The name emerald comes indirectly from the Greek smaragdos, a name that seems to have been given to a number of stones having little in common except a green color.

Emerald is the birthstone of Taurus (Bull): April 20 - May 20.
Emerald is the anniversary gemstone for the 20th, 35th and 55th year of marriage.

Many virtues are ascribed to emerald. It is said to drive away evil spirits, and to preserve the chastity of the wearer. Emerald is said to bring wisdom. Believed by the ancients to empower the owner with foresight into the future, an emerald is regarded as an amulet for good fortune.

Today, most of the worlds emeralds are mined in Colombia, Brazil and Zambia. Zambia's Emeralds, mostly from the Kafubu area in the copperbelt is highly prized.