How do I differentiate onyx from black tourmaline?

Question

Or any black gem for that matter?
I want to buy black tourmaline

Answer 1

Onyx when cut and polished will look totally black with no specks of any color - solid black abyss.

Tourmaline when cleaned, cut, and polished will look as though it has like very fine glitter all through it. If reflected to light it will have like a silver sheen to it.

Besure to cleanse and charge your crystals and stones for yourself. Alot of times, those that have handled them before will have left energies attached to the stones and also you do not know how long ago they were charged.

Blessed be and Peace

Answer 2

Black Onyx:

Black onyx is believed to be one of the most powerful protection stones. Its way of doing this is to absorb and transform negative energy. Because of this quality people find it helpful in relieving stress and for emotional stability. It's one of the first (root chakra) grounding stones; as such,it encourages connection to material goals and to determination in realizing them. In much crystal literature black onyx is strongly associated to Saturn, and it is said that this stone works most positively for those with a strong Saturn in their natal charts. Although this may include people born under the sign of Capricorn, it's not limited to them. It has been said that in India it was commonly worn to cool the ardours of love. Thus it may be very helpful for people who can't let go of past relationships (sometimes even long after they're over.) The same can be true of any belief which no longer serves one - and they can be as hard to let go of as past relationships. Onyx's value in such situations is that it can help to bring us into contact with our actual realities, and assist us in gradually releasing all that is not in harmony with our present lives.
http://www.gemhut.com/bkonyx.htm


Black Tourmaline:

A complex silicate of boron and aluminum, whose composition varies widely because of substitutions. Black (schorl), blue (indicolite), pink and red (rubellite), brown (dravite), green, multicolored, rarely white; vitreous; streak white. Hexagonal, usually short to long prismatic crystals that commonly have a rounded triangular cross section, striated lengthwise; also radiating, columnar, compact. Tourmaline is harder than apatite and further distinguished from apatite and beryl by striations. Tourmaline forms in igneous and metamorphic rocks and veins. It occurs with lepidolite, microcline, and spodumene in granite pegmatites and others. Tourmaline is widely used as a semiprecious gemstone. Even though tourmaline has been known since antiquity in the Mediterranean region, the Dutch imported it only in 1703 from Sri Lanka to Western and Central Europe. They gave the new gems a Sinhalese name, Turamali, which is thought to mean "stone with mixed colors." There are many varieties recognized in the trade today. Metaphysical Properties: Deflects and repels negative energy, especially psychic attack. Protects against microwaves, radiation, "spells," and ill-wishing. Grounds spiritual energy, increases physical vitality. Defends against debilitating disease, strengthens immune system. Treats dyslexia and arthritis. Earth chakra.
http://www.freespiritrocks.com/tourmaline.html

Love & Blessings
Milly

Answer 3

1