I don’t think it’s possible to think of October and not immediately think of Halloween and it’s accompanying traditional black and orange colors. So I’ll just go with the flow and explore some black and orange with you this month.
Lest you think black gemstones to be boring, rest assured I find them classic, timeless, and always in style. Some of my favorite black stones to work with are the obsidian and onyx.
Rainbow Obsidian Heart and Fire Agate Beads
Obsidian is a black volcanic glass. Though the black stones have a shiny surface, obsidian is not crystalline, unlike most gemstones, and may be formed out of various compositions subjected to volcanic activity. The black rocks occur when molten lava rapidly cools down.
Though typically jet-black, the black gemstones may appear grey when cut in a different way.
It is the birthstone for the Scorpios and Sagittarius among you.
For those interested in the healing properties of the obsidian, it is known to help remove energy blockages.
Spiderweb Jasper
Black Onyx Teardrop
Onyx is an ancient gemstone, having been used in jewelry and as an ornamental gemstone for carvings since ancient times. Though it is still used in jewelry today, it is considered a minor gemstone.
However, it is one of my favorite stones to use since it is easy to highlight its beauty when it is wire-wrapped.
Black Onyx is a soothing stone said to help alleviate fears and worries and to help you to feel comfortable within yourself and in your surroundings. It is also believed to promote stamina and vigor and to encourage the making of wise decisions.
Don’t forget about black coral, which are a group of deep water, tree-like corals related to sea anemones. They are also found in rare dark shallow water areas such as New Zealand’s Milford Sound where they can be viewed from an underwater observatory or via SCUBA diving.
They normally occur in the tropics. There are about 230 known species of Antipatharians.
Though black coral’s living tissue is brilliantly colored, it takes its name from the distinctive black or dark brown color of its skeleton.
Black Coral
The orange stones are fun to work with not only because of their bright color, but because it is easy to wear year-round and goes with every season.
You might be familiar with amber, but how about sunstone and spiny oyster?
Amber Leaves
Amber is fossilized tree resin (not to be confused with tree sap).
Not only can you find some pretty fun things fossilized within the amber (think insects and plants), but amber is also commonly used to make perfume!
As a healing stone, amber is said to help balance the emotions, clear the mind and release negative energy.
This beautiful pendant is from a stone called Limestone Mariah. I love the ombre effect on this stone.
Sunstone
Sunstone. when viewed from certain directions, exhibits a brilliant spangled appearance; this has led to its use as a gemstone.
It has been found in Southern Norway, and in various United States localities.
Red Creek Jasper comes from China and is named for the stream that runs through the are of the turquoise mine in China in which it was discovered.
It is softer than other quartz-based stones and can have a granite-like appearance. The soft, sensual shades remind me of butter, mustard, olive, and cooked lobster with delicate tracings of licorice. Are you getting hungry? Well, you’ll have to settle for feasting your eyes on this Red Creek Jasper pendant…one of my favorites.
Most jewelers are as secretive as the sea, so it is easy to mistake some gemstones in Native American jewelry for coral or some unique strand of desert stone.
In actuality the vibrant reds, oranges and purples you oftentimes see are the shell of a very strange creature that is found at the bottom of the ocean – the spiny oyster.
Wishing you many beautiful stones & corals in your life,
