Jet

Natural Rough Jet

Jet is a lignite coal and has a high carbon content with a layered structure. It is black to dark brown and sometimes contains tiny inclusions of Pyrite, which have a metallic lustre. It tends to occur in rocks of marine origin, derived from waterlogged driftwood or other plant material. Jet can occur in district beds like those in Whitby, England which is reputed to be home to the finest jet in the world. Its name is believed to be derived from the name of the town and river Gagas in ancient Turkey, where it or a similar material was found.

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Jet had been carved for ornamental purposes since prehistoric times – examples have been found in prehistoric caves. There is extensive folklore associated with jet. The Romans carved jet into bangles and beads; some of this jet came from Whitby as early as the 1^st century AD. In India and the Mediterranean, carved jet amulets were believed to protect against the evil eye, and Irish women traditionally burned jet to ensure the safety of their husbands when away from home. Viking women used jet spindles to sew with magical chants protection to their husband’s clothes. Jet was also carried by sailor’s wives in Europe as an amulet to keep their husbands safe at sea – and faithful! Native Americans continue to use jet in jewellery.

Faceted Jet Cabochons

Because of its sombre colour, jet has been used in mourning for hundreds of years, and has a long history of religious association. During the middle ages, jet carvings were sold to pilgrims at holy sites in Spain, and it has traditionally been fashioned into rosaries for monks. After the death of her husband Prince Albert in 1861, Queen Victoria went into a 40 year period of mourning. She set the trend for wearing dark, sombre clothes and jewellery. Jew from Whitby was used extensively along with other dark stones such as hematite.

In medieval times powdered jet drunk in water or wine was believed to have medicinal

Carved Jet Brooch

properties (Yuk!). Today, jet is still considered by some to help with migraines, headaches, epilepsy, colds, menstrual cramps, stomach pains and even said to ease labour pains! Though personally, I would take my chances with gas and air!

Psychologically, jet promotes taking control of your life by helping to overcome grief after bereavement, especially after the death of a partner, It balances mood swings and conquers negative thought patterns associated with depression, bringing stability and balance. Use a piece of jet wrapped in a towel to allow a sick animal to let go of life gently. It is also supposed

Carved Whitby Jet

to be kept with bills and bank statements to stabilise finances and as a powerful anti-debt stone!

It is said that those who are attracted to this stone are ‘old souls’ who have had a long experience of being incarnated on the earth and that jet jewellery becomes part of the body of the wearer. Jet should be buried with its owner and not handed on or inherited.

Jet Medallion

 

 

Zodiac: Capricorn

Birthstone: January

Chakra: Root

Sources: Whitby England, Spain, France, Germany, Poland, India, Turkey, Russia USA

Hardness: 2.5

Empowerment: I can let go of the past with gentleness.

Jet Tumble Stones