33 Types of Black Gemstones: Properties, Uses and Benefits

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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 machine-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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 native communities have been using it as a talisman against negativity for centuries.  

Mohs Scale: 3.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.