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Carlstadt, NJ—Better stock up on your Colombians, Zambians, and Brazilians: emeralds, that is, because it’s going to be a very green year next year.

The Pantone Institute, the world’s leading experts on color, has just named emerald green as the Color of the Year for 2013.

This should not come as a surprise to fashion watchers, as numerous permutations of green and blue-green have been fashion favorites for a number of seasons now, and the color is prevalent on the red carpet as well. But as Color of the Year, look for its popularity to spread across a wide variety of categories from home design to cosmetics and even automobiles.

The shade’s official name is PANTONE 17-5641 Emerald, which the Institute describes as “a lively, radiant, lush green.” It follows on the heels of Honeysuckle, a pink that was 2011’s Color of the Year, and Tangerine Tango, the Color of the Year for 2012, which was “a spirited, reddish orange, provided the energy boost we needed to recharge and move forward.” Now, emerald, “a vivid, verdant green, enhances our sense of well-being further by inspiring insight, as well as promoting balance and harmony.” (And, let’s face it, green is a much easier sell for cars than pink or orange.)

This is the official swatch for Pantone 17-5641, also known as "Emerald." Like the valued Colombian beryl, it has a slightly blue-based undertone.

The Institute acknowledges gemological roots of the color, saying the perception of “Emerald” is sophisticated and luxurious. “Since antiquity, this luminous, magnificent hue has been the color of beauty and new life in many cultures and religions. It’s also the color of growth, renewal and prosperity – no other color conveys regeneration more than green. For centuries, many countries have chosen green to represent healing and unity.”

“Green is the most abundant hue in nature—the human eye sees more green than any other color in the spectrum,” said Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of the Pantone Color Institute. “As it has throughout history, multifaceted Emerald continues to sparkle and fascinate. Symbolically, Emerald brings a sense of clarity, renewal and rejuvenation, which is so important in today’s complex world. This powerful and universally appealing tone translates easily to both fashion and home interiors.”