| − | [[Image:Emeralds.jpg |right|thumb|300px|]] '''Emeralds''' are one of the 4 "[[precious stone]]s", a valued [[gemstone]] most often having a clear dark green color. The emerald is a variety of the [[mineral]] [[beryl]] which derives its color from [[chromium]] and [[vanadium]]. It has a hardness rating of 7.5, and Specific Gravity of: 2.65 to 2.76. These gems are often used in [[jewelry]]. Emeralds have long been mined in [[Egypt]], and are also found in [[Pakistan]] and [[Colombia]]. In the United States, emeralds have been found in [[North Carolina]]. Emerald is the [[birthstone]] for May. | + | [[Image:Emeralds.jpg |right|thumb|300px|]] '''Emeralds''' are one of the 4 "[[precious stone]]s", a valued [[gemstone]] most often having a clear dark green color. The emerald is a variety of the [[mineral]] [[beryl]] which derives its color from [[chromium]] and [[vanadium]]. It has a hardness rating of 7.5, and Specific Gravity of: 2.65 to 2.76. These gems are often used in [[jewelry]]. Emeralds have long been mined in [[Egypt]], and are also found in [[Pakistan]] and [[Colombia]]. In the United States, emeralds have been found in [[North Carolina]]. |