Brown stones, crystals and gemstones have often been ignored in the large spectrum of coloured stones.
Until recently that is.
In recent years, many people have seen the beauty that is to be had in brown crystals and brown gemstones, and the popularity of these stones has shot up dramatically. There is a brown stone for every occasion or type of jewelry you could possibly desire.
If you’re keen on finding out more, take a look at the most interesting and popular brown gemstones and what they have to offer.
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Brown Diamonds
Brown diamonds are the most prestigious of all brown stones, as they are real diamonds.
Brown diamonds are the most common colored diamond available. In fact, they’re even more common than clear diamonds.
This common nature makes brown diamonds more affordable than any other coloration, while retaining the magnificent diamond sheen. Brown diamonds work especially well in jewelry like engagement rings.
Where traditional diamonds can seem monotone on a silver backing, or other colored diamonds don’t always match the gold or silver background, brown diamonds look fantastic, whether set in gold or silver.
When buying a brown diamond, be sure to choose the tone and depth of color that best matches the setting of your jewelry.
Meaning
Brown diamonds are usually more subtle than their colored counterparts, and this plays into the meaning too. These stones are said to signify a down-to-earth nature, practicality and dependability.
Brown Tourmaline
Brown Tourmaline is one of the less common colors of tourmaline, but it’s still extremely sought after.
Brown tourmaline, like any tourmaline, often has one predominant color, with a secondary color that becomes more visible in different lighting conditions and viewing angles. These brown gemstones with a yellow or green secondary color can make for a fantastic showpiece in any setting.
Meaning
As with other brown crystals, brown tourmaline is said to signify strength and grounding. Strength and grounding, in this case, are to promote a positive mindset and ward off any potential negative energies.
Mahogany Obsidian
Obsidian is a glassy rock that forms from the rapid cooling of molten lava, creating a variety of interesting colors with a very pleasing smooth texture.
Mahogany obsidian is a swirl of black and brown coloring and the second most common coloration available. Pure brown obsidian does exist but is much less common and less available than mahogany. As obsidian is very glass-like in its structure, it is generally not shaped in the typical gemstone fashion.
Rather than cutting obsidian with intricate patterns like a diamond, obsidian is polished into a smooth surface finish. This gem is great for pendant styles of jewelry, but as it is softer than other gemstones, rings and bracelets should generally be avoided.
Another interesting use of obsidian is in the medical field. To this day obsidian can be found in some surgical knives, as fractured obsidian can produce an incredibly sharp cutting edge.
Obsidian may not be your first thought when thinking about precious minerals for jewelry, but it is an incredible material with vibrant colors that are almost unrivalled in the world of brown gemstones.
Meaning
Mahogany obsidian is said to be the protector of the precious stones. Used for grounding and protection, the stone falls in line well with the other brown stones, which mostly offer similar properties.
Smoky Quartz
Quartz is a silicon dioxide-based crystal that comes in a variety of different colors based on different impurities found within the crystal. Smoky quartz is specifically a brown crystal given the nickname “smoky quartz” as the slightly translucent appearance can seem like there is smoke suspended within the crystal.
This quartz is a fantastic brown crystal that can be used in virtually any application that crystals would be used in. Quartz crystals offer more than just uses in jewelry, as they are an essential part used to keep accurate pinpoint timing in electronic devices. Watches, computers and even GPS would be very different without quartz’s ability to resonate in an extremely precise and accurate manner.
Meaning
Smoky quartz is said to have the ability not only to ground a person but clear their mind as well. It is recommended to keep a piece of smoky quartz on you to aid in focus, attention and bringing of positive energy.
Brown Topaz
Topaz is a kind of crystal, similar in look to quartz, but with a different makeup.
Brown topaz specifically is one of the more common colors available and is a great choice for any jewelry.
There is a common misconception that topaz and quartz are the same or interchangeable, this is not the case. Smoky quartz will often be marketed as smoky topaz, as topaz is less common and more expensive than quartz.
When buying topaz, be sure to buy it from a trusted jeweller to ensure it is the real deal. With the misconception between the two, it can be difficult at times to justify why topaz is more expensive than quartz.
The main factors in the price differences are the rarity and hardness. Topaz measures at an 8 on Mohs hardness scale, making it harder than quartz and almost as hard as diamond. Hardness may not seem like an important factor, but less hard materials stand a good chance to scratch in a high contact setting like a ring.
Topaz has one of the most interesting preparation methods of any brown gemstone. When first found, the colors are generally dull and less vibrant than what we see in jewelry. To make the colors more intense or to completely alter the color, the topaz crystals are put through a radiation process, which changes the color intensity of the stone.
This is of no concern to the customer as the radiation is minimal, and the crystals are allowed to go through radioactive decay before being sold to consumers. It can make for an incredibly interesting conversation piece, as this is the only brown crystal to go through this radiation process.
Meaning
Brown topaz is a stone of strength, helping with confidence, motivation, stability and commitment. This falls in line with the brown stones generally reflecting strength and a solid connection to the earth. Brown topaz is said to be especially beneficial to people struggling with anxiety.
Brown Citrine
Brown citrine is one of the more popular brown gemstones, and for good reason too. Comparatively speaking, brown citrine is cheaper than most other gemstones, while retaining a fantastic surface finishing ability, mostly clear crystals and very deep color.
For smaller projects or less valuable jewelry, brown citrine is a fantastic choice. When buying jewelry that features brown citrine, keep the hardness in mind. It is by no means soft, but softer than other crystals like topaz. Surface scratches are possible if not looked after appropriately.
For the price, brown citrine is still a fantastic crystal that will look at home on almost any jewelry. Be sure to note the color well before purchasing, as having a pure brown citrine crystal is not very common. The majority of brown citrine crystals have a red or yellow hue with the brown coloring, making selection important depending on the base jewelry color.
Meaning
Brown citrine breaks away from the normal down to earth connection and focuses on positivity. It increases overall positivity, creates abundance and increases the flow of transmuted energies. These energies are not limited to positivity, as citrine is said to greatly aid in creative energies as well.
Fire Agate
Fire agate is from the chalcedony family and comes across as more of a glass piece like obsidian rather than a crystal. The deep brown color with hints of orange or red gives fire agate a fantastic shimmer and a richness of color like few other precious stones.
Like obsidian, fire agate is much better polished to shape and not cut like other precious minerals. It is possible to cut fire agate into required shapes, it is just not an easy task. With a hardness rating of only 6, fire agate is no harder than glass and should be used with caution in any jewelry prone to scratching.
Fire agate is best used in pendants, earrings and in necklaces. It’s best to avoid use on rings or bracelets where contact is frequent and scratching is likely. The stone is most common in the Americas, making it a challenge to find in other parts of the world.
Meaning
Fire agate aligns itself well with the properties of the other brown stones. A connection to the earth in the form of grounding and providing a protective force are the main meanings, but there are more too. Fire agate stimulates energy and improves sexual vitality, all stemming from an improvement in life force.
Who knew there were so many brown crystals just waiting to be discovered? These gems can make a statement, and are a wonderful way to ground yourself while adding a dash of sparkle.