The term Emerald derives from a Greek word (smaragdos) meaning "green stone". Its green color is incomparable, and is therefore called "emerald green". The rich green shades remind many admirers of the regeneration of life in the spring. Emeralds belong to the Beryl group of minerals and are formed by heat in rising magma and metamorphism.

Most emeralds are one of three shades, Emerald Green, Green and Yellowish Green. Its color is very stable against light and heat, and only alters when subjected to temperatures of between 1292 - 1472 degrees F. A dark green is usually the desired color and only the finest stones are transparent.

Most real emeralds are clouded with inclusions because perfection in emeralds, as in all things, is among the most rare of nature's treasures. Synthetic emeralds are usually very transparent and have no real inclusions even when viewed with magnification. Some people say that they like the look of a created stone over a real one because of how clear it is.

Any emerald is rare because of the extremely exceptional conditions in which emeralds are formed. The beautiful green hues symbolize rebirth and life abundant. The larger the stone and the more vivid the green, the more valuable the emerald. Emeralds are well liked and there is usually a very wide selection of jewelry with emerald stones.