Emerald is a precious gemstone known for its vibrant green color, which is caused by trace amounts of chromium and vanadium. It is a variety of the mineral beryl and is highly valued in jewelry. The most prized emeralds have a deep, rich green hue and are often found in countries like Colombia, Brazil, and Zambia. Emeralds can be quite rare, especially those with few inclusions, which are natural imperfections within the stone. These inclusions are often referred to as "jardin," meaning garden in French, due to their plant-like appearance. The gemstone is also the birthstone for the month of May, symbolizing rebirth and love.