# May birthstone: Emerald

> The May birthstone is emerald. Its meaning and history, alternatives at gift-friendly prices, May star signs and pieces you can buy in the UK.

URL: https://www.starseeduk.co.uk/birthstones/may
Updated: 2026-10-30

The birthstone for May is emerald. The full list is emerald, with chrysoprase as an alternative. Emerald is green beryl. Green aventurine and jade are popular affordable green alternatives for a May birthday.

## May birthstones at a glance

- [Emerald](https://www.starseeduk.co.uk/crystals/emerald)
- [Green aventurine](https://www.starseeduk.co.uk/crystals/aventurine): traditionally linked with luck and opportunity, the 'gambler's stone'
- [Jade](https://www.starseeduk.co.uk/crystals/jade): traditionally linked with harmony, longevity and good fortune in Chinese tradition

## Where birthstone lists come from

The idea of a stone for each month goes back to the twelve stones on the breastplate of the Jewish high priest, described in the Book of Exodus. The modern list was set by the American National Association of Jewelers in 1912, and Britain's National Association of Goldsmiths published its own list in 1937. That is why some months have more than one stone.

## May star signs

May birthdays fall under [Taurus](https://www.starseeduk.co.uk/zodiac/taurus/crystals) (20 April – 20 May) and [Gemini](https://www.starseeduk.co.uk/zodiac/gemini/crystals) (21 May – 20 June), so a sign stone is another gift option.

## Gift ideas at every price

- Under £10: a tumbled jade or emerald in a pouch with a card.
- £10–£30: a pendant, bracelet or point in the birthstone colour.
- £30 and over: a sphere, a larger point or a set with a candle and incense. Orders over £40 travel free.

## Care

Hard stones (7 and above on the Mohs scale) can be washed in warm soapy water. Softer and porous stones need a dry cloth only. Each stone page gives specific care.

## Questions

**What is the May birthstone?**

Emerald, with chrysoprase as an alternative.

**What colour is the May birthstone?**

Emerald is green beryl.

**Is there a cheaper alternative to emerald?**

Yes: green aventurine and jade give a similar look or tradition at a lower price.

**Can I wear a May birthstone if I wasn't born in May?**

Yes, anyone can wear a May birthstone. Birthstone lists are a modern jewellers' tradition (set in 1912 in the US and 1937 in the UK), not a rule, and many people choose stones for their colour or meaning. Emerald, Green aventurine and Jade are the usual choices.

**What is the zodiac stone for a May birthday?**

A May birthday falls under two star signs, and each has its own traditional stones. Check your exact date, then see the [crystals for May](https://www.starseeduk.co.uk/crystals-by-month/may) page, which lists both signs' stones. Many people give the birthstone and a sign stone together.

## Related

- [April birthstone](https://www.starseeduk.co.uk/birthstones/april)
- [June birthstone](https://www.starseeduk.co.uk/birthstones/june)
- [All birthstones](https://www.starseeduk.co.uk/birthstones)
- [Crystal gift finder](https://www.starseeduk.co.uk/gift-finder)

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Starseed UK describes spiritual uses as tradition and belief, never as health or medical claims. UK delivery £3.95, free over £40.