Black Silk Stone Meaning and Properties
Black Silk Stone History
Black silk stone is an onyx marble with a beautiful, silky-smooth surface and satin finish. It features black banding that wraps around a grey-to-white background.
The Romans were experts at glyptography (the carving of layered stones to reveal different colors) and crafted beautiful seals from onyx (white layer over black base) and sardonyx (white layer over reddish-brown base). The patterns were cut in negative relief. Engravings with a negative picture are called intaglios and those with raised image are cameos. In the Middle East, onyx was associated with sorcerers.
What are the Metaphysical Properties of Black Silk Stone?
Black silk stone is a nurturing gemstone. The gemstone is believed to enhance patience and clear thinking. Black silk stone meaning is also thought to be associated with self-control and inner tranquility.
What is Black Silk Stone Made From?
Onyx is a form of chalcedony , which is a microcrystalline quartz formed in the gas cavities of lava. Its multi-layered structure is similar to that of agates . As with any onyx, black silk stone is found worldwide.
- Mineral Information: Oxide mineral
- Chemical Composition: SiO2
- Color: Opaque gray / black
- Hardness: 4 (Mohs)
- Specific Gravity: 2.70
- Refractive Index: 1.486 – 1.658
How Do You Clean Black Silk Stone?
Black silk stone can be safely cleaned with cool water and a mild soap. Wipe the surface with a soft cloth. Be sure it is dry before storing or wearing. It should not be cleaned with harsh chemicals (they can seep in and alter the color of the stone), steamers or ultrasonic cleaners. Even mild detergents are not recommended.
Black Silk Stone FAQ
Q: What gives black silk stone its distinctive silky texture and sheen?
A: Black silk stone’s smooth, silky sheen originates from the fine-grained, fibrous minerals that compose it. As a metamorphic rock, these fibers are compressed into a dense, cohesive matrix, giving the stone its naturally sleek texture. Its relatively low Mohs hardness further contributes to its distinctive finish—allowing artisans to polish it to a soft, velvety gleam rather than the sharp, reflective gloss seen in harder stones.
Q: Do the patterns in black silk stone affect the stone's appearance in different lighting?
A: Black silk stone’s smooth surface can have a faint chatoyance, but it’s due to the material and finish, not because of the patterns.
Q: What types of jewelry designs work best with black silk stone?
A: Black silk stone’s neutral colors can work well with many design styles, including boho, unisex jewelry, meditation jewelry and classy bitonal necklaces.
Q: Is black silk stone durable enough to wear everyday?
A: With a Mohs hardness of 4, black silk stone is a softer stone, not suitable for everyday wear. Reserve this beautiful gemstone for special occasions as a necklace, earrings or a brooch to avoid potential damage.
Designing with Black Silk Stone
The soft nature of the stone (Mohs hardness 4) makes it an ideal choice for use in short necklace and earring designs that are protected from heavy abuse.
Black is neutral, making black silk stone a great design element to combine with many different gemstone colors and all metal tones. Its deep, dark, lustrous surface can play a striking contrast to warm-colored gemstones like garnet, carnelian and coral. Or, combine black silk stone with any gemstone containing a black matrix such as lapis lazuli, rhodonite and turquoise to heighten the vein detailing.
Shop for Black Silk Stone
**Please note that all metaphysical or healing properties listed are collected from various sources. This information is offered as a service and not meant to treat medical conditions. Fire Mountain Gems and Beads® does not guarantee the validity of any of these statements.
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