There’s a certain mysterious charm about the color gray that draws attention, without looking stark as white or intense as black. Gray is also the perfect neutral that blends well with any style, timeless or modern. It is a sophisticated and elegant color and can pull a color scheme together and tone down brighter colors in an ensemble. And one of the brilliant ways to incorporate this color in all your looks is by sporting gray gemstone jewelry. Ahead are 16 fascinating gray gemstones worth considering if you are seriously thinking of a gray sparkler.
1. Gray Moonstone
On this list of gemstones by color gray, moonstone is a special gemstone. Especially a gray moonstone resembles the silvery celestial Moon. It also exudes a billowy reflection on its surface, an optical phenomenon called adularescence, unique to moonstones. These are healing gemstones that calm down the body and activate the chakras in many ways. Besides, moonstones look fascinating on bracelets, pendants, earrings and other accessories. One look at a moonstone and you’ll instantly feel the tranquility and calmness of a full moon night. Also, it is a lovely symbol of feminine qualities in a woman. If you are going to wear a moonstone on a ring, do take extra care and precaution to prevent it from scratches and sharp blows. Moonstones rank 6.5 on the Mohs scale.
2. Gray Labradorite
Adding a gray gem to your look will certainly infuse a unique charm and sophistication. And if it has a rainbow-like iridescent shine on its gray surface, it is going to be a standout piece in your ensemble. We’re talking about gray labradorite. Called as the ‘mystic gem’, this magical gemstone also helps in spiritual healing. Wear them as bracelets, pendants, rings or earrings, your labradorite pieces will be hard to miss.
3. Gray Diamond
Gray diamonds are sought-after by modern brides-to-be who are choosing unconventional gems for their engagement rings. And if a pop of color is not on your mind, gray engagement rings are your best bet. They are the perfect replacements for colorless, white or black gems. Gray diamonds have a color palette of their own, ranging from faint gray to fancy dark gray. While gray diamonds can be expensive, we recommend you go for ‘salt and pepper’ gray diamonds. They are another version of gray diamonds. However, gray diamonds are not exactly low-quality diamonds. They are characterized by their distinct color.
4. Agate
Agate is one of those gems that come in a host of color variations. Ranging from dark gray or black to a soothing blue, it can be a bit on the lighter side of the color. Agate helps in enhancing productivity and concentration. Agate is a powerful gemstone and the gray version is certainly a striking gem.
5. Aquamarine
One glance at an aquamarine and it brings to mind the calming waves of an ocean. But did you know, aquamarines and comes in stunning colors such as sea green, blue and gray overtones? Gray aquamarine activates open-mindedness and self-dependence with a kind heart. The other benefits are that it can help relieve lung problems, allergies and even hay fever or cold. It is called the “breath stone”. Surely, its beauty can take your breath away!
6. Onyx
While onyx comes in almost all colors, gray ones are having a moment when it comes to modern jewelry. It is due to their sophisticated appeal and statement-worthy color that can complete a look and stand out in any setting or design. Gray onyx can create a positive aura and keep you cool even if there is chaos around you in life.
7. Gray Amethyst
The gray amethyst looks classy and elegant. While the classic purple amethyst lends a pop of color, gray amethysts have a subtle allure. Also, they exude a positive aura. Gray amethysts come in a range of dark and bright hues and they go well with any style, any color scheme.
8. Obsidian
Usually, obsidians are black in color. However, gray and even silver obsidians are equally beautiful and are in great demand. The kaleidoscopic streaks or mottles can have an eye-catching effect when this gem is paired with your outfits. Obsidian is linked with clarity of thought and truthfulness. They come in stunning shapes and whether you wear them as bracelets, exquisite rings or pendants, gray obsidians are always a delight.
9. Gray Fluorite
Self-love, clarity and peace of mind – if this is what you have been craving for a while, turn to fluorite. It looks exquisitely brilliant, and at the same time, magical and iridescent. Gray fluorite is a soft gem and is dissolvable in certain solvents that can corrode calcium. If worn with extra care and caution, gray fluorites are unique gems to consider.
10. Gray Tanzanite
This is probably one of the most underrated gems used to create gemstone jewelry. The probability and conditions for its formation about 600 million years ago, were so very rare that it is about a thousand times rarer than diamonds. It is a stone of ambitions and aspirations and works as an excellent immune booster. While tanzanites are pleochroic, the gray version is a unique gem in its own right. If you ae looking to add a modern gemstone in a gray color, this is one’s a great choice.
11. Gray Sapphire
Gray sapphires are great embellishments when you need to add a subtle shine to your look. While it is purely natural – that means they are mostly unaltered and untreated in any way. These gems are quite rare and have a beautiful purple-gray hue. Gray sapphires come from Tanzania and they have exceptional healing benefits and metaphysical properties like classic sapphires.
12. Mother-of-Pearl
It is the nacreous layer formed inside the mollusk shells, and as it is extracted, can be carved in any shape or pattern. Mother of pearl is not exactly considered a gray semi-precious stone as it is an organic substance that can be created into jewelry. But it can rival any faceted gray gem with its ethereal charm. It is relatively soft and fragile and can be slightly challenging to prevent it from scratches or damages. But nevertheless, it looks one of a kind. Wear mother-of-pearl jewelry to add a feminine touch to your looks. You can combine it with pearls for the ultimate boho-chic style.
13. Gray Chalcedony
Gray chalcedony may not be the hardest gray gemstone out there but certainly one of the most commonly used gem in semi-precious jewelry. It has a smooth texture, refined luster quality, and toughness. As for its spiritual benefits, it is believed to help the wearer boost their confidence and guide them on a path of seeking truth. What’s more, it is affordable and gorgeous.
14. Gray Pearls
Pearls are indeed classic but you don’t have to stick to the traditional white color, if you don’t want to. Instead, you can opt for a faint gray or a dark gray pearl. Although pearls can be fragile and vulnerable to scratches, they are also quite tough enough to wear on everyday jewelry. However, for a gray pearl ring, we’d suggest you keep it away for special occasions and instead go for gray pearl pendant or earrings to show off your unique taste in jewelry.
15. Gray Tourmaline
Gray is a rare color for the “rainbow gemstone,” – which comes in a hoard of other different colors. Believed to induce optimism or a positive vibe, a lucky gem for inspiration and happiness, the gray tourmaline is a powerful gem. Wear them as everyday jewelry or put them on occasions, gray tourmalines are sure to catch attention wherever you go.
16. Sillimanite Cat’s Eye
The sillimanite is a beautifully included gemstone with silver inclusions in most of them. While the cat’s eye is traditionally used to ward off evil or danger, the gray version also brings prosperity. It can vary from translucent to almost opaque gems. Most cat’s eye gems used in jewelry are oval in shape, and make for eye-catching conversation starters!
Final Word
Now that you have explored the world of gray gemstones, their meaning and their distinct beauty, go ahead and get shopping for your most favorite gray gemstone from this list.
Also Read
- Black Gemstones
- Blue Gemstones
- Green Gemstones
- Pink Gemstones
- Red Gemstones
- White Gemstones
- Yellow Gemstones
FAQ
1. What are gray gemstones called?
Gray gemstones are usually considered unconventional gems that are used in modern jewelry.
2. What is the most precious gray gemstone?
Gray diamonds and tanzanites are by far the most precious of all the gray gems out there.