63 Types of Black Gemstones: Properties, Uses and Benefits

Last Updated on September 29, 2023 by Carla Jonas

Black gemstones have been adorning us for millennia – but the darkest of gems have more than just a decorative appeal. They are highly valuable in various industries and in crystal healing, an ancient alternative medicine practice that is regaining popularity. From their healing benefits to their undisputable charm, iridescent and lustrous gems in shades of black are intriguing, mysterious and the heart of many legends. 

Whether you think that black gemstones make perfect gifts (ready for this year’s Christmas shopping list!), you’re on the hunt for stylish earrings in dark hues or you’re simply intrigued by their unmatched beauty, we’ve compiled a detailed list of the best dark gems out there. From mesmerizing black Garnet to the iridescent Tahitian Pearls and from the enigmatic black Tourmaline or black Diamond to the lush black Sapphire, here are 63 black gemstones, and their many properties, uses and benefits. 

Black Gemstones – Frequently Asked Questions

Black Agate

Characteristics: Black Agate is a type of Chalcedony, part of the Quartz crystal family. The stone is actually translucent in different lights. Its black gemstones are widely available, especially in United States, Brazil and Mexico and affordable (specimens with minimal inclusions are more valuable). 

Benefits and Uses: Connected with the Root Chakra, Agate is a symbol of protection, success and courage. The black variety of Agate is used in crystal healing for respiratory, dental and reproductive issues.

Mohs Hardness Score: 7, suitable for a wide variety of jewelry.

Black Anatase

Characteristics: Anatase occurs in a wide range of colors, including black and a unique deep indigo, but also red, brown, blue and yellow. Anatase black gemstones are occasionally used in jewelry, and present interest mostly to mineral collectors. The mineral is found widely in Western Europe and United States. 

Benefits and Uses: Anatase has a wide range of industrial uses, from air purifiers to solar cells and environment purification. In crystal healing, Anatase is an aid in treating sinus problems, as well as mental and spiritual difficulties.

Mohs Hardness Score: 5.5 to 6.

Black Arfvedsonite

Characteristics: Arfvedsonite’s colors are predominantly grays, blue and green-grays, with black gemstones available as well. The mineral is rare, it presents fibrous crystals and can be both translucent and opaque. 

Benefits and Uses: Arfvedsonite is a favorite among both healers and collectors. It is considered an important crystal when aiming to expand one’s consciousness and opening the Eye Chakra. In jewelry making, the black gemstone is used mostly for pieces that are not prone to scratches (such as pendants).

Mohs Hardness Score: 5 to 6.

Black Augite

Characteristics: Augite is a very common mineral that is commonly found in abundant quantities throughout the world. It is located in a variety of rocks, including Basalt, Gabbro and Diorite. Its colors range from green (most common) to shades of brown and black, both translucent and opaque.

Benefits and Uses: Augite does not have impressive industrial uses. Its appeal in jewelry making is minimal as well. However, healers believe that this black gemstone is able to provide calming effects when one deals with feelings of disturbance and anxiety. 

Mohs Hardness Score: 5.5 to 6.

Black Basalt

Characteristics: Basalt is a widely available rock which amounts to over 90% of the volcanic rocks in the world. It has a unique appearance, featuring holes left by gas bubbles that make the rock porous and coarse. Basalt is almost exclusively dark grey or black in color. 

Benefits and Uses: Basalt is valuable in a wide variety of industries incluing the manufacturing of tubes, bars, insulation and more. In jewelry, Basalt is rare occurrence, mostly in the creation of handmade, artisanal pieces. 

Mohs Hardness Score: 6.

Black Biotite

Characteristics: The mineral Biotite is part of a variety of rocks, including Granite, Gabbro and Pegmatite. Due to its high Iron content, the mineral is often called ‘Iron Mica’ or ‘Black Mica’. Mica refers to crystals that can easily be split into very thin elastic plates.

Benefits and Uses: Due to its softness and the fact that it’s easily scratched, Biotite is not suitable for jewelry. It is however of great value in alternative medicine practices, such as acupuncture. Practitioners claim that the black rock has the power to increase energy flow in various parts of the body. 

Mohs Hardness Score: 2.5 to 3.

Black Blizzard Stone

Characteristics: Blizzard Stone is also found on the market under the name Gabbro Stone. The mineral was relatively recently discovered, in 1990 in Alaska. These gems are black with white or grey speckles, or sometimes they present as white gemstones with black speckles.

Benefits and Uses: The hardness of Blizzard Stone varies greatly and the tougher black gemstones are suitable for jewelry making. In crystal healing, Blizzard Stone is believed to assist with spiritual growth, as well as strengthening the Crown Chakra.

Mohs Hardness Score: 5.5 to 8.

Black Cairngorm

Characteristics: Cairngorm is part of the Smoky Quartz family. This usually black gemstone ranges in color from smoky yellow-brown to brown-black or dark grey. The color of Smoky Quartz is the result of natural radiation.

Benefits and Uses: In jewelry, Cairngorm is a staple in Scottish designs – especially kilt pins. In healing practices, Cairngorm is believed to calm the mind and enhance insight. 

Mohs Hardness Score: 7.

Black Carborundum

Characteristics: Carborundum is one of the hardest black gemstones out there, scoring 9 on the Mohs scale. Lesser known fact: this crystal is man-made and it was actually created in the 1800’s. Its surface features rainbow shades ranging from gold to pink against a black background.

Benefits and Uses: Due to its hardness, Carborundum is an excellent abrasive for cutting and polishing.

Mohs Hardness Score: 9.

Black Cassiterite

Characteristics: Many black gemstones are rarely available in their colorless variety and Cassiterite is an exception. It comes in shades of black, brown-black, reddish-brown, yellow, gray and sometimes white.

Benefits and Uses: The black gemstones created from Cassiterite crystals are highly lustrous, appealing and used in jewelry. Cassiterite has been mined ever since ancient civilizations for its uses in the manufacture of tin.

Mohs Hardness Score: 6 to 7.

Black Cat’s Eye Scapolite

Characteristics: Cat’s Eye Scapolite comes in a wide array of shades, with the rarest being violet. Black Cat’s Eye Scapolite is mainly a collector’s piece as it is quite rare and considered ‘exotic’.

Benefits and Uses: The black gemstone is part of the Scapolite family, and its name comes from the similarities with a cat’s eye. The resemblance is a symbol of protection and, according to mythology, able to reduce the evil effects of ‘Ketu‘.

Mohs Hardness Score: 5.5 to 6.

Coal

Characteristics: Coal is one of the few black rocks on our list that is notoriously jet black, although it can appear brown and yellow in the field. It is known for its slippery surface, softness and low density and it’s made predominately out of Carbon.  

Benefits and Uses: The main use of Coal is for electricity, cement production and carbon fibers. Coal jewelry pieces do exist, although rare due to the low hardness of the rock.

Mohs Hardness Score: 2.5 to 3.

Black Dendrite

Characteristics: Dendrite is formed in a variety of gemstones, with the most popular being Dendritic Quartz. Usually white or colorless, Dendrite presents black markings named ‘dendrites’ under the shape of trees or fern. Usually mistaken with a fossil of plants, Dendrite actually forms when minerals with metallic properties are deposited in the cracks of the stones.

Benefits and Uses: Dendrite is considered a healing stone and valued for its protective vibrations. It is believed that the gemstone or jewelry featuring it promotes inner stability and maturity.

Mohs Hardness Score: 6.5 to 7.

Black Diamond

Characteristics: Diamonds come in a wide variety of colors, ranging from colorless to yellow, white, blue, gray, pink, orange red and black. All colored Diamonds get their color from impurities found in their structure. Carbonado, which is known as black Diamond, is one of the toughest types of natural Diamond. Its structure includes a combination of Diamond, Graphite, and amorphous Carbon.

Benefits and Uses: Black Diamonds are considered high frequency gems that represent action, passion, power and high energy. During Medieval Europe, the black gemstones were regarded as lucky talismans, able to protect the wearer from evil.

Mohs Hardness Score: 10.

Ferberite

Characteristics: Ferberite is almost exclusively a black gemstone, with some varieties available in dark brown. Its composition includes Iron and Tungstate and it presents a submetallic luster. 

Benefits and Uses: Ferberite is mostly a collector’s piece and its black gemstones are minimally found on the market. Industrially, Ferberite is one of the main sources of Tungsten, which is extensively used in jewelry, heating, weights, blades and other high-density products. Its potential healing properties include healing heartache and activating inner power.

Mohs Hardness Score: 4.5.

Black Fossil Coral

Characteristics: Fossil Coral is a black gemstone formed by ancient corals. The skeletons of the coral animals are preserved and leave unique flower-like patterns in the stone in combinations of mostly black, white and light gray or beige. The gemstones are considered part of the Agate family, rather than the Coral family, due to their silicon dioxide composition. Almost all Fossil Corals are commonly found in the US and Indonesia.

Benefits and Uses: Due to its interesting appearance, Fossil Coral is used in jewelry (usually as oval, round and cushion cabochons) and in the creation of decorative pieces.

Mohs Hardness Score: 6 to 7.

Galena

Characteristics: Galena comes in colors like silver, lead gray and black. Its name comes from the Greek “galene”, which means “Lead ore”. It is a dark mineral, but the black gemstones are very appealing when polished. 

Benefits and Uses: Galena is the mineral form of Lead and one of the most important sources of Silver. Lead is widely used in batteries and different alloys and Silver is a staple in jewelry, tableware, dental alloys and electrical contacts. 

Mohs Hardness Score: 2.5 to 2.75.

Black Garnet

Characteristics: Garnet has been used ever since Bronze Age as a colored or black gemstone for decorative purposes, as well as for its abrasive properties. It is a very popular stone and there are many types of Garnet. Its black gemstones mostly come from the Andradite and Pyrope variety.

Benefits and Uses: Black Garnet has been used for its healing powers since ancient times. It is believed that the black gemstones stimulate and regenerate energy, shifting moods from depression to motivation and passion. Due to its increased hardness on Mohs scale, Garnet in all its color variations (but especially red) is used extensively in jewelry. 

Mohs Scale: 6.5 to 7.5.

Graphite

Characteristics: Graphite is a mineral known for its softness under light pressure and very low gravity. It is a crystalline form of Carbon and comes in deep black shades. It is nontoxic and has the ability to rub off easily on different surfaces.

Benefits and Uses: The main uses of Graphite are in the manufacture of pencils and lubricants, as well as solar panels and batteries. Like many other varieties of gemstones that are easily scratched, graphite is rarely used in jewelry.

Mohs Hardness Score: 1 to 2.

Black Hematite

Characteristics: Hematite is one of the most plentifully found minerals on Earth – both in rocks and soil. As an Iron Oxide crystal, Hematite presents a compact structure and a highly metallic / glassy luster in shades of black, silver and gray or reddish-brown. 

Benefits and Uses: It is believed that the dark colors of the black gemstones have the power to absorb negative energies (and evil spirits) in the collector’s home. Similar to Iron, Hematite is considered a healing stone and believed to strengthen our connection with nature and Earth. Hematite is not an expensive crystal and jewelry pieces featuring its gemstones are available. 

Mohs Scale: 5 to 6.5.

Black Hypersthene

Characteristics: Hypersthene is a mineral also known under the names Enstatite or Ferrosilite. It presents a vitreous to pearly luster (some call it ‘velvety’), and comes in shades like black, green, gray or brown. 

Benefits and Uses: Hypersthene is known as a ‘magical stone’ and believed to have calming and soothing properties especially when dealing with racing thoughts. The light gray to black gemstones are often used in jewelry and cabochons often present ombre effects with iridescent silver streaks.

Mohs Rating: 5.5 to 6.

Ilmenite

Characteristics: Ilmenite is an Oxide mineral that comes in shades of black and steel gray. It is somewhat magnetic, and often presents Copper Ore veins. It gets its name from Ilmen Mountains in Russia, where the mineral is found in abundant quantities. 

Benefits and Uses: Ilmenite is an important source of titanium dioxide, which is widely used in ink and paints. The metaphysical properties of its black gemstones include being a talisman against evil by blocking out negative energy.

Mohs Ranking: 5.5 to 6.

Ilvaite

Characteristics: Ilvaite comes in deep black and dark greyish black, with a sub-metallic luster. Ilvaite is one of the black gemstones that exhibits Pleochroism, meaning it appears to change colors depending on the angle – when in polarized light, it can appear the color green or brown.

Benefits and Uses: Ilvaite is expensive and rare and it presents high interest from collectors. Like the majority of black stones or black crystals, the black gemstone Ilvaite is believed to carry protective energy.

Mohs Hardness Score: 5.5 to 6.

Black Indigo Gabbro

Characteristics: Indigo Gabbro is also known under the name of Mystic Merlinite. The mineral is actually a volcanic stone that forms deep in the oceanic and Earth’s crust. It typically presents irregular patterns in black and gray. 

Benefits and Uses: Due to the fact that it was recently discovered in Madagascar, many spiritual healers believe that the mineral is a New Age amulet, destined to expand consciousness.

Mohs Hardness Score: 6 to 6.5.

Black Jade

Characteristics: Jade is highly lustrous and comes in a wide range of colors, including green, jet black and white. The color of black Jade is given by the amount of Iron and Manganese commonly found in its composition. 

Benefits and Uses: Black Jade is a common gemstone and extensively used in jewelry, as well as in the creation of decorative items. Unsurprisingly, black Jade is believed to act as a guardian stone and as a repeller of negative entities and evil spirits. Black Jade has been used for thousands of years – especially in the creation of tools and knives. Certain types of Jade are very rare and expensive (such as Jadeite).

Mohs Rating: 6.5 to 7.

Black Jasper

Characteristics: Jasper is a type of Silica, commonly found in shades of red, yellow, brown, green or black, with red being the most prominent shade. It is usually multi-colored, presenting unique patterns.

Benefits and Uses: Jasper is extensively used in decorative objects such as vases and boxes, as well as in jewelry. Black Jasper is associated with grounding properties and it is believed that the black gemstone connects with the Root Chakra, which symbolizes stability and safety.

Mohs Ranking: 6.5 to 7.

Black Jet

Characteristics: Jet is a type of Coal, as well as a mineraloid (unlike most black gemstones, which are minerals). Jet is formed from wood, which, under extreme pressure, changed its appearance and characteristics. It comes in two shades: black and brown and it presents a glassy luster.

Benefits and Uses: During the Roman times, Jet was a popular choice black gemstone for jewelry and it gained even more notoriety during Queen Victoria. Metaphysically, Jet is an aid when attempting to break bad habits, as it provides clarity and luck during hardship.

Mohs Hardness Score: 2.5 to 4.

Black Kidney Ore

Characteristics: Kidney Ore, also known as Kidney Iron Ore, is a variety or Iron Ore which presents a striking similarity in shape with kidneys featuring many nodules. It is part of the Hematite family and it includes Iron and Oxygen in its composition. 

Benefits and Uses: The mineral presents high interest for collectors due to its unique appearance. It is believed that Kidney Ore can enhance one’s courage, as well as boosting energy while reducing negative thoughts.

Mohs Hardness Score: 5.5 to 6.5.

Black Kyanite

Characteristics: Kyanite is a not a common gemstone. In fact, it is quite a rare and valuable gemstone that can be found in metamorphic rocks. The most common shade of this mineral is a vibrant blue. Black Kyanite specifically is a Silicate, which can also be commonly found in sedimentary rocks. 

Benefits and Uses: Black Kyanite is used widely in ceramic products, as well as in electronics and abrasives. The black gemstone variety is known as ‘Witches Broom’, due to the fact that it is believed that its black gemstones have the ability to remove negative energy from one’s chakras and aura. 

Mohs Hardness Score: 4.5 to 7.

Black Labradorite

Characteristics: Labradorite gets its name from the place where it was originally found: Labrador, Canada. The black gemstones feature appealing iridescence – but more specifically, labradorescence. This type of glassy luster refers to the reflection of the light from planes that follow one direction. 

Benefits and Uses: Black Labradorite is believed to be a protective stone, like most other black gemstones. It is also believed that the black gemstone has grounding powers, as well as helping the user bond more with the energies of the Earth. 

Mohs Hardness Score: 6 to 6.5.

Lava Stone

Characteristics: Lava Stone is not necessarily a recognized black gemstone, but it is used as such. Lava Stones are basically volcanic rocks which range in color from brown to grey and black, all with a very porous surface. Lava Stones are formed when volcanos erupt, out of the liquid that dries up. 

Benefits and Uses: Lava Stone is believed to reduce anxiety and worries while enhancing one’s calmness and promoting a state of relaxation. Jewelry crafted from Lava Stone is popular, especially for its metaphysical properties and often used in combination with essential oils. 

Mohs Ranking: 3 to 3.5

Magnetite

Characteristics: Magnetite is a mineral that falls under the Iron Ore category. It is the most magnetic out of all minerals on Earth. The mineral is usually black or brownish-black, with a specific metallic luster. 

Benefits and Uses: Magnetite is mostly used as a source of Iron Ore, but it is also used in paints, ceramics and magnetic nanoparticles. Metaphysically, Magnetite is associated with the powers of attraction (magnetism).

Mohs Rating: 5.5 to 6.

Black Melanite

Characteristics: Melanite is part of the Andradite group, which, in turn, is a subspecies of Garnet. Referring to the black variety of the crystal, the black gemstone is often called ‘Titanium Andradite’. Black Melanite is a hard crystal with an opaque construction that rarely comes in shades other than black.

Benefits and Uses: Black Melanite is used in various types of earrings, necklaces, many types of bracelets and pendants. In crystal healing, the black gemstone is believed to be able to calm the mind, as well as settle a restless heart. 

Mohs Hardness Score: 6.5 to 7.5.

Black Moissanite

Characteristics: Natural Moissanite occurs as inclusions in various crystals like Diamonds and Xenoliths, but it’s extremely rare. Most Moissanite available on the market today is man-made black gemstone as an alternative to Diamonds. Black Moissanite is a very tough stone, highly resistant, measuring 9.25 on the scale. 

Benefits and Uses: A wide range of jewelry featuring this gemstone is available on the market, mostly as a Diamond substitute. To most, Moissanite is undistinguishable from Diamond, which is why it has become a popular choice for unique engagement rings.

Mohs Hardness Score: 9.25.

Black Moonstone

Characteristics: Typically, Moonstone gems are white, blue-white or peach, with darker shades also available. The rarest and most sought-after hue is colorless with a blue luster that floats above the gem. Together with Pearls, Moonstones are the June birthstones. 

Benefits and Uses: It is believed that Moonstone promotes empathy and care for others. Associated with the Moon, the gemstone represents femininity and intuitive power.

Mohs Ranking: 6 to 6.5.

Morion

Characteristics: Morion is popular stone, part of the Quartz family. Its name comes from the Greek ‘morysso’, which translates as ‘to blacken’ – but some believe its name comes from the Latin equivalent for ‘death’. Any type of Quartz crystal can be transformed into Morion by using X-ray exposure. 

Benefits and Uses: Morion that comes in a solid black shade is considered a ‘symbol of the night’. The healing power of these black gemstones includes restoring energy and revitalization. Morion is very rare and not widely available on the market. The crystals present a lot of interest for collectors, as well as for healers and people practicing meditation because it is believed that these black gemstones are able to absorb all types of energies. 

Mohs Rating: 7.

Neptunite

Characteristics: Neptunite is a black crystal with a vitreous luster, with some varieties including thin dark red-brown fragments. The mineral, which was discovered only around 100 years ago, takes its name from Neptune, which is the Roman god of the sea. 

Benefits and Uses: Many associate the Neptunite crystal with benefits like enhanced intuition, self-belief and self-confidence. Neptunite is a sodium mineral, which means that it is also very cleansing.

Mohs Score: 5 to 6.

Nuummite

Characteristics: Nuummite is a metamorphic rock that usually comes in black shades. It has an opaque construction that presents specific lamellae that give the gemstones a unique iridescence. It is almost exclusively found in Greenland.

Benefits: In crystal healing, Nuummite is associated with grounding properties, as well as protective powers. Due to its unique appearance and iridescence, this rare crystal is sought after by both collectors and those interested in the esoteric nature of minerals.

Mohs Score: 5.5 to 6.

Obsidian

Characteristics: Black Obsidian is a stone that forms when the lava erupted from a volcano cools down quickly. Appearance-wise, black Obsidian is a solid black stone with a shiny luster when sculpted or polished. Black Obsidian is found in various areas of the world and it’s not an expensive black gemstone.

Benefits: Black Obsidian is used both in the creation of jewelry and decoration. Esoterically, many believe that the black gemstones have protective powers, as well as spiritual cleaning properties.

Mohs Hardness Score: 5 to 6.

Black Onyx

Characteristics: Onyx has a wide spectrum of shades, ranging from white to black. The stone presents unique patterns and rainbow-like displays of different hues, with the lighter specimens presenting translucency. 

Benefits: Black Onyx has been used in stone carving practices and jewelry crafting for the longest time. Prices for black Onyx vary significantly, from $1 to $500 per carat for black gems. Each Onyx color comes with different esoteric benefits – black Onyx gemstones are associated with grounding, self-control, and as most other black crystals, with protective powers.

Mohs Score: 7.

Black Opal

Characteristics: Opals, unlike any other gem, feature a large number of colors in an iridescent, glittering pattern display. Black Opal is extremely rare (found only in Australia) and the most valuable type out of all Opals, with premium quality gems up to $10,000 per carat.

Benefits: Some consider Opals to be unlucky stones – in all colors except the black gemstones. Opals including black Opal are also used as ceramic ingredients and abrasives in many industries.

Mohs Hardness Score: 5.5 to 6.5.

Black Pearl

Characteristics: Pearls are available in every shade imaginable, ranging from ivory to gold, pink, blue, purple, silver, peach and almost black (Tahitian Pearls). Some black Pearls available on the market are dyed (such as Freshwater gems and Akoya types). Black Pearls are actually organic gemstones, as they form inside a variety of freshwater and saltwater mollusks as a result of irritation. Tahitian black Pearls come in many overtones, ranging from silver to peacock, copper and blue-green.

Benefits: Pearls are some of the most popular gems used in jewelry. The black Pearl specifically is considered an amulet against evil intentions. In Polynesian culture, where black Pearls originate from (French Polynesia), the black Pearl represents the idea of love, as well as fertility.

Mohs Hardness Score: 2.5 to 4.5.

Black Perovskite

Characteristics: Perovskite is a mineral composed of calcium titanium oxide with a unique crystal structure. It is usually found under the shape of black cubes in various rocks or schists. More rarely, it can also come in colors like red, orange or yellow.. 

Benefits: Perovskite has the ability to absorb light and transport electric charge, which makes it essential in the solar energy industry. Crystal therapy practitioners associate this black crystal with healing powers when dealing with underlying loneliness or anxiety.

Mohs Score: 5 to 5.5.

Black Phantom Quartz

Characteristics: Phantom Quartz is part of the Quartz family that forms over other crystals. Basically, these ‘ghost crystals’ experienced an interruption during their growth. This event caused the appearance of mineral deposits that resemble holographic-like ghosts within the stone. 

Benefits: Due to its enigmatic appearance, the crystal makes striking jewelry, especially pendants. Metaphysically, Phantom Quartz represents the power of growth. Meditation practitioners believe that this semi-black gem is a great aid in helping the user move past emotional traumas and blockages.

Mohs Scale: 7.

Pleonaste

Characteristics: Pleonaste is a typically black mineral, occasionally available in blue and grey shades as well. It is a subtype of Spinel and it is often called ‘Ceylon’. Pleonaste gets its name from the Greek for ‘abundant,’ due to the fact that the black gemstones come in many crystal forms.

Benefits: Pleonaste promotes a healthy, fluid aura and prevents stagnation in all aspects, while exuding positive energy. Pleonaste is very hard, with a score up to 8 on Mohs scale, which makes it perfect for the widest range of jewelry.

Mohs Scale: 7.5 to 8.

Black Preseli Bluestone

Characteristics: Preseli Bluestone, which is also known as ‘Preseli Spotted Dolerite’ is a very rare rock which is exclusively found in western Wales within the Preseli Hill. It is an igneous rock that presents white spots of Plagioclase Feldspar. Its gems vary in color from greys with blue tints to almost-black. 

Benefits: Many believe that the Preseli gems can strengthen the immune system and the heart while boosting the electrical flow throughout the body.

Mohs Hardness Score: 6.

Black Quartz

Characteristics: Quartz comes in many colors, with the most sought-after ones being its neutral varieties like white, grey, beige and black. Black Quartz is also called Smoky Quartz, which is valuable due to its unique appearance: greyish-black, translucent and ranging from completely transparent to opaque. 

Benefits: Quartz is a staple in everything from jewelry making to glassmaking, watches, TVs, computers, meters and phones. Quartz is also highly efficient in crystal healing. Many practitioners equate the black varieties with the finest manifestation of Mother Earth. In addition, Smoky Quartz is an aid in reducing emotional and environmental negativity.

Mohs Scale: 7.

Black Rutile Quartz

Characteristics: Rutile (or Rutilated) Quartz is a type of Quartz that presents specific inclusions in different colors, including beige, orange and black. These inclusions resemble needles, which look striking inside clear or smoky Quartz. The inclusions are made of materials that get trapped inside the mineral. 

Benefits: While most gemstones are treasured for their lack of impurities, the opposite is true for Rutile Quartz. These unique and highly impure crystals make statement necklaces, earrings and bracelets. The Rutile Quartz gemstones are energizing, helping the wearer to rediscover their passions.

Mohs Hardness Score: 6.

Black Sapphire

Characteristics: Black Sapphire is a very dark stone that stands out with its opaqueness. Sapphires are usually blue and bright, but the black variety differs because it appears to absorb all the light. Black Sapphires are far less valuable than the blue variety and they are mainly found in Australia. 

Benefits: Black Sapphires are often confused with Onyx. Despite their increased hardness, the black gemstones are of lower quality and they are affordable, although highly resistant. The black gemstones are an aid when aiming to improve calmness, intuition, and reduce negative energies.

Mohs Scale: 9.

Schorl Tourmaline

Characteristics: Schorl is the black variety of Tourmaline. It gets its color from Iron and it can appear black, ultra-dark green or midnight blue. It has a specific submetallic luster, but some specimens can appear dull.  

Benefits: Schorl Tourmaline gets a lot of interest from collectors, despite its abundance. In fact, it is by far the most common type of Tourmaline, accounting up to 95%. Crystal healing practices have concluded that Black Tourmaline is a very potent crystal with high vibration protective powers.

Mohs Hardness Score: 6 to 6.5.

Black Scoria

Characteristics: Scoria is a volcanic rock that sometimes includes crystals. The rocks are dark colored, ranging from grey to brown and black and they all present cavities that give the rock a sponge-like appearance. 

Benefits: Scoria is very valuable in landscaping, barbeque grills, insulation and traction aid. Despite its provenience and lack of luster, Scoria is sometimes used in artisanal jewelry.

Mohs Hardness Score: 5 to 6.

Black Shamanite Calcite

Characteristics: Shamanite is part of the Calcite family, referring to a group of stones that include a high concentration of pure Carbon. Also known as North American Black Calcite, the stone presents tiny fossils which take the name ‘King of Creation’. Shamanite comes in shades of gray, black, tan and brown. 

Benefits: Esoteric beliefs point out that the Shamanite stone comes with high vibrations, useful when practicing Shamanism. Even though some claim that Shamanite is a recent discovery, others say that various tribes have been using it as a talisman against negativity for centuries.  

Mohs Scale: 3.

Shungite

Characteristics: Shungite is a stone that is made of Carbon almost entirely. It is rare and mostly originates in Russia. The stone is mostly black and lustrous when polished. Some specimens come in bronze shades and the most valuable quality stones are called ‘Elite Shungite’, which include the highest concentration of Carbon. 

Benefits: Shungite is an aid against electromagnetic frequencies. It is labeled as a grounding stone, with a high vibration that encourages ascension. Shungite jewelry is worn mostly for its metaphysical benefits.

Mohs Hardness Score: 3.5 to 4.

Black Specularite

Characteristics: Specularite is typically silver with dark blue undertones, with darker varieties being closer to black. Specularite is a rare type of Hematite, and its name comes from the specular Hematite flakes it presents (with reflective qualities). 

Benefits: Specularite is a grounding stone that, healers say, promotes calmness, inner peace and optimal cognitive function. Many opt for Specularite jewelry because of its benefic properties over the wearer’s mind and emotional state.

Mohs Hardness Score: 5.5 to 6.5.

Black Spiderweb Obsidian

Characteristics: Spiderweb Obsidian is a type of Obsidian that presents a spiderweb-like pattern on its surface. It is usually found in its black variety, with dark blue and green gemstones also available. Obsidian does not qualify as a pure mineral. In fact, the stone is actually the result of lava cooling down rapidly. 

Benefits: Spiderweb Obsidian is a popular collector’s piece, as well as of real value in crystal healing. The stone is recommended to those who are dealing with challenging situations or stuck in negative thinking patterns.

Mohs Ranking: 5 to 6.

Black Spinel

Characteristics: Black Spinel is one of the rarest types of Spinel, often confused with Black Tourmaline. However, Black Spinel is generally of higher quality. Its name comes from the Greek ‘spinos’, which means ‘to sparkle’, referring to the gem’s luster. 

Benefits: As most black stones, Spinel is a repeller of negative energy and evil spirits and many believe it has protective powers over the wearer. A diverse range of black Spinel jewelry can be found on the market.

Mohs Hardness Score: 7.5 to 8.

Black Star Diopside

Characteristics: Star Diopside presents a 4-rayed star like effect that is a result of light reflection. Its notable characteristic is that one ray is noticeably sharper than the other. The gem is also called ‘Black Star’, which is a name associated with ‘Star Sapphire’as well. Most stones come from India. Its colors are exclusively dark, with black being the typical shade. 

Benefits: Diopside is a stone that represents awakening and love. Practitioners believe that Star Diopside is a powerful healing amulet that promotes the growth of the Heart Chakra.

Mohs Hardness Score: 5 to 6.

Black Star Sapphire

Characteristics: Black Star Sapphires exhibit asterism properties, which means the formation of a 6 ray star like effect when under a light source / direct light. Most Star Sapphires are blue, and occasionally black with brown undertones. A single black Star Sapphire gemstone can be valued at thousands of dollars. 

Benefits: Black Star Sapphire is a popular choice in future prediction practices, as it is believed that the stone makes everything clear. In addition, increased mental power and understanding are also among the benefits of this unique gem.

Mohs Hardness Score: 9.

Stibnite

Characteristics: Stibnite can be found on the market under the name ‘Antimonite’. It is the primary source of Antimony, which is a metalloid with a sharp grey luster. 

Benefits: Stibnite is highly useful in the manufacture of matches and fireworks, but also jewelry, even though it is not a hard gemstone. Stibnite represents the process of transformation, as well as being an aid in aligning all chakras. Also associated with the planet Pluto, it symbolizes rebirth and metamorphosis.

Mohs Hardness Score: 2.

Black Tiger’s Eye

Characteristics: Tiger’s Eye is a gemstone that presents the phenomenon of chatoyancy, featuring a silky luster and ombre-like displays of color. Most specimens are golden to brown. 

Benefits: The gemstones are widely used in jewelry – and they’ve been treasured since the oldest times. Ancient Roman soldiers believed the stone to be highly potent due to its resemblance to a cat’s eye. In healing practices, Tiger’s Eye symbolizes vitality, power and courage.

Mohs Hardness Score: 7.

Black Tourmaline

Characteristics: Tourmaline comes in a diverse range of colors, from pink to green, blue and black, depending on the composition. The more intense the shade, the more valuable the gem. The name of the gem originates in the Sinhalese ‘Turmali’, which defines a gemstone of mixed color, fact which inspired legends that describe the gem as a ‘rainbow’.

Benefits: Tourmaline makes striking jewelry. Black Tourmaline is protective and attracts compassion and empathy while also acting as an energy magnet.

Mohs Hardness Score: 7 to 7.5.

Black Zircon

Characteristics: Black Zircon is a natural gemstone, often confused with the more affordable and manmade Cubic Zirconia. The gem comes in all the shades of the rainbow including the black variety, with the clear gems being the most sought-after due to its resemblance to Diamonds. 

Benefits and Uses: Black Zircon gets its colors from Iron Oxide impurities. Black Zircon jewelry is widely available, although it is often brittle. Many believe that black Zircon and black Zircon jewelry are a great amulet when meditating, because they provide balance and unlock blocked energies.  

Mohs Hardness Score: 7.5.

Final Thoughts

And that wraps up our list of the most popular black gemstones. There are many gemstone varieties out there, each special in their own way, but black gemstones are truly exquisite. Dark. Intense. Moody. Mysterious. Iridescent. Black gemstones simply have it all. Enticing beauty, timeless appeal, plus protective powers – it is no wonder that dark gems have been cherished for thousands of years. We can certainly appreciate their unique splendor and enigmatic charm. Are you a lover of black gemstone jewelry? If so, which one is your black gem of choice from our list above? Let us know your favorites and your thoughts in the comment section below!