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Black Gemstones کالا
In short: Our natural black gemstones are black agate, Sulemani agate and hematite. Black agate is a smooth, glossy black, Sulemani shows black with white or grey bands, and hematite is heavy with a metallic, mirror-like shine. Weight is the quickest clue between them, and most black agate in trade is dyed, which we disclose.
Our natural black stones are black agate, Sulemani agate and hematite. Black agate is a smooth, glossy black; Sulemani shows black with white or grey bands; hematite is heavy with a metallic, mirror-like shine. Labradorite and iron tiger eye are also dark, but they have their own pages.
- Heaviest
- Hematite
- Banded
- Sulemani agate
- Common treatment
- Dyeing in black agate
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GemStore team — written by the people who list and pack every stone.
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The black stones and how they differ
| Stone | Hardness (Mohs) | Look | Typical treatment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Black agate | 6.5–7 | Even, glossy black | Usually dyed chalcedony |
| Sulemani agate | 6.5–7 | Black or brown with white bands | Sometimes dyed |
| Hematite | 5–6.5 | Silver-black, metallic, very heavy | Usually untreated |
How to tell them apart
Weight is the quickest clue. Hematite feels much heavier in the hand than agate of the same size and has a metallic shine. Agates are waxy to glassy. Natural hematite leaves a reddish-brown streak on unglazed porcelain; the imitation known as hematine does not, and it is often magnetic.
What to check
- Black agate: most black agate in trade is dyed. The dye is stable, but it should be disclosed, and we do.
- Sulemani: look for crisp, natural bands; see our Sulemani quality guide.
- Hematite: it can chip if dropped, so protect the edges in a ring.
With Cash on Delivery you may open the parcel and inspect the stone before paying the rider, and a certificate is available on request.
What drives value in black stones
Black agate is valued for an even, deep black and a high polish without pits. Sulemani is judged by the contrast and sharpness of its bands, with clean white lines on a dark base preferred. Hematite is valued for a mirror polish and clean, chip-free edges.
References
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