People have been drawn to the mysterious beauty of grey gemstones for generations. The variety of grey gemstones, from dark hematite-like slate to light silvery pearls, is fascinating.
Some of these grey-colored precious and semiprecious stones are better known than others, so be ready for the surprise element! From the deep slate of hematite to the mesmerizing moonstone, we will cover all grey gemstone names and varieties so you can find a grey gem that suits your needs.
First, however, let’s learn more about the significance and background of grey gemstones before diving in headfirst.
What is a Grey Gemstone: Meaning, History, Popular Names
When it comes to gemstones’ meaning, grey gems are often associated with balance and stability. They represent a sense of neutrality, which can help bring meaning to one’s life by helping them find both sides of an argument. Grey gems are also known for providing comfort and security in times of stress or change.
Throughout history, grey gemstones have been used in many cultures to provide protection and bring luck. In Ancient Rome, it was believed that wearing a grey stone would protect someone from bad luck. In medieval Europe, grey jewels were thought to bring good fortune and success to anyone wearing them.
In modern times, they often symbolize strength and independence. Their soothing qualities and capacity to instill a feeling of serenity have made them a popular adornment.
The first use of grey gemstones dates back to prehistoric times. In the Neolithic era, grey gems were used to create tools and weapons. Later on in the Bronze Age, they were used to make ornaments and jewelry. Nowadays, grey gems are primarily used in jewelry making.
If you’re wondering what gemstone is grey, some popular names include onyx, hematite, pearl, labradorite, moonstone, smokey quartz, and agate. Each of these gems has its own unique features and comes in a variety of grey hues.
Now that you know what a grey gemstone is, you can dive into the world of these beautiful stones and learn about the unique characteristics they all share.
List of 10 Grey Precious and Semi-Precious Stones
Whether you’re looking for a unique piece of jewelry or just want to learn more about these mysterious hues, here’s a list of gems by color grey to explore.
We have picked each jewel from the list of grey gemstones for their beauty and rarity. So, here are our top 10 picks for grey stones to get you started exploring the wonders of these grey marvels.
Grey Diamond
So, if you thought diamonds were just white – think again! Grey diamonds are as popular and stunning. They come in shades of grey, blue, champagne, or black. They are the perfect blend of glamour and mystique.
They form deep in the earth’s crust and are usually found in alluvial deposits or volcanic pipes. The grey color is caused by a nitrogen compound trapped in the crystal lattice during diamond formation.
These precious grey stones are strong and durable, with a hardness of 10 on the Mohs scale. The fascinating grey diamonds have such an intriguing history and symbolism. It’s said that they impart wisdom, balance, and stability to their wearer!
These diamonds are rare, and it’s not easy to obtain large, high-quality grey stones. The only places on Earth where you can find grey diamonds are Kimberley in South Africa, Russia, and India. This makes them an excellent choice for anyone looking to make a statement with their jewelry.
Grey Sapphire
The oomph of grey sapphires is hard to miss! These gems symbolize strength, courage, and inner peace.
They are formed in metamorphic rocks due to intense heat and pressure. Grey sapphires come in a variety of grey shades, such as grey/bluish grey, grey/yellow grey, greyish pink, and greyish purple.
These grey gems are quite durable, with a hardness of 9 on the Mohs scale. Most grey sapphires are mined in Thailand, Madagascar, and Sri Lanka. They look stunning when set in grey engagement rings.
Jewelry set with these precious grey stones is a terrific way to create a statement while also bringing the wearer emotional stability and mental clarity, as has been widely reported.
So, if you’re looking for a powerful yet calming gemstone, grey sapphires are sure to fit the bill!
Grey Agate
Grey agates have been around since ancient times and have an interesting history. These grey gemstones were believed to protect warriors in battle and bring courage and strength to their owners.
They are formed when silica combines with other materials, such as iron or aluminum oxide, resulting in a unique banded pattern. Agates come in all shades of grey, including light to dark and blueish-grey to yellowish-grey.
Their hardness ranges from 6.5 to 7 on the Mohs scale, making them moderately soft stones. Grey agates are commonly found in India, Brazil, and Uruguay. They look stunning when set in grey gemstone jewelry.
Wearing one of these grey semiprecious stones provides inner peace and stability. To summarize, grey agates can be a great way to show off your personal flair and style.
Grey Spinel
Oh, what should we say about grey spinel… There is something enigmatic and fascinating about these grey semiprecious stones. The presence of iron, magnesium, or aluminum oxide gives the stone its characteristic gray hue.
Metamorphic rocks are the only places where grey spinels can develop, and the intense pressure and high temperature give them their remarkable clarity and strength. They are available in many tones of grey, such as lavender, charcoal, and steel.
These gemstones are very hard, scoring an 8 on the Mohs scale of mineral hardness. Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Tanzania, and Madagascar are the primary origins of grey spinels.
Grey spinels are a great option for anybody trying to make a fashion statement because of the meanings they carry: knowledge, clarity, and inspiration.
Therefore, grey spinel is the best option if you’re in the market for a rare and potent grey gemstone.
Grey Tourmaline
When it comes to making an impression, tourmalines are unbeatable. Tourmaline comes in a wide variety of natural hues, including grey.
Metamorphic rocks are the source of grey tourmaline, created by high pressure and temperature. Steel-grey, silver-grey, charcoal, and dark grey are just some of the many tones in this gemstone family.
With a hardness between 7 and 7.5 on the Mohs scale, grey tourmalines are very long-lasting. Afghanistan, Pakistan, Tanzania, and Sri Lanka are just a few nations where you may see one. Rings, pendants, and earrings crafted with grey tourmalines are a sight.
These precious grey stones are ideal for people who want knowledge and clarity since they are said to stimulate the brain and encourage grounding.
Thus, grey tourmaline is the best option if you want to make a fashion statement with stylish and eye-catching jewelry.
Grey Labradorite
Grey labradorite is a magical and captivating stone! Interesting myths and legends surround this grey gemstone, which has long been held in esteem for its purported ability to ward off evil and bestow good fortune onto its owner.
The intense heat and pressure experienced during the formation of igneous rocks give grey labradorite its distinctive banded appearance. These stones come in various tones of gray, including steel-grey, silver-grey, and charcoal, among others.
Hardness measurements show that grey labradorite is between 6 and 6.5 on the Mohs scale, making it a very hard gemstone. They may be found in a variety of places, from India to Canada to Norway. When paired with other grey gemstones, grey labradorite is a stunning addition to any piece of jewelry.
It is said that these grey semiprecious stones increase one’s clairvoyance, intuition, and comprehension. So, if you want a grey gemstone to help you make sense of the world, grey labradorite is your best bet.
Tahitian Pearl
When you think about pearls, the only colors that come to mind are white and cream. But did you know that there is a stunning grey kinds of pearls?
Tahitian pearls are grey gemstones that form in the warm, shallow waters of Polynesia. These pearls tend to be darker than other types of pearls, with shades of grey ranging from silvery-grey to charcoal. Their history dates back to ancient times when they were believed to be a symbol of wealth and power.
Tahitian pearls are quite fragile, though, with a hardness of 2.5 to 3.0 on the Mohs scale. They are found in many countries, including Tahiti, Fiji, Australia, and Samoa, where they are cultured in oyster farms.
Legend has it that adorning oneself with one of these grey semiprecious stones would bestow the wearer wisdom, strength, and courage. So, if you’re looking for an elegant grey gemstone that will bring balance and harmony into your life, the Tahitian pearl is the way to go!
Smokey Quartz
Here comes a grey gemstone that gives off a mysterious and captivating aura – Smokey quartz! For years, people have turned to this grey stone, believing it to have therapeutic and calming effects.
Smokey quartz gets its distinctive smoky grey hue when it forms in igneous rocks under intense pressure and heat. These grey gemstones are available in a range of tones, including steel, silver, and charcoal.
In terms of durability, smokey quartz scores a 7 on the Mohs scale. The Brazilian Amazon, Sri Lanka, and the Malagasy Peninsula all have them. Smokey quartz rings, pendants, and stud earrings are beautiful options for individuals who want grey gemstone jewelry.
According to legend, these semiprecious grey stones can help the wearer feel grounded and secure in their emotions. For this reason, Smokey quartz is the best grey gemstone to wear if you seek inner calm.
Grey Hematite
Talking about grey gems and not mentioning hematite would be a crime! Grey hematite is one of the most popular gemstones with an interesting history. It was believed to possess magical powers and bring good luck.
Grey hematite is formed when iron-rich sedimentary rocks are exposed to oxygen and water. The oxidation process causes the iron to rust, creating a unique silver-grey color.
Grey hematite is fairly sturdy with a hardness of 5.5 to 6.5 on the Mohs scale. There are several nations where they thrive, including Brazil, the United States of America, and Australia. Intricate grey gemstone jewelry, such as earrings and pendants, looks beautiful when set with grey hematite.
These grey semiprecious stones are thought to provide protection and courage to their wearer. So, dear reader, if you’re looking for a grey gemstone to add strength and power to your life, grey hematite is your best bet!
Grey Moonstone
Finally, we are talking about our very own grey moonstone! These milky grey stones have been used for centuries in jewelry and were believed to bring luck and happiness. The Grey moonstone was believed to be a symbol of wealth and power and associated with the Greek goddess Artemis.
Grey moonstone is formed when plagioclase feldspar is exposed to intense heat and pressure, resulting in a beautiful milky-grey color. These grey gemstones come in a variety of shades, such as steel-grey, silver-grey, and charcoal.
A grey moonstone’s hardness of 6.5 on the Mohs scale attests to its sturdiness. They are widespread, notably in Sri Lanka, India, and Myanmar.
It is believed that adorning oneself with one of these grey stones can provide the person with more mental focus and equilibrium. So, if you’re seeking a grey gemstone to bring peace and tranquility into your life, grey moonstone is the right pick!
FAQs
Hematite and moonstone are believed to possess magical powers!
No, grey gemstones are quite common and can be found in many countries worldwide. However, some of the precious grey stones, such as diamonds and sapphires, can be quite rare.
Grey gemstones are believed to bring strength, balance, and protection to their wearer. They can also be used in jewelry making and make the perfect accessory for any occasion!
Tell Us About Your Favorite Grey Gemstone
There you have it, a full rundown of the diverse varieties of grey gemstones. These grey beauties are the way to go, whether you’re searching for something to bring equilibrium and calm into your life or simply want to add a little glimmer to your ensemble.
So, which grey gemstone is your favorite? Is it moonstone, hematite, or smoky quartz? Leave your thoughts in the space provided below. It would be great to hear from you!
Our best wishes are that these marvelous gems bring a little icy grey sparkle into your life very soon!
