From the most valuable gemstones like black diamonds to ones used for meditation like obsidian, black gemstones are remarkable. Their alluring beauty is at once timeless and surprising. While there’s no denying the beauty of a sparkling ruby or the best yellow gemstones, the mystery, lore, and meaning that surround black gemstones continue to make an impression today. And it’s not just the expensive black gemstones that are used for gorgeous rings or displayed in homes.
Mystery, power, and elegance: those are just a few of the symbolic meanings of a black gemstone. For some, a black gemstone is a symbol of strength, protection, and even comfort. For ancient civilizations, it was common to see black gemstones featured in religious ceremonies. The spiritual meaning of black crystals informs meditative practices. Life and death, beginnings and endings—it’s no wonder black gemstones and crystals continue to enchant today.
- Arfvedsonite
- Black Agate
- Black Anatase
- Black Augite
- Black Basalt
- Black Biotite
- Black Blizzard Stone
- Black Cairngorm
- Black Carborundum
- Black Cassiterite
- Black Cat’s Eye Scapolite
- Black Dendrite
- Black Diamond
- Black Fossil Coral
- Black Garnet
- Black Hermite
- Black Hypersthene
- Black Indigo Gabbro
- Black Jade
- Black Jasper
- Black Jet
- Black Kidney Ore
- Black Kyanite
- Black Labradorite
- Black Marble
- Black Melanite
- Black Moissanite
- Black Moonstone
- Black Onyx
- Black Opal
- Black Pearl
- Black Perovskite
- Black Phantom Quartz
- Black Preseli Bluestone
- Black Quartz
- Black Rutilated Quartz
- Black Sapphire
- Black Scoria
- Black Shamanite Calcite
- Black Silica
- Black Specularite
- Black Spiderweb Obsidian
- Black Spinel
- Black Star Diopside
- Black Star Sapphire
- Black Tiger’s Eye
- Black Tourmaline
- Black Zircon
- Coal
- Ferberite
- Galena
- Graphite
- Hypersthene
- Ilmenite
- Ilvaite
- Lava Stone
- Magnetite
- Morion
- Neptunite
- Nuummite
- Obsidian
- Pleonaste
- Schorl
- Shungite
- Stibnite
- Tektite
Arfvedsonite
This rare black crystal forms in large prism masses. Ranging from vivid blue to black with flashes of blue, arfvedsonite is part of the sodium amphibole group. Fan-like prisms pair with deep inclusions for its distinct appearance. It’s found in both metamorphic and igneous rocks in Denmark, South Africa, Germany, Quebec, and Mount Saint Helen.
Benefits and Use
Arfvedsonite is one of many types of black crystals used for spiritual growth and manifestation. It’s also aligned with both the Third Eye and Throat Chakras and provides foresight and wisdom.
| Mohs Hardness Score: | 5.5 to 6, useful for meditation crystals. |
| Price: | $ |
Black Agate
Black agate is a type of quartz that appears translucent under sunlight. Inclusions curl in a circular pattern on this grayish black to inky black gem. It’s formed in silica-abundant igneous rocks, with the California Colorado Desert as its primary mining location. It’s also mined in Arizona, Brazil, Mexico and Madagascar.
Benefits and Use
Black Agate is prized for its healing properties and calming energy. It’s used as a black grounding crystal and promotes balance.
| Mohs Hardness Score: | 7, useful for meditation. |
| Price: | $ |
Black Anatase
Anatase is naturally colorless or white: it’s the impurities that form the signature hue of black anatase. Anatase is a tetragonal mineral that’s primarily composed of titanium dioxide. Found in veins and cavities of igneous rocks, black anatase crystals have a slightly grainy, ridged appearance when cut.
Benefits and Use
Anatase has industrial applications for both air purifiers and photocatalysts. Black anatase is also used in lithium batteries and even gas sensors.
| Mohs Hardness Score: | 5.5 to 6, useful for industrial applications. |
| Price: | $ to $$ |
Black Augite
Black augite has a distinct, 90 degree cleavage and ranges from translucent to opaque. It’s a common mineral that’s found in abundance in both metamorphic and igneous rocks. It’s mined around the world, including Spain, Germany, Mexico, and Germany.
Benefits and Use
Black augite doesn’t have the same symbolic meaning as many black gemstones, nor does it have industrial use. It’s too brittle for jewelry, but augite can be helpful for scientists. Due to its formation patterns, black augite is helpful for determining the age of different regions.
| Mohs Hardness Score: | 5.5 to 6, useful for scientific aging. |
| Price: | $ |
Black Basalt
Black basalt can either be deep black or grayish black. Distinguished by a glassy appearance, black basalt crystals are rich in magnesium and iron and have little to no silica. Basalt forms when lava cools quickly near the surface of Earth’s crust. Black basalt is often found near seafloors around the world. In the United States, both Southern Oregon and the Klamath Mountains (California) are rich sources.
Benefits and Use
Black basalt gemstones are used as amulets for manifesting strength, courage and stability. Basalt is also used within the construction industry for insulation and building materials.
| Mohs Hardness Score: | 6, useful for casual amulents, building and insulation. |
| Price: | $ |
Black Biotite
Black biotite is a silicate mineral that forms in metamorphic rocks and igneous rocks. These black crystals have nearly perfect to perfect cleavage and beautiful, vitreous luster. Black biotite ranges from transparent to translucent and is found across Europe, New England, North Carolina, Virginia and Colorado.
Benefits and Use
Black biotite is incredibly useful. It’s used for fighting mold, as a paint filler, and as a non-stick adhesive for shingles and roofing. It’s also helpful for argon dating. Some use biotite black crystals to build confidence and conviction.
| Mohs Hardness Score: | 2.5 to 3, useful for fillers, liquid agents. |
| Price: | $ to $$ |
Black Blizzard Stone
Black blizzard gemstones are truly unique. Distinguished by grayish-white inclusions and a deep black background, the galaxy-like appearance is reminiscent of snowflake obsidian. Its crystals form in igneous rocks that contain little to no silica. Also known as the Gabbro Stone, it’s found in Madagascar, parts of Africa, the continental United States, and Alaska.
Benefits and Use
Black blizzard stone is known for its spiritual and metaphysical meaning. It’s used to balance energy, provide guidance, and expand intuition. It’s a black gemstone of manifestation—and provides ambiance to a room.
| Mohs Hardness Score: | 5.5 to 7.5, useful for amulents, meditation crystals. |
| Price: | $ |
Black Cairngorm
Black cairngorm is close in appearance to smoky quartz and motion. It’s a type of quartz that forms in an arctic mountain range within granite masses. As the name suggests, it’s found within the Cairngorm mountains in Scotland and within their national park.
Benefits and Use
Black cairngorm is used for manifestation and self exploration. The black crystals or polished gemstones help the user explore their darker and more mysterious side. At the same time, its touted healing properties help one overcome grief and trauma.
| Mohs Hardness Score: | 7, useful for crystals. |
| Price: | $ |
Black Carborundum
Black carborundum is a type of silicon carbide. Its black crystals are nearly as hard as a black diamond and mimic its structure. The iridescent black crystals are formed by electropositive alkali metals and/ or carbide ions. Black carborundum is found in natural moissanite but has been mostly man-made and mass produced since the 1890’s.
Benefits and Use
Carborundum has mostly industrial uses. Those include polishing and anti slip agents, as well as uses for cutting or grinding other minerals. It’s also a meaningful black gemstone for its healing properties. Aligned with all chakras, black carborundum purifies and heals the body and mind.
| Mohs Hardness Score: | 9.3, useful for industrial purposes and black gemstone rings. |
| Price: | $ |
Black Cassiterite
Black cassiterite is a tin oxide mineral. While usually opaque, some black cassiterite is translucent. From gleaming black to black with brown undertones, it has a tetragonal crystal formation with twinning. Black cassiterite is formed during a hydrothermal process and mined in Malaysia, Myanmar, Thailand, Bolivia, Nigeria, and China.
Benefits and Use
Black cassiterite is a black gemstone of manifestation. It’s used with the Golden Solar Plexus Chakra to heal cellular memory and promote prosperity. It’s also used to make everything from cans to containers or even polishing agents.
| Mohs Hardness Score: | 6-7, useful for manifesting crystals. |
| Price: | $ |
Black Cat’s Eye Scapolite
This unique black gemstone is a type of scapolite. Black cat’s eye contains sodium aluminum silicate and forms in metamorphosed igneous rocks, such as gabbro. A deep black to brownish black appearance is accented a slit-eye (cat-like) steak of light. This rare gemstone was discovered in Burma and found today across Canada, the United States, Norway, Italy and Mexico—all in small quantities.
Benefits and Use
Black cat’s eye is rare and too soft for wide use. This collector’s gemstone is used to open up awareness to one’s intuition and surroundings.
| Mohs Hardness Score: | 5.5 to 6, useful for collecting. |
| Price: | $ to $$ |
Black Dendrite
Black dendrite is a type of chalcedony. It’s formed when water fills cracks in Earth’s crust and forms crystal lattices, rich in oxides. Today it’s mined in Brazil, parts of the United States, India, Madagascar and Kazakhstan. Whether displayed as a raw black crystal or polished gemstone, black dendrite has tree-like inclusions and may have hints of red or brown from iron deposits.
Benefits and Use
Black dendrite stones and crystals bring fulfillment and abundance. They also foster peace and contentment.
| Mohs Hardness Score: | 6.5 to 7, useful for beaded necklaces and collecting. |
| Price: | $ |
Black Diamond
While red diamonds are the most expensive diamonds, black diamonds are stunning and valuable in their own right. Black diamonds are both more rare and more affordable than colorless diamonds. Natural black diamonds have an intense, inky black hue and the same physical properties of other diamonds. They were originally mined in Brazil and have also been mined in the Central African Republic.
Benefits and Use
Black diamonds—included man made ones—are featured in unique cocktail rings, engagement rings, and other gemstone jewelry. Those who wear black diamonds find meaning in their relationships and clarity for their life.
| Mohs Hardness Score: | 10, useful for engagement rings. |
| Price: | $$$ |
Black Fossil Coral
Black fossil coral is a unique gemstone that forms when fossilized coral merges with agate. Found in deposits in silica-abundant streams, it’s sourced from Florida, Georgia and Indonesia. Floral patterns accent a black to blackish gray stone for a whimsical and unique appearance. These floral patterns are deposits of white coral skeletons.
Benefits and Use
The meaning of a black fossil gemstone is one of change. This grounding stone manifests growth and transformation. It’s also prized for healing the stomach, skin, and eyes.
| Mohs Hardness Score: | 6.5 to 7 , useful for healing and collecting. |
| Price: | $ |
Black Garnet
Garnet may be most well-known for a gorgeous red hue, but it also naturally occurs as an elegant black gemstone. Bands of different colors can be seen under direct sunlight. Black garnet is a semi-precious gemstone that forms amongst silica-rich rocks. It’s mined around the world, including in the United States, Kenya, Madagascar, India, and Brazil.
Benefits and Use
Black garnet is a semi-precious gemstone that’s used to make cocktail and engagement rings, earrings, necklaces and bracelets. It’s been used within the field of alternative healing to both purify and improve energy levels. Black garnet also fosters healthy relationships.
| Mohs Hardness Score: | 6.5 to 7, useful for semi-precious jewelry. |
| Price: | $$ to $$$ |
Black Hermite
Black hermite is a naturally occuring iron oxide crystal. It’s primarily found in iron and distinguished by its trigonal crystal formation. The metallic luster adds dimension to its smoky gray to black body. While it can be found in Switzerland and Canada, most black hermit species come from Brazil and South Africa.
Benefits and Use
Black hematite is carried in pockets and stored in homes to absorb negative energy. Both polished stones and raw black crystal improve confidence and willpower. Black hermite holds special meaning for those struggling with addiction or compulsive thoughts.
| Mohs Hardness Score: | 5 to 6, useful for collecting. |
| Price: | $ |
Black Hypersthene
Black hypersthene is a common inosilicate mineral that forms in both metamorphic and igneous rocks. The black crystals are rich in iron and magnesium and form masses or modestly-sized prisms. A pearly luster, perfect cleavage and indistinct fracture make black hypersthene easy to identify. Most black hypersthene is sourced from the Adirondack Mountains in New York or within Quebec.
Benefits and Use
Black hypersthene acts as a grounding force and shields external distractions. For this reason, creative individuals will find special meaning and purpose carrying or using these black crystals.
| Mohs Hardness Score: | 5 to 6, useful for meditation crystals. |
| Price: | $ |
Black Indigo Gabbro
Also known as mystic merlinite, black indigo gabbro is a unique black gemstone composed of quartz, igneous rocks, and feldspar. Gray and purple specks complement a black body for a whimsical and mystical, new-age look. Mottled crystals are mostly sourced from Madagascar near volcanic regions.
Benefits and Use
As one of the many types of black crystals used for meditation, black indigo gabbro clears away energy blockages. By doing so, spirituality and intuition can be accessed on a higher level. Black indigo gabbro also aligns chakras.
| Mohs Hardness Score: | 6 to 6.5, useful for meditation crystals and beads. |
| Price: | $ |
Black Jade
Black jade is a form of jadeite and has a vitreous fine luster with natural impurities. Black jade is found within both boulders and drainage basins. It’s primarily sourced from New Zealand, the United States, Canada, Central and South America, and Eastern Asia. Natural black jade is one of the most expensive black gemstones, with a price up to $3 million per carat.
Benefits and Use
Black jade crystals are used for grounding and improving relationships. Black jade beads are worn for alleviating anxiety, balancing tumultuous emotions, and providing both clarity and comfort.
| Mohs Hardness Score: | 6.5 to 7, useful for collecting. |
| Price: | $$$ |
Black Jasper
Jasper is known as nature’s speckled gemstone, but not everyone realizes the equally unique beauty of black jasper. Black jasper is smooth and non-transparent, with speckles caused by sediment and mineral deposits. These patterns present as feathers, swirls, and stripes. Black jasper is mined in India, Australia, Egypt, Russia, and the majority of both North and South America.
Benefits and Use
This black semi-precious gemstone is used for ornaments, casual jewelry, and for healing. Black crystals are used in meditation to balance yin and yang energy and bring peace.
| Mohs Hardness Score: | 6.5 to 7, useful for casual jewelry and black cocktail gemstone rings. |
| Price: | $ |
Black Jet
Black jet is a type of ignite. This unique black gemstone forms during the decomposition and enormous pressure applied to wood. While it may have brassy accents due to pyrite inclusions, its jet black hue is what’s most noteworthy. Black jet gemstones are sourced from England, France, the United States, and Spain. It has a low refractive quality and a smell that’s compared to coal.
Benefits and Use
Black jet is seen in both vintage and new, casual jewelry, such as beaded necklaces. The spiritual meaning of black jet is protection from fear and evil forces. It’s used to balance negativity and protect the user.
| Mohs Hardness Score: | 2.5 to 4, useful for meditation crystals. |
| Price: | $ |
Black Kidney Ore
Black kidney ore consists of iron oxides, hematite and iron ore. Its black crystals have a metallic shine that makes its connection to iron apparent. It’s primarily sourced from Morocco in the Safi Provence, as well as Lake Superior. It derives its name from its distinct kidney-shaped crystals. It’s also known for its uneven fracite and brittleness.
Benefits and Use
Black kidney ore is used for providing courage and increasing positive thoughts. It provides strength and nurtures success, passion and achievement. While not wide in its distribution, amulets are worn for full benefits.
| Mohs Hardness Score: | 5.5 to 6, useful for meditation amulents. |
| Price: | $ to $$ |
Black Kyanite
Black kyanite is an aluminum silicate mineral that forms under extreme pressure in pegmatite. Black crystals are distinguished by ridged patterns and their impressive length. It’s translucent and discernible from other healing gemstones like it. You can find black kyanite in South America, the United States, Italy, Switzerland, Austria, India, Burma and Kenya.
Benefits and Use
Black kyanite is one of the many types of black crystals cherished for its healing benefits. It balances emotions, disrupts negative thought patterns, and is conducive for meditation and dreams.
| Mohs Hardness Score: | 5.5 to 7, useful for crystal pendants. |
| Price: | $ |
Black Labradorite
Labradorite is known as the stone of magic, which enchants with its plays of color. Blue and green iridescence adorns a round, black stone. It’s formed near Earth’s surface and easy to find. The main sources of black labradorite include the United States, Finland, Madagascar, Poland, Norway, Australia and Slovakia.
Benefits and Use
This black gemstone holds meaning for those seeking both wisdom and self improvement. Black labradorite increases energy flow and opens up different chakras. Its beauty and affordability make it a favorite gemstone for unique pendant necklaces.
| Mohs Hardness Score: | 6.5, useful for semi-precious jewelry. |
| Price: | $ |
Black Marble
Marble comes in an array of colors, and black marble is equally loved for its pearl-like luster and elegant, sugar-like appearance. It’s a form of metamorphic rock that forms under pressure and heat near tectonic plates. The majority of black marble comes from India, Spain, China, and Italy, but it can be found in many other regions of the world.
Benefits and Use
Black marble’s elegant swirls and unique patterns makes it a favorite gem for countertops, and is commonly used for luxury watches as well as statues.
| Mohs Hardness Score: | 3, useful for countertops, construction and upscale watches. |
| Price: | $ to $$ |
Black Melanite
Black melanite is an opaque semi-precious gemstone that includes nitrogen. It’s related to garnet and is noteworthy for its beautiful vitreous luster. Black crystals are non transparent and occasionally include yellow or green accents. Black melanite comes from Russia, Mali, Mexico, Germany, France, Italy, and a few regions in the United States.
Benefits and Use
Black melanite is seen as a healing black gemstone. It’s used to detoxify blood, promote heart health, and increase healing. Some use melanite for protection against poison or serious diseases.
| Mohs Hardness Score: | 6.5 to 7, useful for meditation crystals and cocktail rings. |
| Price: | $ |
Black Moissanite
Black moissanite is extremely rare in its natural form: tiny deposits have been found in Israel. The vast majority of moissanite sold today is man-made. Black moissanite is a form of silicon carbide and resembles black diamonds in its crystal formation. The high refractive rate and traces of color distinguish it from black diamonds.
Benefits and Use
Black moissanite is used as an eco-friendly and more affordable to black diamonds. Thus, black moissanite is featured in black gemstone rings, bracelets, earrings and necklaces. Its spiritual meaning is luck and fortune.
| Mohs Hardness Score: | 9.25, excellent option for engagement rings. |
| Price: | $$ |
Black Moonstone
Black moonstone glows due to an effect known as adularescence. Opaque and translucent moonstone exhibit flashes of color that makes this one of the most unique black gemstones. Moonstone forms in lattice crystals as magma cools and is found in Sri Lanka and Southern India. Some deposits of this black mystical gemstone are also found in Brazil, Australia, Sri Lanka, Australia, Brazil and Myanmar.
Benefits and Use
Black moonstone crystals are used for balancing emotions, reducing stress levels, and encouraging love and success. With its unique properties, black moonstone is also a popular choice for rings and pendants.
| Mohs Hardness Score: | 6 to 6.5, useful for birthstone jewelry and rings. |
| Price: | $ to $$ |
Black Onyx
Black onyx is one of the most well known black gemstones, with a waxy luster and parallel bands of color. Its polished and elegant appearance is sometimes heat-treated to enhance the jet black hue. It’s naturally found in India, Madagascar, Brazil and Russia and is related to other forms of chalcedony, just as jasper.
Benefits and Use
Cabochon cuts and beads are popular ways to wear black onyx. Onyx is also used to make unique black gemstone rings. In alternative medicine, onyx is useful for offering both protection and stability.
| Mohs Hardness Score: | 6.5 to 7, useful for beaded necklaces, cocktail rings. |
| Price: | $ |
Black Opal
Black opal has a pearlescent luster, with an array of rainbow hues under direct sunlight. The beautiful play with colorful and fire make this black gemstone immediately recognizable. It’s a form of silicate and is sourced around the world. The finest balck opal comes from Australia and can cost up to $30,000 a carat—making it amongst the most expensive black gemstones.
Benefits and Use
Black opal is sought after for gemstone jewelry—especially rings. The iridescent play of color is also desired by collectors. The meaning of opal for practitioners of Feng Shui is found in its balancing properties. It’s also worn as an amulet to attract loyalty.
| Mohs Hardness Score: | 5.5 to 6, useful for black gemstone cocktail rings. |
| Price: | $$ to $$$ |
Black Pearl
Pearls are unique in that they come from the tissue of mollusks. Black pearls, also known as Tahitian pearls, come from the black lip oyster and are sourced from both Tahiti and French Polynesia. Black pearls have undertones of gray, blue, green, and yellow. While round black pearls with beautiful luster are most expensive, they occur in a variety of shapes.
Benefits and Use
Black pearls, like other pearls, are polished and made into necklaces, earrings and bracelets. While all pearls are associated with wisdom, black pearls are used to heal broken hearts.
| Mohs Hardness Score: | 2.5, useful for fine jewelry. |
| Price: | $$ to $$$ |
Black Perovskite
Black perovskite is a form of calcium titanium oxide with dipyramidal crystal formation. These black crystals form in Earth’s mantle and are mined in Germany, Sweden, Switzerland, and the Ural mountain range. Black perovskites have a faint, metallic luster, are brittle, and have imperfect cleavage.
Benefits and Use
Black perovskite crystals have been used for solar cell replacement, due to their electric charge. They’re used for various purposes within nanotechnology and are reactive to different light wavelengths.
| Mohs Hardness Score: | 5.5, useful for industrial applications. |
| Price: | $ |
Black Phantom Quartz
Black phantom quartz is a rare variation on regular quartz. These black crystals exhibit a speckled, smoky black body with impurities. They’re formed as a result of amphibole minerals combining with regular quartz. Like other forms of quartz, black phantom quartz can be found nearly anywhere—it’s just more rare.
Benefits and Use
Black phantom quartz is used for meditation and crystal healing. It brings out the full potential of the user and fosters success.
| Mohs Hardness Score: | 7, useful for meditation crystals, pendant necklaces. |
| Price: | $ |
Black Preseli Bluestone
Black preseli bluestone, or simple preseli bluestone, is a rare gem that forms crystals in igneous rocks. Its main source is the Presli Mountain Range in Wales. A granite-like, fine surface includes snowflake inclusions. Black preseli bluestone may display flecks of white, blue and gray.
Benefits and Use
Black preseli bluestone gems are popular for beaded bracelets and used for emotional healing. Those suffering from setbacks find meaning in its soul-strengthening properties.
| Mohs Hardness Score: | 9, suitable for everyday wear. |
| Price: | $ |
Black Quartz
Black quartz is incredibly common. It’s related to both smokey and morion quartz, but distinguished by its deposits of aluminum. It’s usually opaque and ranges from brownish black to medium black. While it can be found around the world, the best source of quality black quartz crystals is Scotland.
Benefits and Use
Black quartz is used for healing within alternative medicine. It’s believed to benefit those recovering from any type of illness or surgery. Black quartz crystals are also used for protection.
| Mohs Hardness Score: | 7, useful for amulents. |
| Price: | $ |
Black Rutilated Quartz
Black rutilated quartz is unlike any other black gemstone because of its needle-like inclusions. It’s a transparent stone, with consistent to uneven patterns. Rutilated quartz is formed during a hydrothermal process during periods of high temperature. It’s found in Spain, the U.K., Brazil, Australia, United States, and elsewhere.
Benefits and Use
Black rutilated quartz is used for semi-precious rings and necklaces. It’s also used to heal the heart, balance emotions, and connect with one’s spirit.
| Mohs Hardness Score: | 7, useful for cocktail rings and meditation. |
| Price: | $ |
Black Sapphire
Just like sought-after blue sapphires, black sapphires are a gorgeous, precious gemstone. However, black sapphires absorb, rather than reflect light. It’s a form of aluminum oxide and is found in Australia in large deposits. Unlike blue sapphires, it’s quite accessible and affordable.
Benefits and Use
Black sapphires are used for costume and casual jewelry—from bracelets to necklaces and earrings. It’s still a meaningful token of wisdom and truth.
| Mohs Hardness Score: | 9, useful for everyday black gemstone rings, necklaces and more. |
| Price: | $ to $$ |
Black Scoria
Black scoria forms in bubble-shaped cavities within igneous rocks. Its composition is comparable to both basalt and andesite. A vesicular texture and grayish black surface mark its unique appearance. Black scoria is found at the base of volcanoes, especially in Australia. It’s composed of silica and calcium oxide.
Benefits and Use
Black scoria is used for organic gardening, landscaping and even fire pits. With its high-temperature insulation, black scoria is also used in oil wells. For others, it’s made into an amulet to guard against evil.
| Mohs Hardness Score: | 5 to 6, useful for landscaping, amulents. |
| Price: | $ |
Black Shamanite Calcite
Black shamanite calcite is a luminous black gemstone that comprises carbon, calcite, and other trace materials. Streaks of tan, beige of other neutrals grace black crystals with a vein-like appearance. Black shamanite calcite is mostly sourced from the Rocky Mountain range in the United States and may include miniscule amounts of fossils.
Benefits and Use
Black shamanite calcite crystals are used for meditation. They exude psychic energy and improve connection. Black shamanite calcite is also used to connect spiritually with guardian angels.
| Mohs Hardness Score: | 3, useful for meditation crystals. |
| Price: | $ |
Black Silica
Black silica is a type of quartz and forms in natural crystals when silicon is exposed to oxygen. Found in both metamorphic and igneous rocks, black silica is ubiquitous and can be found nearly anywhere in the world. When its crystals are broken down, it has a sugar-like texture. Crystals are opaque to transparent.
Benefits and Use
Black silica is mainly used within the solar photovoltaic industry for its ability to make light energy conversion more efficient. Some indigenous nations have used it for healing wounds and to reduce pain.
| Mohs Hardness Score: | 7, useful for industrial purposes. |
| Price: | $ |
Black Specularite
Black specularite is a form of iron oxide found within sedimentary, metamorphic and igneous rocks. Often compared with hematite, black specularite has earthy and muted metallic undertones and may have a speckled appearance (due to traces of mica). It comes from the United States, Canada, China, Brazil, Switzerland, England and Venezuela.
Benefits and Use
Black specularite is used to balance Yin and Yang energy. Its meaning is potent for those struggling with negative emotions and self doubt. Black specularite crystals are used for bringing inner peace.
| Mohs Hardness Score: | 5.5 to 6, useful for collecting. |
| Price: | $ |
Black Spiderweb Obsidian
Spiderweb obsidian is a glass mineral that occurs in igneous rock. A form of obsidian, spiderweb obsidian is distinguished by its web-like inclusions across its surface. These inclusions may be ivory, white or smoky. It’s found at the site of volcanic eruptions, including Yellowstone National Park and Mount Hekla in Iceland.
Benefits and Use
Black spiderweb obsidian crystals are used to heal negative emotions, such as hatred, anger and sorrow. They’re usually collected as polished tumble stones and raw crystals.
| Mohs Hardness Score: | 5 to 5.5, useful for collecting. |
| Price: | $ |
Black Spinel
Black spinel has a cubic crystal formation and is made out of magnesium and aluminum. This black gemstone ranges from opaque to transparent and vitreous to dull. It displays its crystal structure best when faceted. It’s found in metamorphic rocks with a conchoidal fracture point. Most black spinel comes from Sri Lanka, Afghanistan, and Myanmar.
Benefits and Use
Black spinel is less in demand than other colors of spinel, but often faceted as a semi-precious gemstone. It’s used for black gemstone rings, bracelets and other jewelry. It holds meaning in the root chakra and is used to improve physical stamina.
| Mohs Hardness Score: | 8, useful for black gemstone rings. |
| Price: | $$ |
Black Star Diopside
Black star diopside is known as the Black Star of India. Beloved for its deep black hue, this rare gemstone also displays green undertones. It’s made of calcium magnesium silicate. Needle-like inclusions provide a “star” pattern across the gemstone. In addition to India, black star diopside is sourced from Russia, Pakistan, South Africa, Austria, North America, and Finland.
Benefits and Use
In addition to enchanting black gemstone rings and bangle bracelets, black star diopside is used for fostering love and fidelity. It also reduces aggression and stubbornness.
| Mohs Hardness Score: | 5.5, useful for costume jewelry. |
| Price: | $ |
Black Star Sapphire
While blue sapphires are the most popular, black star sapphires are still among the more expensive black gemstones. Black star sapphires are a form of corundum and primarily composed of aluminum oxide. Inclusions form a star-like pattern and play with light, often with blue undertones. Black star sapphire comes from Thailand, Cambodia, Tanzania, Loas, Sri Lanka, and Australia.
Benefits and Use
Black star sapphires make for stunning and durable gemstone rings, but they’re also used for healing. Black star sapphires regulate and bring balance to an overactive body and mind.
| Mohs Hardness Score: | 9, useful for meditation crystals and gemstone rings. |
| Price: | $$ |
Black Tiger’s Eye
Black Tiger’s Eye is a chatoyant gemstone that forms in metamorphic rocks. Known for its silky luster, it’s also distinguished by its bands of yellowish brown to golden brown on its black body. Black tiger’s eye comes from Australia, Burma, Spain, Brazil, Canada, the United States, India and parts of Africa.
Benefits and Use
Black tiger’s eye is popularly sold as polished beads, bracelets, and necklaces. Its meaning is tied to Feng Shui practices for improving self confidence and inner strength.
| Mohs Hardness Score: | 7, useful for casual beads and bracelets. |
| Price: | $ |
Black Tourmaline
Black tourmaline is a form of boron silicate that settles in metamorphic and igneous rocks. It’s sourced from Brazil and Africa, usually along beaches and streams. Black tourmaline has vertical lines and may be inky black, bluish black, or muddy black. Its crystals are heavily ridged and exhibit uneven fracture.
Benefits and Use
Black tourmaline’s magnetic properties are used to balance negative energy and promote both renewal and protection. Black tourmaline necklaces, bracelets and rings are meaningful symbols of renewal and reconciliation.
| Mohs Hardness Score: | 7.5, useful for cocktail rings, beads and bracelets. |
| Price: | $ to $$ |
Black Zircon
Black zircon forms in prismatic crystals which may be opaque or translucent. Made of zirconium silicate, blakc zircon has double refraction and displays flashes of color. Black zircon is not as valuable as blue or bright red and is primarily sourced from Australia, India, Brazil, and Florida.
Benefits and Use
Black zircon crystals are used to bring dreams to life. These black crystals improve both mental and physical strength and bring abundance.
| Mohs Hardness Score: | 6 to 7.5, useful for black gemstone rings, raw crystals. |
| Price: | $ to $$ |
Coal
Coal forms in sedimentary rocks and is known as a primary non-renewable energy source. This fossil fuel is used to generate electricity and mined around the world. In the United States, it accounts for around half of the electricity generated, though this balance is slowly shifting. The combustible mineral is black to brownish black.
Benefits and Use
Coal is used to generate electricity and is used in power plants and turbines.
| Mohs Hardness Score: | 2.75 to 3, useful as an energy source. |
| Price: | $ |
Ferberite
Ferberite is a black mineral that forms in hydrothermal veins within granitic and alluvial deposits. Its slender prismatic black crystals are made out of iron tungstate and have a beaded surface. It’s rarely sold, and found in small quantities in Tazna and Bolivia.
Benefits and Use
The meaning of this black gemstone is energy. It’s used to provide physical and emotional motivation.
| Mohs Hardness Score: | 4.5 to, useful for collecting. |
| Price: | $$ |
Galena
Galena, known by its nickname of lead glance, is a type of lead sulfide. It forms in hydrothermal veins in limestone and many types of metamorphic rocks. Its distinguishing characteristic is octahedral crystals with strong ion charges. It has a silver to black hue, with a bright metallic luster. It’s mined around the world.
Benefits and Use
Galena isn’t used as a gemstone so much as mined for its components. It’s a major source of silver and also extracted for lead in ceramic glazes.
| Mohs Hardness Score: | 2.5 to 2.75, useful for lead and silver extraction. |
| Price: | $ |
Graphite
Graphite is a form of quartz and found in abundance around the world. Amorphous, flake, and crystalline graphite all come from sediment that’s reacted with carbon compounds with either magma or hydrothermal processes. Graphite is opaque with a faint metallic luster. It’s one of the softest black gemstones.
Benefits and Use
Graphite has a wide range of uses, from pencils to batteries, steel production, lubricants, and brakes. It’s resistant to thermal shock and easy to work with.
| Mohs Hardness Score: | 1 to 2, useful for pencils, batteries, other industrial materials. |
| Price: | $ |
Hypersthene
Hypersthene forms iron magnesium silicate crystals in prisms, masses or flakes. These black gemstones are sourced from Canada and the Adirondack Mountains of New York. Hypersthene gemstones have a pearly luster and a warm metallic shine. Perfect cleavage is another distinguishing feature.
Benefits and Use
Hypersthene gems help wearers organize their thoughts. Crystals clear the mind and enhance focus.
| Mohs Hardness Score: | 5.5 to 6, useful for collecting. |
| Price: | $ |
Ilmenite
This deep black mineral is composed of iron and titanium oxide. Ilmenite seeps into the veins of another black gemstone—gabbro—and is sourced from Norway, Quebec and New York. Though it’s often confused with hematite (with its subtle metallic hue), ilmenite has a distinguishable black streak.
Benefits and Use
Ilmenite is used as an abrasive, as a source of titanium, and in both sandblasting and welding. It’s also used in the production of metal components in the medical industry.
| Mohs Hardness Score: | 5.5 to 6, useful for industrial purposes. |
| Price: | $ |
Ilvaite
Ilvaite is one of the many types of black crystals that contains iron. It also contains calcium, magnesium and manganese and forms prismatic crystals. While black in some lights, it may appear muddy brown or even dark green depending on your angle. Ilvaite comes from Elba Island, which is located near Tuscany.
Benefits and Use
Ilvaite fosters creativity, energy, and a sense of wonder. Its black crystals are collected to dispel anxiety and connect with the root and crown chakras.
| Mohs Hardness Score: | 5.5 to 6, useful for collecting. |
| Price: | $$ |
Lava Stone
Lava stones form when volcanic magma cools. It can be found at the site of active volcanoes around the world. It differs from other volcanic minerals due to its honeycomb texture. While black lava stones are common, muddy brown are common as well.
Benefits and Use
Lava stones provide energy, stability and grounding. They’re used to instill courage, strength and relief from anxiety and tension. They’re also used for landscaping and in fire pits.
| Mohs Hardness Score: | 3 to 3.5, useful for collecting, landscaping. |
| Price: | $ |
Magnetite
Magnetite is an iron oxide that forms in metamorphic sedimentary rocks. Most magnetite comes from the Mesabi Iron Range in Mississippi. Its crystals are grainy, uneven, and have a distinct metallic luster. While magnetite may form in clusters, it can also be found in flakes. They’re also used for recovery after illness or a surgery.
Benefits and Use
Magnetite crystals are used to reduce inflammation, ease muscle aches, and improve circulation.
| Mohs Hardness Score: | 5 to 6, useful for tumble stones, crystals. |
| Price: | $ |
Morion
Morion is a type of black quartz with a black to smokey black appearance. It’s transparent, with a pleasant luster and forms dramatic crystals, usually with a smooth grain. Brazil is the most popular source of motion, followed by Madagascar and Scotland.
Benefits and Use
Morion holds meaning for those grappling with depression. It purifies the mind and releases negative energy. It’s used for meditation, both as tumble rocks and crystals.
| Mohs Hardness Score: | 7, useful for meditation crystals, amulents. |
| Price: | $ |
Neptunite
Neptunite is a unique black mineral made of manganese and silicate. It’s sourced from the United States, Greenland, Russia, Mongolia, Ireland, Tajikistan, and Australia. Its prismatic black crystals have a square cross section and splendid luster with a form more distinct than many types of black crystals.
Benefits and Use
Neptunite is used as a meditative black gemstone. It bolsters the will, strength and self-confidence of the user.
| Mohs Hardness Score: | 5 to 6, useful for collecting. |
| Price: | $$ |
Nuummite
Nuummite is an exceptionally rare black metamorphic rock. It’s one of the most ancient minerals and is made of gedrite and anthophyllite. It’s found in small quantities in Greenland. It has a smooth, deep black body with patches or specks of blue, yellow or green inclusions and a pleasant luster.
Benefits and Use
Due to its rarity, nuummite is mostly a collector’s stone. It’s used to provide divine knowledge and is symbolic of both life and death.
| Mohs Hardness Score: | 5.5 to 6, useful for collecting. |
| Price: | $ |
Obsidian
Obsidian is one of the better-known and more affordable black gemstones. It forms at the base of volcanoes as magma cools and can be found around the world. Its distinct glassy luster and jet-black hue make it easy to identify. It’s opaque with imperfect fracture, making it less desirable for faceting.
Benefits and Use
Obsidian is helpful for any sharp product—such as knives. It’s been used to make tools and weapons. Obsidian black gemstones are meaningful in Feng Shui for their ability to protect and cleanse.
| Mohs Hardness Score: | 5.5, useful for beaded bracelets for Feng Shui. |
| Price: | $ |
Pleonaste
Pleonaste is a unique form of spinel. Iron deposits provide its black hue. Its black crystals come in many forms, some in clusters and some indistinct. It has an indistinct cleavage and uneven fracture. Pleonaste mostly comes from Sri Lanka and is rather rare.
Benefits and Use
Pleonaste is a bearer of energy and endurance. Its black crystals are used to enhance both mental concentration and physical stamina.
| Mohs Hardness Score: | 8, useful for meditation, everyday wear. |
| Price: | $ |
Schorl
Schorl is a type of tourmaline. It has beautiful, even prismatic crystals, high luster, and a deep black body. It’s opaque and widely known as one of the most aesthetically pleasing types of black crystals. Schorl is sourced from Germany, England, Italy, the United States, Rusia, Brazil, Mexico, and other countries.
Benefits and Use
Schorl is a grounding black gemstone. It provides protection and shields against misfortune and negative energy. It also opens up the chakras.
| Mohs Hardness Score: | 7 to 7.5, useful for crystals, collecting. |
| Price: | $ |
Shungite
This rare black gemstone is 99 percent carbon. Shungite forms in 3D spherical atoms and has an even crystal structure. It’s inky to jet black with a metallic luster. Shungite comes from a single town in Russia.
Benefits and Use
Many believe that shungite has exceptional powers—from water purification to reducing inflammation in the body.
| Mohs Hardness Score: | 3.5 to 4.0, useful for collecting. |
| Price: | $ |
Stibnite
Stibnite is a sulfide mineral with smoky gray to black crystals. Its perfect cleavage and brilliant metallic luster are its main defining characteristics. Stibnite crystals can be found in China, Idaho, Nevada, California, and the Japanese island of Shikoku.
Benefits and Use
Stibnite is used to produce fireworks and matches. Its black crystals are used for reconnecting the mind to the body. Stibnite heightens awareness and makes us more conscious of ourselves.
| Mohs Hardness Score: | 2, useful for industrial purposes and display. |
| Price: | $ to $$ |
Tektite
Tekite is one of the most unique types of black crystals. Tektite forms from melted meteorites. Its glassy luster and unique, uneven crystal formation pair with ridged textures for an unusual appearance. Tektite crystals are found in West Africa, the Ivory Coast, and Southeast Asia.
Benefits and Use
Tektite crystals align with the crown chakra and provide stability and insight. Tektite is especially meaningful to Saggitarius.
| Mohs Hardness Score: | 6 to 7, useful for meditation and collecting, usually as tumble stones. |
| Price: | $ |
Frequently asked questions about black gemstones
Black onyx, black pearls, black diamonds, obsidian and black opal are just a few of the most popular black gemstones. There are well over 60 well-known types of black crystals and gems. Many of these are used for black gemstone rings by some of the best jewelry brands, while others are used for meditation.
Both rubies and sapphires (types of corundum) glow under black UV light. Other gems and minerals that glow include: opal, apatite, fluorite, aragonite, calcite, chalcedony, selenite, scheelite, smithsonite, sphalerite, and sodalite. Each glows in a unique way: some of these gems emit a gorgeous rainbow hue under black light.
Black gemstones have many names and come in many types. Some examples of black gemstones include black onyx, black spinel, black pearls, black tourmaline, blizzard stone, obsidian, and lava stone. Black gemstones may be called semi-precious stones or precious stones depending on the type.
Examples of some unique black gemstones include: black moonstone, black spiderweb obsidian, black tiger’s eye, and black rutile quartz. Valuable black gemstones you may be familiar with include black diamonds, black pearls, and black sapphires.
