Types and use of black stones

The attractive luster and unusual color of black precious, semiprecious and ornamental stones made them in demand in the field of creating jewelry and stylish jewelry. Such accessories sometimes attract more attention than exclusive jewelry with large diamonds that shimmer with all the colors of the rainbow. What black stones have found application in jewelry and to whom will they suit?

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

Esoteric literature describes various magical rites and rituals that use accessories decorated with black gems.

Representatives of modern society, ironically related to superstitions, prefer jewelry with dark stones because of their sophistication and originality. In combination with noble metals (platinum, white gold, silver), such gems look very elegant and catchy.

According to some psychologists, Such jewelry is usually chosen by people who want to show others their independence from fashion trends. Such individuals are characterized by a 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. From each other, they differ not only in color depth and saturation, but also in the pattern features, degree of transparency, density, hardness. Even the luster power 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
• semiprecious;
• ornamental.

The list of black gemstones is not very extensive. This includes fairly well-known types of minerals and rocks, for most of which a dark color is not characteristic. 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 instances are extremely rare and are appreciated by collectors very highly. It is noteworthy that modern technology allows mankind to receive artificial black diamonds in laboratories. The price of such stones is 15-20% lower than the cost of natural minerals.

Black sapphire - A variety of corundums of a deep dark shade, mined in Australia, India, USA, Tanzania, Thailand. It is curious that, with careful consideration, the color of such stones is not classically black, but dark blue, dark green or thick gray. The unusual color of such sapphires is due to the increased content of iron and titanium atoms in their composition. Black sapphires are characterized by intense glossy gloss and high strength.

Noble black opal - A rather rare translucent mineraloid, appreciated by jewelers for an amazing play of colors and iridescent overflows. This effect, called “opalescence,” is characteristic only of noble opals. The rarest types of black opals are mined 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 type. Pearls of dark shades are usually coal gray, dark silver or dark green. In jewelry, black pearls are valued for their unusual deep color and beautiful tints in the light.

This mineral is part of the mother-of-pearl 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 luster and rich black color led to the widespread use of this stone in the manufacture of jewelry, jewelry and stone-cutting products. The main deposits of agate are concentrated in the Crimea, Mongolia, India, Georgia, Tajikistan, Brazil, Uruguay.

Black Quartz or Morion - A strong opaque mineral mined in Russia, Kazakhstan, Ukraine, the USA, Brazil and many other countries of the world. This breed has the property to change color when heated. Under the influence of high temperatures, the stone becomes golden yellow or brown.

Black tourmaline or sherl - an opaque solid mineral with a glass sheen, 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, unusual formations of transparent quartz are found, containing needle-like inclusions of black tourmaline in the form of intricate patterns. Such 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 velvet sheen and original pattern. The homogeneity of the black color of the stone can be diluted with brown, brown-red and other inclusions.

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

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

Hematite - A very common mineral, the color of which can vary from brown-red to metallic black. It is characterized by a pronounced matte sheen, giving 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 application in the manufacture of jewelry. They encrust bracelets, rings, earrings, decorate tiaras, pendants, pendants. Some varieties of black stones are used to create blanks for future jewelry. So, from black onyx masters make elements for beads, 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 products include vases, ashtrays, figurines, caskets, glasses for pencils, writing accessories, wall panels and other decor items. For the manufacture of such products use various hard, semi-solid and soft ornamental stones.

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

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

Many jewelry and jewelry with black stones can be considered universal, since they are able to organically fit into both the female and the male image. Such products are equally well suited to both progressive youth and representatives of the mature generation.

Accessories with black stones can successfully complement the style of the head or representative of the managerial position. In addition, catchy and intricate jewelry with stones of dark shades are often chosen by people gravitating to informal directions and subcultures - such as gothic, punk, rock.

According to psychologists, products made in a minimalist simple style are usually preferred by people who seek to emphasize their independence and integrity. For such individuals conservatism, unwavering views and beliefs are characteristic.

Women of mature age will enjoy vintage jewelry with black stones. In their everyday man’s image, in turn, accessories in a simple and concise design will organically fit in.

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 to those people who lack self-confidence. Such accessories contribute to concentration, strengthening willpower and character. In addition, such jewelry should be worn by people prone to aggression and temper. It is believed that the energy of black stones contributes to the harmonization of personality, finding peace of mind and balance.

For more information about black agate, see the video later.