Emerald, a green variety of beryl, gets its name from the Latin term smaragdus, which refers to a type of precious gemstone. Traces of chromium and vanadium in the crystaline structure produce the green color.
Emerald has been treasured since 4000 B.C. when it was traded in the earliest known gem market of Babylon. The ancient Egyptian emerald mines near the Reed Sea were worked as early as 2000 B.C. These mines were the main source of emeralds for the West until the 16th century. By this time, finer quality emeralds were being mined in Columbia. These Colombian gems eventually took their place as the world's most coveted emeralds. Mohs hardness: 7.5 Refractive Index: 1.56-1.60 Specific Gravity: 2.7 The toughness of emeralds is poor. Emerald may be cleaned by mild soap or an untreated cloth. DO NOT steam, ultrasonic, boil, or use jewelry cleaners! Origin: Columbia, Brazil, South & East Africa, India, Pakistan, and the Ural Mountains Color: Light, medium, or dark green
Today is the anniversary of the birth of Lyman Frank Baum, who was born in 1856. Lyman grew up to become a newspaperman and the author of one of the most famous children's stories in recent history. Lyman Baum wrote "The Wonderful Wizard of Oz". Baum wrote a series of Oz books, but this was the most famous.
He also adapted the story into a musical play. It then became the basis for the 1939 MGM musical, The Wizard of Oz starring Judy Garland, Margaret Hamilton, Ray Bolger, Jack Haley, Bert Lahr, Frank Morgan, and Billy Burke among others. The film, a classic, was nominated for six Academy Awards but won only two (Best Song: "Over the Rainbow" and Best Score).
Lyman Frank Baum's adaptation was adapted once again in 1978 as a Broadway show and film, "The Wiz" featuring an all-black cast.
1918 - Regular airmail service between New York City, Philadelphia and Washington, DC began this day, under the direction of the Post Office Department, a forerunner of the United States Postal Service.
1930 - Ellen Church became the first stewardess for an airline this day. Church was serving passengers flying between San Francisco, California and Cheyenne, Wyoming on United Airlines ... she served chicken, fruit salad and rolls. Today, the term stewardess has been banished. The men and women who serve on airlines worldwide are known as flight attendants. Remember, the exits are clearly marked and life support cushions are located beneath the web site. We'll begin beverage service in a few moments, after the Captain has turned off the "No Smoking" sign. Until then, please stay in your seat with your belt securely fastened and your tray table in the upright, locked position. Thank you for flying 440 Airlines...
1940 - Nylon hose went on sale at stores throughout the United States on this day.
1941 - Joe DiMaggio began his historic major-league hitting streak which ended after 56 games. The New York Yankees got Joltin' Joe off to a rather bad start, however, as they lost to the Chicago White Sox 13-1 at Yankee Stadium.
1964 - The Smothers Brothers, Dick and Tom, gave their first concert in Carnegie Hall in New York City.
1970 - "Close To You", the Carpenter's second album -- and the one that launched them to meteoric fame -- was released by A&M Records this day. The title song, "(They Long to be) Close To You", became a pop music standard and the first of six million-sellers in a row for Karen and Richard. In all, The Carpenters would have 10 gold records for singles and a dozen top ten hits to their credit. The duo won Best New Artist honors at the Grammy Awards in 1970.
1856 - Lyman Frank Baum (see "Wiz" Day [above]) 1902 - Richard Daley (politician: former mayor of Chicago) 1904 - Joseph Cotten (actor: film: Citizen Kane, The Third Man, Duel in the Sun, Hush Hush Sweet Charlotte, Tora Tora Tora, Duel in the Sun; Broadway: The Philadelphia Story, Once More with Feeling) 1909 - James Mason (actor: A Star is Born, Georgy Girl, The Verdict, The Boys from Brazil, Charade, The Desert Fox, Island in the Sun, Jesus of Nazareth, North by Northwest, Lolita) 1931 - Ken Venturi (golf: U.S. Open Champion [1964]) 1936 - Anna Maria Alberghetti (singer, Tony Award-winning actress: Carnival [1962]; Cinderfella) 1937 - Trini Lopez (singer: If I Had a Hammer, Lemon Tree, I'm Comin' Home Cindy; actor: The Dirty Dozen)
1960 Stuck on You - Elvis Presley Stairway to Heaven - Neil Sedaka Cathy's Clown - The Everly Brothers The Old Lamplighter - The Browns
1968 Honey - Bobby Goldsboro Tighten Up - Archie Bell and The Drells Young Girl - The Union Gap Have a Little Faith - David Houston
1976 Boogie Fever - Sylvers Silly Love Songs - Wings Love Hangover - Diana Ross What Goes on when the Sun Goes Down - Ronnie Milsap
1984 Hello - Lionel Richie Hold Me Now - Thompson Twins Time After Time - Cyndi Lauper To All the Girls I've Loved Before - Julio Iglesias and Willie Nelson