Guide to Know Types of Black Gemstones: Black Precious & Semi-precious Stones

In recent years, there has been a noticeable trend towards the use of black gemstones in jewelry. This reflects a shift towards darker, edgier, and more sophisticated styles. Black gemstones such as black diamonds, onyx, obsidian, and black spinel have gained popularity in the fashion world for their striking appearance and versatility. Black gemstones add a touch of sophistication and glamour to any piece of jewelry, whether used as a focal point or accent stone. Join Juyoyo to learn more about the different types of black gemstones, including black precious stones and black semi-precious stones, in terms of their characteristics, advantages, and disadvantages.

• Black Diamond
• Black Sapphire
• Black Onyx
• Black Opal
• Black Rutile Quartz
• Black Jet
• Black Garnet
• Black Spinel
• Black Agate
• Black Moonstone
• Obsidian
• Black Jade
• Black Tourmaline (Schorl)
• Tahitian Pearl (Black)

 

Precious Stones vs. Semi-Precious Stones

Before learning about the types of black gemstones, you should understand precious and semi-precious gemstones.

Precious Stones

Precious stones are rare and valuable minerals that are often used in jewelry and other decorative items. These stones are valued for their beauty, durability, quality, and rarity, making them highly sought after by collectors and enthusiasts. Royalty and wealth are associated with these stones.

Popular Precious Stones

Diamond: The most famous and valuable of all gemstones, diamonds are renowned for their brilliance, hardness, rarity, and clarity.

Ruby: Highly prized for its intense red color and rarity.

Sapphire: Prized for its hardness and vibrant hues of blue, pink, yellow, and more.

Emerald: Valued for its clarity and brilliance and known for its rich green color.

 

Semi-precious Stones

Semi-precious stones are gemstones that are considered less rare and valuable than precious stones. Although semi-precious stones are not as rare or expensive as precious stones, they are still highly valued for their beauty, versatility, and variety of colors and characteristics. Semi-precious stones are generally more affordable than precious stones. This makes them accessible to a wider audience.

Popular Semi-precious Stones

Amethyst: Known for its purple hue.

Garnet: Available in various hues.

Topaz: Often clear, but may come in a variety of hues.

Aquamarine: A blue-green variety of beryl.

Citrine: A yellow variety of quartz.   

Opal: Famous for its play of color.   

Turquoise: A blue-green opaque stone.

Historically, the rarity and value of gemstones have determined whether they are classified as precious or semi-precious. However, as many semi-precious stones are now highly valued, this distinction is becoming less relevant in the modern gemstone industry.

 

Black Diamond

Black diamonds, also known as carbonados, are a unique and striking variety of diamonds with a distinct dark color. Unlike traditional white diamonds, black diamonds get their color from inclusions of graphite and other minerals within the diamond structure. These inclusions give black diamonds their opaque black color. Black diamonds are often associated with strength, power, and refinement, and are also seen as a symbol of resilience and overcoming challenges.

Characteristics

Durability: Black diamonds are one of the hardest natural materials (10 on the Mohs hardness scale), making them extremely durable and resistant to scratches and damage.

Affordability: Compared to white diamonds, black diamonds are generally more affordable, offering a unique and luxurious look at a lower price.

Unique luster: The luster of black diamonds is different from that of white diamonds, which are more subdued and mysterious.

Brilliance: Despite their high hardness, black diamonds are brittle and prone to fracturing due to their numerous inclusions.

Birthstone Month & Anniversary: April birthstone; for 10th or 60th wedding anniversary celebrations.

 

Pros

• Mysterious and elegant appearance
• Superior hardness and wear resistance
• Symbol of power, mystery, and eternity

 

Cons

• Brittle, easily cracked in some way
• Less clarity and brilliance

 

Also Read: Moissanite vs. Lab Diamond: The Comprehensive Comparison 

 

Black Sapphire

Black sapphire is a variety of sapphire that has a deep black color, often with a high degree of luster and brilliance. Black sapphire is a variety of corundum, the same mineral that forms blue sapphire and ruby. It offers a unique contrast to the more commonly known blue sapphire but shares the same hardness (9 on the Mohs scale) and durability. Sapphire is associated with qualities such as wisdom, truth, and protection.

Characteristics

Durability: Sapphire is a hard and durable gemstone, ranking 9 on the Mohs scale of mineral hardness, making it hard enough to make into sapphire rings for everyday use.

Luster and brilliance: Black sapphires often exhibit high levels of luster and brilliance, adding a touch of sparkle and glamour to jewelry designs.

Affordability: Black sapphires are generally more affordable than black diamonds or other precious black gemstones.

Birthstone Month & Anniversary: September birthstone; for 5th or 45th wedding anniversary celebrations.

 

Pros

• Modern and edgy look
• Highly resistant to scratching with a hardness of 9
• Symbol of wisdom, strength, and protection

 

Cons

• Lower refractive index
• Lower clarity

 

Black Onyx

Black onyx is a variety of mineral chalcedony, known for its deep solid black color and smooth texture. Black Onyx is formed by the deposition of silica in gas cavities in lava, resulting in its characteristic black color and banded or layered appearance. Black Onyx is believed to have protective and grounding properties, making it a meaningful choice for those seeking gemstones with metaphysical properties.

Pear Shaped Black Onyx Engagement Ring for Women Vintage Diamond Cluster Ring

 

Characteristics

Versatility: Black Onyx is a versatile gemstone that can be easily combined with various metals and other gemstones to create bold and striking jewelry designs, like unique and popular black onyx rings.

Durability: With a hardness of 6.5-7 on the Mohs scale, black onyx is a relatively hard and durable gemstone, making it suitable for everyday wear in black onyx rings, bracelets, and necklaces.

Affordability: Black onyx is generally more affordable than other black gemstones such as black diamonds or black sapphires.

Birthstone Month & Anniversary: July birthstone; for celebrating 7th, 10th, and 35th wedding anniversaries.

 

Pros

• Sophisticated and timeless look
• Relatively hard and durable for everyday use
• A symbol of protection, grounding, and stability

 

Cons

• Susceptible to scratches
• Requires regular cleaning to maintain luster

 

Black Opal

Black Opal is a type of precious opal that has a dark body tone, usually ranging from dark grey to jet black, with vivid flashes of color known as 'play of color'. The play of color in black opals can include shades of red, orange, yellow, green, blue, and violet, creating an intriguing and dynamic display within the gemstone. Black Opals are believed to increase inner strength, confidence, and spiritual awareness.

Characteristics

Unparalleled beauty: Black Opals are highly prized for their striking beauty and intense play of color. The interplay of colors against the dark background is truly spectacular.

Rarity: Black Opals are considered one of the rarest and most valuable types of Opal due to their dark body tone and high-quality color play.

Versatility: Black opals can be set in a variety of jewelry designs, from opal rings and pendants to earrings and bracelets, allowing for customization.

Birthstone Month & Anniversary: October birthstone; for celebrating 14th or 34th milestone anniversaries.

 

Pros

• Intense play of colors
• Investment potential as one of the most precious black tones
• Symbol of creativity, protection, and emotional balance

 

Cons

• Can be fragile and sensitive to heat

 

Also Read: What are the pros and cons of an opal engagement ring?

 

Black Rutile Quartz

Black rutile quartz, also known as black tourmaline quartz or tourmaline quartz, is a type of quartz crystal that contains black rutile or tourmaline inclusions. These inclusions appear as dark needle-like or thread-like structures that are typically black and contrast with the clear or smoky quartz. It is believed to shield against negative energy and provide a strong connection to the earth.

Marquise Cut Alexandrite Black Rutilated Quartz Wedding Rings Curved Wedding Band

 

Characteristics

Metaphysical properties: Black rutile quartz is believed to combine the strengthening and cleansing properties of quartz with the grounding and protective energies of black rutile or tourmaline.

Accessibility: Black Rutile Quartz is relatively more accessible and affordable than other gemstones with similar visual appeal and metaphysical properties.

Versatility: Black Rutile Quartz can be incorporated into a variety of jewelry designs, from simple pendants to elaborate Black Rutile Quartz rings.

Birthstone Month & Anniversary: April birthstone; for celebrating 10th or 15th wedding anniversaries.

 

Pros

• Distinctive and eye-catching look
• Generally affordable
• A symbol of light, protection, and transformation

 

Cons

• Relative fragility
• Color variability

 

Also Read: The Benefits Of Black Rutilated Quartz Engagement Ring

 

Black Jet

Black Jet is a type of organic gemstone formed from the fossilized remains of carbonized wood. Jet has been prized for centuries for its deep black color and lustrous appearance. It is a type of lignite and consists mainly of carbon. It's light and can be polished to a high gloss. Black Jet is believed to repel negative energies and promote a sense of stability and balance.

Characteristics

Lightweight: Jet is relatively light compared to other gemstones, making it comfortable to wear.

Carveability: The jet is soft (with a hardness of 2.5-4 on the Mohs scale) and easy to carve, allowing for intricate designs and details in jewelry and decorative items. It can be carved into beads, cameos, figurines, and other ornaments.

Birthstone Month & Anniversary: January birthstone; to celebrate the 8th or 15th wedding anniversary.

 

Pros

• Relatively light and comfortable to wear
• Polishes to a high shine.

 

Cons

• Brittle and prone to breakage
• Limited modern availability.

 

Black Garnet

Black garnet, also known as melanite, is a silicate mineral composed of calcium, aluminum, and silica. It is a rare and unique variety of garnet with a deep black color. Black garnet is believed to symbolize protection, grounding, and strength. It is said to bring stability and balance to the wearer.

Characteristics

Rarity: Black garnet is considered a rare variety of garnets, making it a desirable and sought-after gemstone for collectors and jewelry enthusiasts.

Durability: Garnet is a relatively durable gemstone with a hardness of 6.5 to 7.5 on the Mohs scale, making it suitable for everyday wear.

Birthstone Month & Anniversary: January birthstone; for celebrating 2nd wedding anniversary.

 

Pros

• Its unique and striking appearance sets it apart from other garnets.
• A symbol of grounding, protection, and transformation.

 

Cons

• Less common due to limited availability and rarity

 

Black Spinel

Black Spinel is a natural gemstone that belongs to the Spinel family and has a deep black color. Some black spinels have a slight bluish or brownish tinge. It is often mistaken for a black diamond. In the metaphysical world, black spinel is believed to help dispel negativity and provide a sense of empowerment and strength.

Characteristics

Durability: Spinel is a durable gemstone with a hardness of 8 on the Mohs scale, making it resistant to scratches and wear.

Brilliance: Black spinel has a high level of brilliance and sparkle due to its excellent clarity and reflective properties.

Affordability: The deep black hue of black spinel is often compared to black diamonds, offering a similar look at a more affordable price.

Birthstone Month & Anniversary: August birthstone; for celebrating 22nd and 37th wedding anniversaries.

 

Pros

• Similar look to black diamonds
• Has a high degree of beauty and luster
• A symbol of protection and revitalization

 

Cons

• Less well known, so may be undervalued.
• Limited color variety.

 

Black Agate

Black agate is a type of chalcedony, a variety of quartz. It is characterized by its deep black color with bands or patterns of white, grey, or other colors. Black agate rings are a popular alternative to moss agate rings. Black agate is believed to have protective and grounding energies, giving the wearer stability, strength, and inner balance.

Characteristics

Durability: With a hardness of 6.5 to 7 on the Mohs scale, black agate is relatively durable and resistant to scratching and chipping.

Banding: Black agate is characterized by unique banding patterns, known as agate banding, which are created by layers of chalcedony and other minerals, adding visual interest to the gemstone.

Birthstone Month & Anniversary: Considered an alternative birthstone for the zodiac sign of Gemini (May 21 to June 20); for celebrating 12th and 14th wedding anniversaries.

 

Pros

• Visual appeal
• More budget-friendly
• Provides emotional support and stability

 

Cons

• Fade over time if exposed to strong sunlight or harsh chemicals

 

Black Moonstone

Black Moonstone is a variety of Moonstone, a feldspar mineral known for its unique adularescence. Characterized by its dark and mysterious black color, often with a blue or silver sheen when viewed from different angles, the black moonstone is a wonderful choice for a unique moonstone engagement ring. Black Moonstone is believed to have calming and protective energies, helping individuals navigate transitions.

Characteristics

Adularescence: Like other moonstones, black moonstone displays adularescence, a phenomenon in which light is scattered and reflected within the stone, creating a glowing or shimmering effect.

Opacity: Black Moonstone is generally opaque or semi-translucent, with a smooth and waxy sheen that enhances its mysterious and ethereal quality.

Birthstone Month & Anniversary: considered an alternative birthstone for the zodiac sign Cancer (June 21 to July 22); for celebrating 13th wedding anniversaries.

 

Pros

• Shimmering adularescence effect
• A symbol of intuition, emotional healing, and feminine energies

 

Cons

• Like other moonstones, black moonstone is relatively soft compared to other gemstones.

 

Also Read: The Symbolism Of Moonstone Engagement Rings

 

Obsidian

Obsidian is a natural volcanic glass formed when lava cools rapidly with minimal crystal growth. It's known for its dark color, often black, but can also be found in shades of brown, green, or even red. Obsidian is believed to have spiritual and healing properties, offering protection, grounding, and emotional balance.

Characteristics

Formation: Volcanic glass formed from rapidly cooled lava.

Texture: Obsidian has a smooth and glassy texture, often with a lustrous or reflective surface.

Color: Obsidian is typically black, but can also be found in various colors such as brown, grey, green, blue, or even rainbow due to impurities or inclusions.

Birthstone Month & Anniversary: Associated with the zodiac sign of Scorpio (23 October to 21 November); for celebrating 3rd and 8th wedding anniversaries.

 

Pros

• Unique glassy appearance
• Strong metaphysical properties
• Symbol of grounding and protection

 

Cons

• Relatively hard, but brittle.
• Less commonly used in jewelry.

 

Black Jade

Black Jade is a type of Jadeite, one of the two minerals commonly known as Jade (the other being Nephrite). It is a rare and highly prized variety of jade, characterized by its deep black or dark green color. Black Jade is believed to have grounding and protective qualities, promoting balance and harmony in one's life.

Characteristics

Color: Black Jade is typically a dark black color, but can also have shades of deep green.

Hardness: Black Jade is relatively hard and durable, ranging from 6.5 to 7 on the Mohs scale of mineral hardness, making it scratch-resistant and suitable for everyday wear.

Rarity: Black Jade is considered rare and highly prized due to its intense color and rarity.

Birthstone Month & Anniversary: Considered an alternative birthstone for the zodiac signs of Taurus (April 20 to May 20) and Libra (September 23 to October 22); for celebrating 12th wedding anniversaries.

 

Pros

• Relatively durable
• Symbol of protection, balance, and harmony.

 

Cons

• More expensive and harder to find
• Colour variations

 

Black Tourmaline (Schorl)

Black Tourmaline, also known as Schorl, is the most common member of the Tourmaline family. It is known for its deep black color and powerful energy. Black Tourmaline is often considered a talisman for protection and spiritual growth.

Characteristics

Color: Predominantly black, but can also have dark green or blue tones.

Crystal structure: columnar crystal, often with longitudinal striations.

Hardness: Mohs' hardness is 7-7.5, which is hard enough for everyday wear.

Transparency: Usually opaque, but sometimes transparent or translucent varieties are available.

Birthstone Month & Anniversary: Considered an alternative birthstone for Libra (23 September to 22 October) and Scorpio (23 October to 21 November); for celebrating the 8th wedding anniversaries.

 

Pros

• Believed to have protective properties.
• Quite durable

 

Cons

• Brittle and prone to chipping or breaking if not handled with care.

 

Tahitian Pearl (Black)

Black Tahitian pearls, a type of cultured pearl grown primarily in the waters around Tahiti and the French Polynesian islands, are known for their exquisite dark hues, often ranging from black to peacock green.

Characteristics

Size and shape: Tahitian pearls are typically larger than other types of pearls, ranging in size from 8mm to 18mm or even larger. They come in a variety of shapes including round, near round, oval, baroque, and teardrop.

Luster: Tahitian pearls have a high luster, which refers to the luster and reflectivity of the pearl's surface. The deep, mirror-like luster of Tahitian pearls enhances their beauty and value.

Rarity and value: Tahitian pearls are considered some of the most valuable pearls in the world due to their rarity, large sizes, and unique colors.

Birthstone Month & Anniversary: June birthstone; for 30th wedding anniversaries.

 

Pros

• Exotic and lustrous appearance.
• Unique color overtones.
• Symbol of protection, balance, and harmony.

 

Cons

• Expensive.
• Requires delicate care to avoid damage.

 

Also Read: Pearl Necklace Meaning: Everything You Should Know

 

Care and Maintenance for Black Gemstones

Care and maintenance of black gemstones, including black diamonds, black opals, and other black gemstones, is essential to preserve their beauty and luster. Here are some general tips for caring for black gemstones:

Cleaning

• Gentle cleaning: Use a soft, damp cloth to wipe away dirt and grime.
• Avoid harsh chemicals: Avoid using harsh chemicals, such as chlorine or ammonia, as they can damage the gemstone's surface.
• Ultrasonic cleaning: While ultrasonic cleaning is generally safe for most gemstones, it's best to check with a jeweler first, especially for delicate or porous stones.

Storage

• Separate storage: Store black gemstones separately from other jewelry to prevent scratches.
• Soft pouch or lined box: Use a soft pouch or lined jewelry box to protect the gemstone from scratches and dust.
• Avoid direct sunlight: Prolonged exposure to direct sunlight can cause fading or discoloration in some gemstones.

Professional Care

• Periodically have your black gemstone jewelry inspected and professionally cleaned by a jeweler to maintain its beauty and integrity.
• Consider restringing pearl jewelry, such as Tahitian pearls, every few years to ensure the knots are secure and the pearls are well-maintained.

 

Summary

We hope that you now have a basic understanding of these common black gemstones, including their characteristics, their advantages, and their disadvantages. If you're interested in some black precious stones or semi-precious stones, you can choose one at Juyoyo. We offer a variety of high-quality gemstone jewelry such as engagement rings, wedding rings, bridal sets, and much more. Don't hesitate! Add a black gemstone piece to your shopping cart!