Black stool is a symptom of gastrointestinal bleeding. It is a dark, tarry stool that can range in color from dark brown to black. It may also contain streaks of bright red blood. The stool may have a foul smell and may be accompanied by nausea and vomiting. Black stool is often a sign of bleeding in the upper gastrointestinal tract, such as in the stomach or esophagus. It can also be caused by bleeding further down the gastrointestinal tract, such as in the small intestine or colon.