What on Earth Is Jet?

The jet gemstone is a black mineraloid, a type of lignite (a variety of coal) formed from carbonized, fossilized wood, that can be polished to a deep shine. This guide covers its properties, history and lore.

The Physical Properties of Jet

The chemical composition of the jet gemstone is an interesting one because it varies, but it is usually rich in carbon thanks to the way it's formed. When wood decays and is put in conditions of extreme heat and pressure, it fossilizes and turns into a compact black material that we know as the jet gemstone.

Jet's assigned a 2.5 to 4 value on the Mohs hardness scale, which makes it a relatively tough or brittle gemstone. It has an amorphous crystal system and a gorgeous black color. Its transparency is opaque, and at its highest level of quality, it is jet black, to which it owes its name. Jet has a refractive index of 1.66 and a specific gravity of 1.3 to 1.34.

The History of Jet

Jet's ancient name comes from the Greek word Gagates, which is the river in Lycia where the Greeks first found it. The etymology of the name jet takes it through a few different languages, namely the Latin gagete, which eventually evolved into the old French jaiet.

The evidence of mining jet was found as early as 1500 B.C. in England, and there have been ornaments made from jet found in the Paleolithic caves in Switzerland and France. It has been present in human cultures since ancient times. Queen Victoria of England wore it as a mourning ornament, turning it into a jewel of widows.

The Lore of Jet

Jet has always been tied to magical and protective belief, and ancient writers such as Pliny the Elder recorded many folk uses for it. Those old practices are history, not advice.

Jet was a popular stone of choice for rosaries during the early days of the Catholic Church, and in the Middle Ages it was believed to drive away nightmares.

The Metaphysical Properties of Jet

Jet is a protection stone in crystal lore. Modern practitioners link it with psychic and spiritual protection and keep it as a symbol of safety.

In conclusion, jet is an amazing stone deserving of its place in any crystal enthusiast's collection, much like it has been since ancient times. For similar black stones, see obsidian, onyx and shungite.