Why Kali Maa is black?

The dark or black appearance of Goddess Kali represents the death and darkness from which everything is born. Her complexion is as dark as the darkest night. Since Goddess Kali is also worshipped as the preserver of nature, she is also called as the Goddess of Preservation. She is also known as Chaturbhuja Kali, Kaushika, and Chinnamasta. Her name is derived from the Sanskrit word that means black, and it refers to one who is black. She is the avatar of Goddess Gauri, the consort of Lord Shiva who is also known as one who is fair. Thus, Goddess Kali is the darker avatar of Goddess Kali, which she takes up as her ferocious look on the battlefield.