The birthstone for May is the emerald, a precious gemstone renowned for its rich, vibrant green color. Emeralds symbolize rebirth, renewal, growth, and prosperity, making them a fitting representation for the spring month of May

. Emeralds have been treasured for thousands of years, historically associated with wisdom, intelligence, good fortune, and youth. Ancient cultures linked emeralds to the goddess Venus, symbolizing love and hope. The stone was also believed to have healing properties and protective powers

. Emeralds are prized for their beauty and rarity, with the most valued stones displaying a vivid bluish-green to pure green color. They are moderately durable, with a hardness of 7.5 to 8 on the Mohs scale, requiring gentle care

. In addition to being May’s birthstone, emeralds are traditional gifts for 20th and 35th wedding anniversaries

. In summary, the May birthstone is the emerald, a luxurious green gem symbolizing renewal, love, and wisdom, cherished both historically and today for its beauty and meaning.