Emerald

Emerald is a green variety of the mineral beryl. Other gemstone color variety that normally belongs to beryl includes aquamarine, Morganite, and heliodor. Other colors of beryl are simply referred as to by their color, such as red beryl.

The wonderful green color of emerald is unparalleled in the gem history. Emerald's precious green color is caused by its small amounts of chromium and enhanced by traces of iron. Unlike other beryl’s, emeralds are often contain inclusions and other flaws. These flaws are not looked on as negative aspects for emerald like that they would be for other gemstones. Indeed, these flaws are considered as part of its character of the stone and are used to assure the purchaser of a natural stone.

Culture and historical/mythical usage

Emerald is regarded as the traditional birthstone for May. According to legend, the emerald has a power to protect the chastity of the wearer and also to ward off evil spirits. Furthermore, it was used as a cure for epilepsy and good dysentery as well as to aid weak eyesight.

According to Rebbenu Bachya, the word "Nofech" in the verse Exodus 38:18 means "Emerald" and was a stone on the Ephod representing the tribe of Judah. According to other commentaries, "Nofech" normally meant "garnet". Another stone, "Bareqet", representing the tribe of Levi, and is instead thought to be the emerald.

In some cultures the emerald is also a traditional gift for the 50th wedding anniversary. It is also used as the 25 and 35th wedding anniversary

Emerald Ash Borer

Emerald ash borer (EAB), Agrilus planipennis Fair marine, is an exotic beetle, which was discovered in the southeastern Michigan near Detroit in the summer of 2001. The adult beetles nibble on the ash foliage but cause little damage. The larvae (the immature stage) feed on its inner bark of ash trees, disrupting the tree's ability to transport water and also nutrients. Emerald ash borer was probably arrived in the United States on solid wood packing material carried in the cargo ships and airplanes originating in its native Asia. Emerald ash borer is also established in Windsor, Ontario, which was found in Ohio in 2003 and northern Indiana in 2004. Since its discovery, EAB has:

• Killed at least 8 million to 10 million ash trees in the Michigan, Ohio and Indiana. Most of the devastation is in southeastern Michigan.
• Caused regulatory agencies to enforce quarantines (Ohio, Indiana, and Michigan) and also to fines prevent potentially infested ash trees, logs or firewood from moving out of areas where EAB occurs.
• Cost municipalities, property owners, nursery operators and also for forest products industries tens of millions of dollars.