Emerald is regarded as the traditional birthstone for May as well as the traditional gemstone for the astrological signs of Cancer.
Emerald is a gemstone of the beryl family, which also includes aquamarine and morganite.
Emeralds are also famous for their use in jewelry; they are among the top four most commonly used gems. The other three are diamonds, rubies, and sapphires.
Emeralds in antiquity have been mined in Egypt since 1500 BCE, and India, and Austria since at least the 14th century CE.