mental well-being. Each point has an associated color, purple for the Crown Chakra, red for the Root Chakra and so on.

As a classic green gemstone, emeralds are associated with the Heart Chakra in this Hindu tantric philosophy.

Please read our Chakra Gemstones article for more details

From time to time in our lives the Heart Chakra like all Chakras can get blocked or become unaligned.

Some classic signs of a blocked Heart Chakra include feelings of jealousy, envy, anger, grief, dwelling on old relationships, inability to commit to a new relationship and feelings of self-loathing. Physically this can manifest itself in heart issues and allergies.

If a particular Chakra is out of alignment or blocked then there are various methods used to clear them. This includes the use of gemstones, usually based on the color of the gemstone matching the color linked to the Chakra.

The Heart Chakra is associated with the color green and as an essentially green gemstone, the emerald can be used to realign or unblock this Chakra. Find a quiet spot to relax and place the emerald over your heart, breathe in through the mouth and out through the nose and allow the gemstone do its work.

Yes, Emerald is the birthstone for the month of May

It is also the gemstone to celebrate the 55th wedding anniversary.

Please read our Birthstone by month article for more details

Emerald is traditionally associated with the star sign, Cancer. It is also an alternative gemstone for Taurus.

In the Hindu or Jyotish horoscope, emeralds are linked to Gemini and Libra, but remember the dates differ slightly in this zodiac system.

Please read our Zodiac Gemstone article for more details

Every now and then our gemstones need to be cleansed and recharged, especially if they have absorbed a lot of negative energy recently or worked hard for you in some emotional way.

Salt, smoke, sun and moon are just some of the ways to cleanse and recharge a crystal but we need to be careful which method we use as some can be adversely affected.

Emeralds are notorious for some of the treatments they receive to enhance their looks. These processes have been going on for centuries – oiling, waxing, fracture filling, even dyeing – but they can be affected by salt, heat, stringent liquids and so on.

For the safety of your emerald, I would suggest a simple running water cleanse and recharge of your crystal – under a fresh waterfall, stream or just the tap in your home will be fine.

We deal with enhancements in other articles on our website and if they are right or wrong. Right here, I would just say that GemSelect will always state clearly if any of our gemstones have received any treatments.

Green crystals in general are good for the family unit and should be placed in the eastern part of your home for most influence.

Emerald symbolizes growth, new life and abundance so putting one in a young child’s bedroom or play area (up out of reach perhaps) will give them the best start in life.

The south east part of your home is assigned to wealth and prosperity and, again, green gemstones such as emerald are most influential.

As emerald also represents new beginnings placing one in a part of the home that will be used for a new project or enterprise is a good idea.

See our Emeralds for sale here

Emeralds can be used in a variety of ways to help you throughout the day.

The nicest way is probably as a piece of jewelry. Not only does it provide a beautiful look but it will be kept close for maximum spiritual influence.

Emeralds can be made into any type of jewelry although if you are going to wear one everyday perhaps rings and bracelets may need protective settings to avoid chipping or breaking.

The emerald is most effective on the Heart Chakra so a pendant, brooch or necklace would keep this gemstone close to this chakra.

Or you could just carry one in your pocket, purse or bag so it can influence your activities and thoughts all day. From time to time you can reach for the Emerald and use it as a touchstone for extra strength or encouragement.

Emeralds can be placed about the home for decoration or to fill the house with beneficial spiritual energy.

They can be used during meditation and yoga and placed on the body for Chakra healing.

Emerald crystals can work wonders but you might need to give them directions as to what you desire from them. To charge your gemstone with an intention, ask the gemstone to help you in a particular way (speak out loud or silently if you feel a little self-conscious).

See our Emeralds for sale here

Green gemstones have traditionally been associated with attracting wealth and abundance and emeralds are amongst the most powerful green crystals.

Emeralds are certainly symbolic of wealth and money and are a gemstone of good fortune so one in the office at home or at work will help you reach your goals.

Wearing an expensive gemstone such as an emerald can also be a show of affluence and power which, in certain circumstances, can be beneficial in a business setting.

See our Gemstones for Wealth article here

Emerald promotes balance and healing in mind, body and spirit so it will set you up perfectly for a meditation or yoga session. It can clear the mind, open your heart and allow the spirit to communicate clearly and easily.

Please read our Gemstones for Meditation and Yoga article for more details

We all react differently to the spiritual powers of gemstones. Some people can wear the most powerful of crystals every day without an issue while others find certain gemstones overwhelming unless only worn occasionally.

Emeralds are strong but not usually too intense. I suggest wearing or carrying one for a day or two, if you feel a little overpowered or over stimulated, put it away for a day or two and slowly wean yourself back into wearing it every day.

Or you could just wear your emerald gemstone when you feel its presence is most needed.

See our Emeralds for sale here

Emeralds were associated with the Greek goddess of love, Aphrodite, and her Roman counterpart, Venus thousands of years ago.

In Hindu mythology, the emerald honored the goddess of food and nourishment, Annapurna, and in ancient middle east beliefs, the emerald was connected with Astarte, the mother-goddess.

My favorite association is with the Peruvian Emerald Goddess Umina. The Incas had an emerald the size of an ostrich egg which they believed was an incarnation of the goddess. On special days, the Incas held ceremonies for this goddess and brought smaller emeralds as gifts (thought to represent Umina’s daughters).

When the Spanish conquistadors arrived they discovered these troves of emeralds and quickly looted the temples but luckily not before the priests had managed to hide Umina. Her whereabouts are a mystery to this day.

Just as emerald gemstones can benefit us humans spiritually, they can also be used for our pets in much the same way.

Pets have a similar Chakra system as we do and gemstones can influence them too. The emerald is connected to the Heart Chakra and signs of a blocked chakra in animals include aggressive behavior, breathing problems and heart or vascular issues.

Emeralds can help with our pets but I do feel there are some better gemstones out there.

Please take a look at our special Gemstones for Pets article here

Emeralds have a long history of being used as elixirs or even powdered and mixed into a therapeutic paste (we do not recommend the latter).

A simple elixir can be made by popping a clean emerald gemstone into spring or mineral water and left overnight (in the moonlight would be ideal) and that is all there is to it.

Strained eyes can be soothed by this emerald elixir, while the same mixture can alleviate eye infections.

Drinking this elixir cool from the fridge or in a cup of herbal tea is excellent for treating gout and strengthening memory.

If you have a dream about an emerald it usually means something material is coming your way – money or gifts. Seeing someone you know wearing an emerald suggests they may need your help in some way.

If you see an emerald ring in a dream it could mean you will be getting married and starting a new life with your loved one.

Breaking an emerald in a dream is not such a good sign as it could indicate an impending break up so take it as a warning to work on your relationship.

Emeralds are thought to influence prophecy and visions, so keeping one near the bed may help with insightful dreams.

See our Emeralds for sale here

Emerald is generally a friendly gemstone willing to be a good team player.

I like its combination with any of the quartz family and with ruby – especially when storing as they can recharge each other very efficiently and powerfully.

Emerald can work with other members of the beryl family such as aquamarine, golden beryl and morganite.

According to Jyotish or Vedic astronomy emeralds are not suited to combinations with coral, pearls or yellow sapphires but you might want to consult a specialist as this can depend on birthdates and places of birth.

Emerald is a great gemstone for the workplace, it boosts mental ability, memory and concentration. It can be very calming and balancing for the emotions which can be very beneficial in the workplace.

It encourages loyalty, friendships, unity and brings wealth, abundance and riches – all great attributes for a successful business.

Pendulums are a great way to reveal concealed truths about yourself. Asking a gemstone, suspended from a string or chain, a series of yes or no questions, gives access to your subconscious and can be a lot of fun.

Emeralds can be used as a pendulum as they are a gemstone of truth and prophecy, but finding nice big gemstones can be an expensive process although we do have some stunning cabochons that would make amazing pendulums.

You could design your own pendulum with an emerald in combination with a more affordable quartz crystal which would be fun and effective.

Alternatively you can use a regular quartz pendulum suspended over an emerald gemstone.

See our Emeralds for sale here

All gemstones can be used as a defence but I feel there are a lot better gemstones available for protection against the harmful effects of the energy of electromagnetic fields given off by smart phones, wifi and computers.

Black tourmaline, amazonite and charoite gemstones come to mind.

Emeralds have been part of human culture since recorded history began. The legends and myths that surround this gemstone include such characters as Alexander the Great, Cleopatra and the Emperor Nero.

This intense green gemstone with unique and charming inclusions has been an item of fascination and desire across the globe from the mountains and jungles of the Mayan, Incan and Aztec empires in the Americas to the Roman, Greek and Egyptian civilizations in the Mediterranean and onwards to the Indian and Chinese societies of Asia.

The exquisite color may have caught the eye but the spiritual power and supernatural aura elevated the emerald to the very top of the gemstone hierarchy to join the celestial dream team alongside the sapphires, rubies and diamonds.

Please read our Emerald Information article for more details

Handy Guide to Emerald

Category	Details
Nickname	Stone of Successful Love
Color	Green
Chakra	Heart
Birthstone	May
Zodiac	Cancer
Main Virtue	Fertility and Re-birth
Health	Re-juvenating and Soothes Eyes
Gem Partner	Quartz and Ruby
Cleansing	Water
Goddess	Umina and Venus