Stones by colour
Black Gemstones: Black Agate, Sulemani and Hematite کالا
In short: Our three natural black stones are black agate, Sulemani agate and hematite. Black agate is smooth and glossy, Sulemani is black with white or grey bands, and hematite is heavy with a metallic, mirror-like shine. Weight is the fastest way to tell them apart, and since most black agate on the market is dyed, we say so on every listing.
We carry three natural black stones: black agate, Sulemani agate and hematite. Black agate is a smooth, glossy black, Sulemani is black with white or grey bands, and hematite is heavy with a metallic, mirror-bright shine. Labradorite and iron tiger eye are dark too, but each has a page of its own.
- Heaviest
- Hematite
- Banded
- Sulemani agate
- Common treatment
- Black agate is commonly dyed
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Shop all black gemstones
Written by Sameer
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Three black stones compared
| Stone | Hardness (Mohs) | Appearance | Usual treatment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Black agate | 6.5–7 | Uniform, glossy black | Mostly dyed chalcedony |
| Sulemani agate | 6.5–7 | Black or brown crossed by white bands | Occasionally dyed |
| Hematite | 5–6.5 | Silvery black, metallic, very heavy | Mostly untreated |
How to tell them apart
Start by weighing the stone in your palm. Hematite feels far heavier than an agate of the same size, and it has a metallic lustre where agate looks waxy to glassy. Rub natural hematite on unglazed porcelain and it leaves a reddish-brown streak. Its imitation, hematine, leaves no such streak and is often magnetic.
Points to check
- Black agate: nearly all black agate on the market has been dyed. The colour is stable, but the seller should tell you, and we always do.
- Sulemani: the bands should be crisp and natural-looking; our Sulemani quality guide explains more.
- Hematite: a fall can chip it, so choose a ring setting that protects the edges.
With Cash on Delivery you can open the parcel and look over the stone before paying the rider, and you can ask for a certificate.
What gives a black stone its value
Black agate is valued for an even, deep black and a high polish with no pitting. Sulemani is judged by how sharp and contrasting its bands are, and clean white lines on a dark base are what buyers want. Hematite is prized for a mirror finish and edges free of chips.
References
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