“The darkness around us might somewhat light up if we would first practice using the light we have in the place we are.” – Henry S. Haskins
Black gemstones are mysterious and intriguing. They are documented in history and continue to play an important part of modern society due to their symbolism and perceived properties.
The colour black is often associated with knowledge, fertility, purity of spirit, protection, cleansing and detoxing, and life and death. So, how has this dark hue moved from a symbol of doom and death to be a thing of beauty and mystery? Find out more about the most beautiful black stones black crystals and their meanings with us!
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The Symbolism Of Black Gemstones
- Black is often associated with evil, death and the supernatural. This is due to mankind’s fear of the dark and of the unknown. In the same breath, we know that the darkness also offers knowledge and wisdom that we’re yet to discover.
- Following this train of thought, the goddess Kali comes to mind. She’s the goddess of change and time and is said to bring both life and death. She’s often portrayed as having blue or black skin. This creates a relationship between the colour black and death, as well as life.
- For ancient Egyptians, the rich soil along the Nile river was black and for them, the colour black resembles fertility. It can also refer to the way that life emerges from the dead and the darkness.
- In the Middle Ages, black ink was the easiest to see and to write with, making it a staple for knowledge and education. Black is also worn by people of power, for example, judges.
- While many believe that danger lurks in the dark, we often forget that we can find shelter and protection in the darkness. Animals hide in the shadows and long grass and we hide in the shadows when looking to remain hidden.
- In baseball, the players often smear charcoal under their eyes to protect them from the sun as the colour black absorbs light. Charcoal is also a powerful detoxifier and has been known to absorb toxins both in the human body and the environment.
- In the same way that charcoal absorbs toxins, black crystals are able to absorb negative energies and provide protection.
What Gemstones are Black?
Black Jade
While jade is usually associated with being a green gemstone, this Chinese gem is also available in black when high levels of iron are present in the stone.
This black gem comes in two versions, namely jadeite and nephrite, with nephrite being the more affordable of the two.
What is the meaning of Black Jade?
Creativity
Black Sapphire
This form of sapphire is rare, although still deemed less valuable than the other varieties. These black precious stones can be translucent or transparent and are not always necessarily pure black. They often have hues of blues and purples.
Black star sapphires are also available and feature unique patterns as a result of hematite and rutile.
What is the meaning of Black Sapphire?
Wisdom of confidence in intuition, protection and deflection of negativity.
Black Diamond
Back in the day, black diamonds were frowned upon and not popular. Nowadays, the unusual stone is more popular than ever, and as a result, their value has skyrocketed. These black gems are rare and have only been found in Brazil and Africa.
What is the meaning of a Black Diamond?
Eternal love, transcendence and charisma.
Black Jet
The term jet black originated from this incredibly black stone. It’s made of wood and has characteristics similar to that of amber. It used to be a stone of mourning in ancient times.
What is the meaning of Black Jet?
Protection from enemies and evil forces.
Black Pearls
This is one of the rarest pearls to find, and yes, pearls are considered to be gemstones!
What is the meaning of Black Pearl?
Hope for wounded hearts and protection from negative energy.
Black Jasper
Jasper stones are often multicoloured and can come in almost any colour. Some of them may feature patterns resembling marbling, streaks and spots, banding, orbital rings and flaming. It’s durable and suitable for all forms of jewellery.
What is the meaning of Black Jasper?
Healing and warding off negative energies.
Black Garnet
Garnets are mostly red and mistaken for rubies, but they come in black too. They’re tough, durable and resilient black precious stones, making them a great choice for jewellery you’re looking to wear every day. Melanite, a form of black garnet is the more commonly found version of the stone, the other less common being andradite.
What is the meaning of Black Garnet?
Purifying energy.
Black Spinel
This black gem is often used to substitute rubies and can be cut and shaped into almost any of the common gem designs.
What is the meaning of Black Spinel?
To cleanse problems and return a person to their original state.
Black Tourmaline
When it comes to tourmaline, the black stones are the most common and readily available. You can find them in a wide range of sizes and cuts to accentuate any piece of jewellery. The gemstones readily available status has reduced its popularity, but they remain a striking option for any piece of jewellery.
What is the meaning of Black Tourmaline?
Purification.
Black Zircon
If you’re looking for a diamond substitute, zircon is your best option. These black precious stones are, however, brittle and aren’t recommended for daily wear and tear. It’s also a very difficult gemstone to find.
What is the meaning of Black Zircon?
Guidance and achieving goals.
Obsidian
Volcanic activity played a role in forming these stones and they’re one of the oldest gemstones on earth. During the medieval era, obsidian was used to cut materials, make mirrors and create pieces of jewellery. The stone is prone to scratches and is not suitable for daily wear.
What is the meaning of Obsidian?
Healing, protection and truth-telling.
Black Cat’s Eye Scapolite
This black stone has chatoyancy properties that, when exposed to light, resembles a cat’s eye. It’s a rare occurrence and only available in certain gemstone varieties. The black cat’s eye scapolite is rare and considered to be a collector’s item. It’s not very durable and has limited use when it comes to jewellery.
What is the meaning of Black Cat’s Eye Scapolite?
To ward off evil spirits and danger.
Black Onyx
Black onyx has alternating bands of white and black, with some even featuring red in their composition. This durable stone is rare and often dyed to enhance its colour.
What is the meaning of Black Onyx?
Protection and grounding.
Black Star Diopside
These black precious stones are cut in a way that accentuates the asterism properties that make them so desirable. Some may appear to have hues of green, but that is not the case; these stones are jet black.
What is the meaning of Black Star Diopside?
Love and fidelity.
Black Rutile Quartz
Unique, durable and affordable, black rutile quartz is a great addition to any piece of jewellery. These stones are also often cut into beads or carved into ornaments.
What is the meaning of Black Rutile Quartz?
Good luck and success.
Healing Black Gemstones And Crystals
Crystals and gemstones have long been used for their healing and spiritual properties. Let’s take a look at some of the more widely used black crystals and what they are believed to do.
Shungite
Considered essential for energy and promotes healing. This black crystal has a high vibration and ancient origins; some even say that this black stone can purify water.
Ilvaite
This stone can serve a wide range of purposes that include wisdom, protection, grounding, independence and truth.
Indigo Gabbro
Made of molten magma, this stone is a grounding force. It’s said to help you connect with your higher self.
Hypersthene
Believed to have magical powers, assisting with clairvoyance and psychic abilities.
Black Kyanite
Deemed universal and with unlimited uses, many believe that this black crystal can help you expand your consciousness.
Arfvedsonite
If you’re looking to the future, this stone will help you in feeling hopeful and optimistic. It can also help you become connected with the spirit world.
Nuummite
One of the Earth’s oldest minerals, it’s said to embody the power of the forces in our universe.
Time To Embrace The Beauty In The Darkness
We’ve become so accustomed to fearing the dark and anything resembling it. From the symbolism of the colour black to the spiritual value thereof, it’s clear that we shouldn’t fear it!
In fact, some of the world’s most beautiful gemstones and black crystals were created in dark, pressing conditions. Yet we admire them – and pay a pretty penny for them too!
When it comes to buying gemstones, there’s often more to it than meets the eye. From your colour selection to your choice of stone, it all has a deeper meaning, whether you know it or not. As you can see, a black stone isn’t just a darkly coloured gem!
Find out more about different coloured gemstones: