Emerald

Emerald is a precious gemstone, a vibrant green variety of the mineral beryl. Prized for millennia, its color comes from trace amounts of chromium and sometimes vanadium. Ancient civilizations from Egypt to the Americas revered emeralds as symbols of rebirth and eternal life. The finest specimens typically come from Colombia, though significant deposits exist in Zambia, Brazil, and other locations. Natural emeralds usually contain inclusions called "jardin" (garden), making flawless stones extremely rare and valuable. The gem's name derives from the ancient Greek "smaragdos" through the Old French "esmeraude," both meaning "green gem."