Black Beads

Frequently asked questions

• What black gemstone beads do you carry?

  Black Obsidian, Black Onyx, and Black Spinel lead the volume. Black Tourmaline (Schorl), Jet (a fossilized form of lignite coal), Sardonyx, DZI Agate, and Black Amazonite (also called Black Moonstone in some markets) round out the collection. Natural Horn covers organic-material black; Hematite is technically dark gray with metallic luster but reads black at strand level.
• Is black onyx dyed?

  Most commercial black onyx is dyed. Natural black onyx exists but is much less common than dyed material — the trade-standard production process takes paler agate or chalcedony and treats it with sugar solution and sulfuric acid to deposit carbon and produce uniform jet black. Dyed onyx is permanent and color-stable for normal wear; the treatment is accepted industry practice and should be disclosed.
• What's the difference between obsidian, onyx, jet, and black spinel?

  Obsidian is volcanic glass — naturally formed, often with a slightly translucent edge when held to light. Onyx is a banded variety of chalcedony (quartz family), opaque and usually dyed in the commercial bead trade. Jet is fossilized wood/lignite coal — lightweight, organic, and historically associated with Victorian mourning jewelry. Black Spinel is a cubic mineral (Mohs 8), naturally black, faceted to high brilliance — the fine-jewelry option in the group.
• Are any black gemstones birthstones?

  Black gemstones are not on the modern Jewelers of America birthstone list. Black Onyx is sometimes used as an alternate August birthstone in older traditions. Sardonyx (banded brown-and-cream onyx) appears in some August alternate lists.
• Are black tourmaline and obsidian magnetic?

  Neither is magnetic in the conventional sense. Some Hematite beads sold as magnetic are actually a synthetic material called magnetic hematite or hematine — chemically and physically distinct from natural hematite, which is only weakly paramagnetic. If magnetism is part of the design requirement, ask whether the strand is natural hematite or magnetic hematine before buying.