The word “Emerald” is derived from Old French: Esmeraude, meaning “emerald” or "green” and a fine emerald must possess not only a pure verdant green hue, but also a high degree of transparency to be considered a top gem. Emerald is regarded as the traditional birthstone for May. . Emerald is a variety of the mineral beryl, colored green by trace amounts of chromium and sometimes vanadium. Emerald tends to have numerous inclusions and surface breaking fissures. Thus, if an emerald has no visible inclusions to the eye (assuming normal visual acuity) it is considered flawless. Stones that lack surface breaking fissures are extremely rare. Since most emeralds are highly included, their toughness (resistance to breakage) is classified as generally poor. Emeralds in antiquity were mined by the Egyptians and in India and Austria. Today, Emeralds primarily come from three main emerald mining areas in Colombia: Muzo, Coscuez, and Chivor. They are also found in other countries, such as Australia, India, Madagascar, Mozambique, Tanzania and Zimbabwe to name a few.