Types and uses of black stones

The attractive shine and unusual color of black precious, semiprecious and semi-precious stones have led to their demand in the field of jewelry and stylish costume jewelry. Such accessories sometimes attract more attention than exclusive jewelry with large diamonds shimmering in all the colors of the rainbow. What kind of black stones are used in jewelry and who are they suitable for?

For a long time mankind has associated with black stones the action of special energy, magic and otherworldly forces. In the interpretation of some cultural traditions, this color symbolizes sadness, mourning and grief, in the interpretation of other cultures (for example, Japanese) - it personifies wisdom, respect for age and life experience.

In esoteric literature, various magical rites and rituals are described in which accessories decorated with black gems are used.

Representatives of modern society, ironic about superstition, prefer jewelry with dark stones because of their sophistication and originality. In combination with precious metals (platinum, white gold, silver), these gems look very elegant and catchy.

According to some psychologists, such jewelry is usually chosen by people who want to demonstrate to others their independence from fashion trends. Such individuals are characterized by concentration on their own inner world, personal beliefs and principles.

In nature, there is a rather impressive species diversity of rocks and minerals of dark shades. They differ from each other not only in the depth and saturation of color, but also in the features of the pattern, the degree of transparency, density, hardness. Even the brilliance of black stones depends on their variety.

Conventionally, the list of the most famous varieties of black stones can be divided into categories such as:

• precious;
• semi-precious;
• ornamental.

The list of black gemstones is not very extensive. This includes fairly well-known types of minerals and rocks, for most of which dark color is not typical. For this reason, black gemstones are considered very rare and are found mainly in private collections.

Black diamond (carbonado) - a variety of dark diamonds, first discovered in the 18th century in Brazil. The color palette of these minerals ranges from deep gray to dark green shades. A characteristic feature of such stones is their amazing strength.

Such specimens are extremely rare and are highly prized by collectors. It is noteworthy that modern technologies allow mankind to obtain artificial black diamonds in laboratories. The price of such stones is 15-20% lower than the cost of natural minerals.

Black sapphire - a kind of deep dark corundum, mined in Australia, India, USA, Tanzania, Thailand. It is curious that upon close examination, the color of such stones turns out to be not classically black, but dark blue, dark green or deep gray. The unusual color of such sapphires is due to the high content of iron and titanium atoms in their composition. Black sapphires are characterized by an intense glossy luster and high durability.

Noble black opal Is a rather rare translucent mineraloid, prized by jewelers for its amazing play of colors and iridescent tints. This effect, called "opalescence", is characteristic only of noble opals. The rarest types of black opals are found in the Australian state of New South Wales.

Black Pearl - a rare biogenic formation that forms in the shells of marine and individual river mollusks of a certain species. Dark pearls are usually charcoal gray, dark silver, or dark green in color. In jewelry, black pearls are prized for their unusual deep color and beautiful light shimmers.

This mineral is part of the nacreous layer of the shells of some mollusks, and also participates in the formation of the thinnest layers of pearls.

Black agate (other names - "coal" or "magic") - a type of quartz, which is characterized by a layered structure and ornaments in the form of stripes. Beautiful matte shine and deep black color have led to the widespread use of this stone in the manufacture of jewelry, bijouterie and stone-cutting products. The main deposits of agate are concentrated in the Crimea, Mongolia, India, Georgia, Tajikistan, Brazil, Uruguay.

Black quartz or morion Is a durable opaque mineral mined in Russia, Kazakhstan, Ukraine, USA, Brazil and many other countries of the world. This breed has the property of changing color when heated. When exposed to high temperatures, the stone turns golden yellow or brown.

Black tourmaline or sherl Is an opaque solid mineral with a glassy luster, mined mainly in the USA, Brazil, Germany and the UK. The rich black color of the stone is due to the high content of iron atoms. In nature, there are unusual formations of transparent quartz containing needle-like inclusions of black tourmaline in the form of intricate patterns. These minerals are called tourmaline quartz.

Black jasper (another little-known name - "jet") is a popular ornamental stone used in the manufacture of jewelry and stone-cutting products. It has an attractive velvety shine and original pattern. The uniformity of the black color of the stone can be diluted by brown, brown-red and other inclusions.

Obsidian - rock, which is a mixture of different minerals. These stones are characterized by fragility, vulnerability to abrasion and mechanical stress. At the same time, obsidians lend themselves well to processing: they are easy to polish, to give them the desired shape. Large deposits of this breed are located in Georgia, Turkey, Iceland, Central Asia, Russia.

Black onyx - a medium-strength mineral of a spectacular dark color, which is a kind of quartz. It is mined in Russia, India, Brazil, USA and the Arabian Peninsula. It is considered one of the most valuable ornamental stones. Black onyxes are used in the manufacture of various jewelry and stone-cutting products, decorative items and household items.

Hematite Is a very common mineral, the color of which can vary from brownish red to metallic black. It is characterized by a pronounced matte sheen, which gives the stone a special charm. After processing, hematite becomes similar to black quartz and black jasper, however, it is distinguished from them by a spectacular metallic glow.

Most types of black stones find their use in the manufacture of jewelry. They are used for inlaid bracelets, rings, earrings, tiaras, pendants, pendants. Some varieties of black stones are used to create blanks for future jewelry. So, from black onyx craftsmen make elements for rosary, from black pearls - beads for necklaces and bracelets.

Another direction in which black gems are widely used is production of stone-cutting and souvenir products. Such items include vases, ashtrays, figurines, boxes, pencil glasses, writing utensils, wall panels and other decorative items. For the manufacture of such products, various hard, semi-hard and soft ornamental stones are used.

Some black stones, due to their prevalence and low gem value, are used in industry. For example, black tourmaline is used in the manufacture of parts for automatic sensors, high frequency valves and other precision instruments. It is also used in optics - for the manufacture of light filters (polaroids).

Certain varieties of dark colored minerals use in the decoration of private and public premises.

Many jewelry and bijoux with black stones can be considered universal, since they are able to organically fit into both a woman's and a man's image. Such products are equally well suited for progressive youth and representatives of the mature generation.

Accessories with black stones can successfully complement the style of a leader or a representative of a managerial position. In addition, catchy and intricate jewelry with dark-colored stones is often chosen by people who gravitate towards informal trends and subcultures such as gothic, punk, and rock.

According to psychologists, products made in a minimalist strict style are usually preferred by people who want to emphasize their independence and adherence to principles... Such individuals are characterized by conservatism, steadfastness of views and beliefs.

For women of mature age, jewelry with black stones, made in a vintage style, is suitable. Accessories in a strict and laconic design will organically fit into the everyday male image.

Such accessories able to successfully complement almost any image - both sports or casual, and evening or business.

Esotericists and magicians recommend using jewelry with black stones for those people who lack self-confidence. Such accessories contribute to concentration of attention, strengthening of willpower and character. In addition, such jewelry should be worn by people who are prone to displaying aggression and irascibility. It is believed that the energy of black stones contributes to the harmonization of the personality, the acquisition of peace of mind and balance.

For more information on black agate, see the video below.