Emerald
Rich green · Rebirth, love and hope.
- Modern birthstone
- Emerald
- Also recognised
- Chrysoprase, Agate
- Colour
- Rich green
- Hardness
- 7.5 to 8 Mohs
- Zodiac signs
- Taurus, Gemini
The May birthstone: Emerald
Emerald is the lush green birthstone of May, coloured by traces of chromium. Long associated with spring and renewal, it was Cleopatra's favourite gem and has stood for hope and new love for thousands of years.
As a colour, Emerald sits in the rich green range, which is part of why it feels so tied to the season. If you were born in May, this is the gem most jewellers and birthday charts will point you to, and the one that appears on a modern birthstone card.
What the May birthstone means
In the older lore, Emerald was linked to rebirth, love and hope. That symbolism is a tradition rather than a fact, but it is the reason the stone has stayed meaningful as a birthday gift for so long. Different cultures added their own associations, yet the core meaning has held remarkably steady.
Alternative May birthstones
May is not limited to a single stone. Alongside Emerald, the month is also linked to Chrysoprase and Agate. Any of these is a valid May birthstone, so you can pick the colour and meaning that suits you best.
May birth flower and zodiac signs
A birthstone is only part of the picture. The May birth flower is the Lily of the Valley, and anyone born this month falls under Taurus or Gemini. For everything about the month in one place, see the May overview.
Frequently asked questions
What is the May birthstone?
The May birthstone is Emerald, a rich green gem. It also has Chrysoprase and Agate as recognised alternatives.
What colour is the May birthstone?
Emerald is rich green.
What does the May birthstone mean?
Emerald traditionally stands for rebirth, love and hope.
What zodiac signs fall in May?
Taurus and Gemini both fall within May.
Birthstones for other months
Last updated 2 July 2026.