Top 25 Black Crystals: Meaning & Names

Properties: To start the list of black crystals and stones is a rare and enchanting one! Arfvedsonite is known for its black to bluish-black color and iridescent-like flashes of blue. This somewhat delicate crystal has a hardness ranging from 5-6 on the Mohs scale.

Meaning: Arfvedsonite is a powerful ally for the third eye chakra, symbolizing wisdom and insight. It helps to organize thoughts and emotions, allowing for effective communication and a calm demeanor.

Properties: Black Agate is a mesmerizing variety of chalcedony (a quartz crystal), with a rich, opaque appearance that becomes translucent upon close inspection. This durable stone is found worldwide, with a Mohs hardness of 7, and is loved for its versatility.

Meaning: Black Agate brings emotional balance and a sense of courage, helping to boost self-confidence and grounding the spirit.

Properties: No matter the color, diamonds are the hardest mineral in the world! But unlike other diamond varieties, black diamonds diamonds are opaque instead of translucent. These black crystals also are porous in nature due to their many inclusions. This can lead to splintering during lapidary work. Polished black diamonds are an incredible labor of love and require great expertise from gem grinders.  

Meaning: Black diamonds symbolize love and eternity, as well as power and passion. They offer protection against negative energies, acting as a bridge between the physical and spiritual realms.

Properties: Black Diopside is a captivating inky-black crystal, sometimes featuring a 4-rayed star or “cat’s eye.” This calcium magnesium silicate has a hardness rating of 5.5-6 and ranges from true black to dark greenish black or dark brown. 

Meaning: Black Diopside is a soothing stone, known for its ability to heal trauma and manage scattered emotions. It has been called the “crying stone” for its power to promote cleansing tears and relieve pain and negativity.

Properties: The glossy black color of black garnets is a result of titanium, and these stunning black stones are sometimes referred to as melanite. Garnets come in many colors, including red, yellow, brown, and green. Black garnet specimens have been found in Italy, Greenland, Russia, USA and Mexico. 

Meaning: Black garnets mean emotional strength, self empowerment and the dispelling of fears. They can stimulate creative energy to help you manifest the solutions required to achieve your goals. 

Properties: A rare variety of nephrite jade (and occasionally jadeite). This silicate mineral mostly comes from Peru. It’s typically all black, but sometimes contains mystical golden flecks! When these golden flecks (pyrite inclusions) are present, the stone is referred to as lemurian jade.

Meaning: Black jade has a soothing, calm energy about it. It helps us see things confidently and clearly, whether it’s situations, or the vulnerabilities we hold within ourselves – helping us to unpack and understand these details, instead of fearing or avoiding them.

Properties: Black Jasper is a rare and opaque black healing crystal from the quartz family, formed during volcanic eruptions. This crystal also goes by the names blackstone and basanite.  

Meaning: Trouble feeling present? Look to black jasper! This compassionate stone is associated with the root chakra, so it’s perfect for when you need grounding and emotional balance.

Properties: Jet stone is produced from decayed wood, and has famously been mined in Whitby, England. It’s most often black but can sometimes appear to have a brownish quality. This “crystal” is actually considered a mineraloid – a specimen that appears to be a mineral, but does not in fact have a crystal structure. Jet is a softer stone, with a 2.5-4 on the Mohs scale, and looks magnificent when polished.

Meaning: Black Jet is known for its ability to attract positive energies and banish negative ones. For centuries, it has been used in times of mourning and was even used as a talisman to deflect evil in ancient Rome.

Properties: A soft silicate mineral primarily found in Brazil. Black kyanite grows in unique fan formations (thought to be able to sweep energy) that can reach nearly a half foot long!

Meaning: Black Kyanite is a versatile crystal that benefits all seven chakras, grounding and invigorating the user simultaneously. It is said to have a soothing and peaceful energy, promoting better communication with those around you.

Properties: An opulent crystal that is frequently used in jewelry. Its opaque black shade is accented by subtle hues of brown, white, grey, and beige, making each piece truly one-of-a-kind.Incredible pieces of gorgeous black opal have been discovered right in Oregon, as well as being found in abundance in Australia.

Meaning: A black crystal for protection, black opal protects your emotions, guarding you against negative and toxic energies. This crystal is a valuable ally during stressful and uncertain times, helping you overcome anxious thoughts and empowering you to take risks.

Properties: Black Sapphires, like all sapphires, are known for their exceptional hardness (9 on the Mohs scale) and glassy luster. They are a variety of corundum. In fact, all varieties of corundum are types of sapphires (blue, black, yellow, etc.) except for red corundum, which is a ruby.

Meaning: Black Sapphires exude a grounding and centering energy, embodying wisdom, confidence, and intuition. They are a peaceful presence during chaotic times, providing a sense of calm and balance.

Properties: A truly stunning gemstone, black spinel is a durable, highly reflective type of magnesium aluminate. This rare black gemstone is typically mined along with rubies and sapphires, and can often be mistaken for black tourmaline.

Meaning: Black Spinel is a protective stone that ignites inspiration and personal power. It encourages users to set aside their egos and let go of negative feelings, leading to healing in relationships.

Properties: As a fairly sturdy silicate crystal, black tourmaline (also known as schorl) is a unique looking specimen. Unlike other black stones that are smooth and round, black tourmaline is made up of many furrows and ridges, giving it a lumpy, shelf-like appearance. Another interesting property of this black crystal is that it’s pyroelectric – meaning it has the ability to produce electricity when heated!

Meaning: Tourmaline is a powerful black healing crystal that means grounding and protection. This stone is closely aligned with the base chakras. It dissolves negative energies and helps to resolve anxiousness.

Properties: Black Zircon is a striking silicate mineral that can be found across the globe. It boasts a magnificent sheen and a transparency that ranges from semi-transparent to transparent. This exquisite mineral has a fascinating quality of fluorescence, where it gives off a radiant glow after exposure to radiations such as UV light.

Meaning: A reliable stone to have on hand for meditation, black zircon is associated with all the chakras and is tied to organization and wisdom. The stone is also associated with success – likely due to the benefits that come from being organized and level headed.

Properties: Hematite crystal is a very strong, dense material. It’s made up of iron oxide and displays a unique, metallic shine. Hematite is found most abundantly in South Africa and Brazil, but smaller deposits are also found elsewhere like Switzerland. Hematite’s unique composition has been revered for thousands of years – it was even used in prehistoric times to create drawings on cave walls.

Meaning: Like other black crystals, hematite is associated with grounding and protection. In addition, it’s closely linked to the root chakra and can help instil a sense of confidence in those who carry it. Historically, hematite was believed to help heal wounds, and in particular stop bleeding. It was carried by soldiers during times of war, and kept nearby mothers while going through childbirth.

Properties: A semi-precious, black gemstone, hypersthene also exists in a variety of dark, neutral colors. It usually has a glassy to pearly appearance, and often exhibits a silvery or coppery sheen on the surface, which can have the appearance of stripes! How unique! Occasionally hypersthene grows in a way that creates a velvety looking texture – these specimens are nicknamed “velvet labradorite.”

Meaning: Hypersthene is associated with resilience and fulfillment. This black crystal is believed to increase motivation and prevent impulsive decision-making, crucial aspects in achieving one’s goals and dreams.

Properties: Ilvaite is a dark, dense crystal that appears to be composed of hundreds of tiny blades. Although it is not the most durable of materials, with a hardness rating of 5.5-6 on the Mohs scale, it has a substantial feel in the hand.

Meaning: Ilvaite supports the root chakra and provides patience and perseverance. This somewhat uncommon crystal can bring the mind back to focus when feelings of anxiety or distraction arise.

Properties: Nuummite is a rare and opulent black crystal with a golden sheen. It’s considered to be the oldest mineral ever discovered, with an estimated age of 3 billion years!

Meaning: Nuummite, also known as “The Sorcerer’s Stone,” is believed to bring together the physical and spiritual realms. It is a powerful tool for personal transformation and is used to unblock the third eye chakra, representing wisdom and intuition.

Properties: A brittle and sharp stone, black obsidian crystal was historically used to craft tools. With a vitreous luster, it is a naturally forming volcanic glass. Its appearance varies from the classic black to beautiful hues of rainbow, snowflake, gold, and mahogany.

Meaning: Obsidian is a stone of grounding and clarity, helping to relieve stress and tension. It offers a sense of safety and helps the user to see things with a clear perspective.

Properties: A sturdy variety of chalcedony, onyx occurs naturally in banded layers. It comes in many colors (brown, white, orange, red) but black is by far the most popular.

Meaning: Onyx is a powerful protector, preventing negative energy from attaching to you. It brings strength, focus, willpower, and activates multiple chakras, making it an excellent tool for moving forward in life.

Properties: Shungite is a rare and lightweight mineraloid, made of up to 99% carbon. It is not technically classified as a crystal due to its lack of a defined crystal structure. There is still much mystery surrounding its origins.

Meaning: Long time crystal healing practitioners suggest that shungite can absorb negative energy and benefits those suffering from stress and fatigue because it helps dissolve mental clutter and refresh the mind. In current times, based on specific studies, it’s suggested that shungite may protect against electromagnetic fields (EMF), although research is ongoing.

Properties: Smoky quartz, a variety of quartz, ranges in color from light brown to a very dark black appearance. It is the national gem of Scotland and its color is the result of its proximity to natural radiation.

Meaning: This powerful, yet mysterious crystal has grounding properties, helping you feel connected to the earth. It’s also considered an excellent “wellbeing stone” – as it helps to eliminate bad habits, negative thought patterns, and get rid of emotional baggage.

Properties: Indigo gabbro is not one mineral itself, instead it’s made up of several minerals. On a chemical makeup level, it’s identical to basalt which is interesting. They differ though, in how they are formed. Indigo gabbro is formed beneath the earth’s surface, when hot magma becomes trapped, and cools slowly, hardening into solid rock.

Meaning: Indigo gabbro inspires logic and helps us view life from a solution-focused perspective. It reminds us that we are in control of our life, not external forces, making it an excellent stone for implementing new habits and lifestyle changes.

Properties: Intriguing and mysterious, authentic black pearls are quite rare! These dark beauties are only found in Tahiti and French Polynesia. Black pearls originating from anywhere else are not authentic.

Meaning: Black pearls are associated with wisdom, knowledge, and hope. They are said to protect against negative energies and keep the mind focused on achieving goals.

Properties: Black rutile quartz, a rare variation of the abundant quartz mineral, boasts a mesmerizing smoky hue with rutile inclusions and lines darting through. This visually stunning crystal is also an excellent choice for healing.

Meaning: This stunning crystal is a beacon of hope for those who are struggling to overcome trauma or emotional turmoil. It supports you in letting go of what no longer serves you, so you can climb out of the darkness and into the light.