Bewitching Chic of Black Gems

While the common trend of fashion across the globe banks on the psychedelic brilliance of colors, sporting the classic black radiates an incomparable elegance. Thus, the craze for black gems.

On top of the most treasured black gems is the black diamond. The diamond is known for its exquisite beauty and durability being the hardest mineral known to man. Diamond comes in softly differentiated shades but this latest installment proves to be the most unique. Late in the second half of the twentieth century, the black diamond had its debut in the demanding jewelry market and captivated the attention of even the most meticulous jewelry fanatics. Today, a number of bold jewelry pieces are notably fashioned with black diamonds of various cuts and sizes.

The enthusiastic welcome of this gem was paired with an inevitable questioning about its rare coloration. The black diamond’s natural hue is primarily envisaged from each piece’s body. Yet, it was found out that this dark tint stems from a piece’s concentrated black inclusion. Some samples possess brown, light brown to yellowish inclusions yet they cause the entire stone to look murky and dark.

Since its launching, there has been a rapidly increasing demand for black diamonds. Such demand is met by the number of efforts geared towards the improvement of black diamonds of poor quality, such as by treating them with high heat.

Contending with the fame of the black diamond is the black star sapphire. With its façade, which radiates a luminous six-rayed star, it never fails to attract the attention of many as this gem is known to be among the most sought after black or dark gems. It is commonly found in Asia, Thailand, Myanmar and Cambodia. Other countries with notable deposits of this precious gem are Afghanistan, Zimbabwe, Pakistan, United States and Tanzania. This gem naturally emits a cosmic luminance but the commercialization of the black star sapphire means that most samples of this gem undergo artificial enhancement processes to improve the quality and uniformity of their dark hue. Such enhancements must be done with care, as too much may slightly alter the color or the luminance of the gem. Similarly, subjecting this gemstone to ultrasonic and chemical processes is generally risky.

Onyx is very well known for its unique dark hue. From the abundant class of cryptocrystalline quartz, onyx is commonly used in jewelry pieces as cabochon gems. During the Victorian Era, this gem was famously fashioned as intaglios and cameos on with different designs. These jewelry pieces serve as the original models of jewelry relief that are still popular in the present vogue.

Onyx does not only come in black. In fact, its most common variety is white and brown. Its red variety is called sardonyx. Its most famous kind, however, remains the black colored ones. While its enthralling color proves to be gift from nature, a number of black onyx are developed by staining agate gems with a black tint.

The fame of onyx is supported by the many spiritual powers that have been linked to it. On top of which is the gem’s power to sustain energy and grant protection. As it is linked to the Hindus’ chakra beliefs, black onyx gems are believed to aid in the preservation of positive energies and the removal of negative energies in the person of its bearer. Early communities used this gem in assisting women who experience difficulties during childbirth as it is believed to strengthen both the physical and mental aspects of the wearer.

The black tourmaline is another gem that boasts a dark luminosity. A borosilicate mineral that is generally abundant, tourmalines are commonly found as crystal growths in pegmatites and metamorphosed limestones. Deposits near hardened granatic magmas also bear fine samples of black tourmalines and those with competent clarity are fashioned into beautiful gems. A unique feature of this gem is that its color varies under different lighting conditions. This dichroic property adds to the value of this gem. The black tourmaline is also attributed with physical and spiritual powers similar to that of the black onyx. This specific gem is believed to aid in the purification and interpretation of dreams.

The opal is famous for its wide array of hues and entrancing play of colors that shines from each piece. The discovery of a black opal in Mexico added to the enthusiastic rage for this beautiful gem. Today, the black opal has become the most wanted variety of opal.

The opal displays a unique iridescence as different color flash from each gem’s surface and at different angles. Such is also manifested by the black opals, shining forth a silvery luminance. Black opals are often classified and identified by their play of color, looking into their flares of schiller. Black opals commonly have a deep green accent and a sporadic colorful fire.

Also called the Blackstone, the Black Jasper is among the black gems that have been patronized for their supposed metaphysical features. This opaque gem is used as a touch stone, as it is believed to have a healing energy. Ancient communities used this gem to relieve muscle pains and stomach aches. It also served as a stone for luck, especially in external endeavors such as politics.

Although not geologically an actual mineral, Jet is a mineraloid of a black or dark brown veneer and glossy luster. With its solemn hue, it was often used in mourning jewelries that were famous in the Victorian era and in rosaries used by monks. Also called as the Black Amber, Jet is believed to possess metaphysical powers specific in the alleviation of the spirit.

Among the vast varieties of quartz is the smoky quartz. Occurring as veins in rock formations, smoky quartz have been used by the Chinese not only in jewelry pieces but also in the creation of the early sun glasses. From this early usage, the smoky quartz continue to gain a name among black gems.

These are but some of the most coveted black gems that radiate elegance and beauty and endure the ever-changing trend of time.

Other articles of interest:

• The Healing Powers of Gemstones and Cystals
• Alternative Gemstones for Wedding Jewelry
• The Unique Shades of Sapphires
• What Gives Gems Those Fantastic Colors?