Emerald is a green colored, highly precious gemstone of the Beryl mineral family. It is one of the most reputed gemstones in vedic astrology. Wearing green emerald stone benefits the wearer in gaining improved thinking abilities and better expression of thoughts. Emerald has been synonymous with the color green since ancient times. A fine emerald is a truly breathtaking sight, and this member of the beryl family deserves its placement among the traditional “Big Four” gems along with diamond, ruby, and sapphire. Emerald is a medium or darker green to blue-green beryl gemstone, in which the green color is derived from impurities of chromium (Cr), vanadium (V), or a combination of both. The Egyptian mines that supplied Cleopatra's passion have long since been played out. However, today the African continent is second only to South America in production, with mines in Zambia, Zimbabwe, Madagascar, and Nigeria. Each of these locales typically produces a certain color, size, and clarity.