Although the gray gemstones they are not very common in jewelry, as very few gemstones are primarily gray in color. This is a neutral color that blends very well with other colors. Well, it is the perfect combination of black and white, and represents balance, sophistication and commitment. But it also symbolizes the lack of emotions, loss or bad mood.
However, thanks to this rarity the use of gray gemstones in jewelry, it is very interesting when worn. While they may not be as flashy as, say, a red gemstone, the gray gemstones They have a particular beauty. Join us to discover what are the main gray stones used in jewelry.
Most used gray gemstones in jewelry
Gray Diamond
Although it seems incredible, this is one of the gray gemstones not very well known and that due to their tonality we could think that they do not exist. It is a diamond that obtains its gray hue thanks to the inclusion of hydrogen in its composition. Therefore, depending on it, we will have different shades for gray diamonds. Being a fairly wide range that varies from a faint gray to a dark gray. In the world of jewelry and especially in the diamond industry, these shades come to receive nicknames such as charcoal gray, dove and silver, to identify the color.
Although the beauty of a gray diamond is not as exceptional as that of a colorless diamond nor as radical as that of a black diamond. Gray diamonds have the perfect touch of mystery and irregularity. The best thing about them is that they are relatively affordable compared to most diamonds but have the same properties. Being perfect for use in non-conventional jewelry pieces.
gray moonstone
Between the gray gemstonesThis is perhaps the most famous. It is generally translucent and has a variety of colors from colorless to dark gray. Although moonstone is not a very hard stone as it has a hardness of 6 to 6.5 Mohs. It is ideal for pendants, earrings, bracelets, combs and other types of jewelry that are more protected.
For their part, moonstone rings are not recommended due to the relative softness of the stone. However, if properly cared for, they can last a long time. As for the cuts that are given to this stone, they are often cut en cabochon to enhance the luster and smooth shine of the stone, although they can sometimes be faceted. Rough gray moonstone has a rustic beauty that is striking, especially when set in beautifully crafted jewelry.
gray agate
This is a precious stone that we can find in abundance and also in all imaginable colors. In the case of gray agate, it is possible to find it with a single color tone or with bands that have layers of white. In addition, it is a stone that is usually translucent, which makes it an ideal gem for cabochons.
Not forgetting of course that it has a beautiful soft sheen that ranges from waxy to glassy. On the other hand, due to its affordability and hardness of 7 on the Mohs scale it can last for decades. Which is why it is another of the gray gemstones that goes great with all types of jewelry, particularly large costume pieces.
mother of pearl
Mother of pearl is one of the organic gemstones, which we can find in jewelry. It is made of the same substance as pearls, but it differs quite a bit in the formation of the layer of nacre that covers the inner layer and has an iridescent appearance.
Despite being a common gemstone that comes from pearl-producing mollusks, it comes in a wide variety of colors, including gray. Although it is often bleached and dyed.
Nacre as it is also called has an opaque to translucent appearance and has a pearly sheen. Like all organic gemstones, mother-of-pearl is soft with a hardness between 2.5 to 4.5 on the Mohs scale. So it can be easily damaged or scratched, but it is in abundance and therefore very affordable.
Being ideal for carvings and inlaid jewelry, as well as for pendants and earrings, but not so much for rings. Due to its particular iridescence, it is especially beautiful when seen under lights in jewelry that has movement. This enhances its brilliance and exhibits the flash of color that characterizes this gemstone.
gray pearl
Pearls are traditionally white, but these come in a wide variety of colors. Gray pearls are an ideal alternative to the conventional, at the same time, they exhibit the shine and sophisticated appearance that pearls are famous for. Gray pearls come in a range of shades, from a faint pale gray to a darker metallic gray. Gray pearls are very rare and require very strict conditions to form in nature.
Currently, a large part of the gray pearls that we find in the market are cultivated and sometimes they are improved. Like all organic gemstones, gray pearls are usually very soft. Since, its hardness is only 2.5 on the Mohs scale. So they can wear out easily and can break or chip if subjected to strong pressure.
For this reason, they are not ideal for jewelry that needs to be worn every day. And they also require proper care and maintenance to keep them bright and extend their useful life.
gray labradorite
Labradorite is usually gray or grey-black in color, but due to its chromatic iridescence, it often appears very colorful and dynamic. This iridescence is known in jewelry jargon as labradorescence, a striking play of color that occurs in opaque varieties of labradorite. On the other hand, transparent labradorites, despite being beautiful, do not show this iridescent effect and are not as valuable as opaque ones.
However, most gray labradorites are labradorescent due to their dark hue. Labradorite belongs to the feldspars called plagioclase, one of the most common and abundant minerals. Despite its compact structure and being a tough stone, it is not a very hard gemstone, only 6 to 6.5 Mohs. Labradorite can be used in all kinds of jewelry, but it looks especially beautiful when placed in bohemian and gypsy style jewelry.
gray chalcedony
Chalcedony is a gemstone that is widely available, and gray chalcedony in particular is quite common and relatively affordable. With shades ranging from translucent to opaque with a waxy sheen.
Thanks to its microcrystalline structure, chalcedony is very resistant, giving it a rating of 6.5 to 7 on the Mohs scale. And that, together with its great beauty and the ease with which it can be worked, makes its use in jewelry habitual. Being able to become any type of jewelry. In addition, it also does not have exfoliation, that is, they have little tendency to break when pressure is exerted on it.
gray tourmaline
Tourmaline is a precious stone that we can find abundantly, so it has a reasonable price in jewelry. Although gray is not exactly its most popular color, gray tourmaline is a jewel that can dazzle due to its brilliance and transparency. Gray tourmaline has a vitreous luster and is often faceted to enhance this quality.
Tourmalines are generally durable, scoring 7 to 7.5 on the Mohs scale, and are also resistant to breakage. Gray tourmaline often lacks visible inclusions and has very good clarity. But they can also be cut into traditional shapes, such as the famous emerald, pear, marquise and brilliant shapes, as well as other unique fancy cuts.
Some other gray gemstones
Fluorite: this is a brilliant gemstone endowed with a beautiful gray hue. However, being very rare and very soft, it is not suitable for most jewellery.
Hematite: This gemstone comes in colors ranging from black to steel gray. And although it is not very durable either, it is a very bright gemstone.
gray sapphire: this is a very rare color for sapphire. But like all sapphires, the gray variety is also very durable and very good for use in jewelry.
Spinel: the gray spinel variety shows beautiful shades of silvery gray and has very good luster and durability.