| − | 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]]. Emerald is the birthstone for May. |