What is Jet Gemstone?

Even into the modern day, the origins of Jet are mysterious, since the name is often applied to natural material with similar appearances and chemical makeup, despite those materials forming through various different processes. For example, Mindat, a widely respected compendium of knowledge about mineral, rock, and crystal specimens, lists Jet stone as a hydrocarbon, while Britannica lists it as a subbituminous coal, and other sources list it as lignite that has undergone carbon compression, or sometimes as fossil wood. Despite all these different methods of creation, and the inherent differences this can cause from stone to stone, the consensus on Jet stone is this: Jet is deep grey to black, and can be waxy to glossy in appearance depending on quality and level of polishing. It has a high carbon content, leading many to compare it with Shungite, except that Jet is more lightweight and even softer than Shungite, scratching readily.

Jet Gemstone Meaning and Properties

Jet gemstones have been found in Bronze Age burial sites in Britain, and were used in ornamentation, as well as to make buttons for clothing. This association with the grave is likely what made Jet stone jewelry a token of grief and mourning, worn by those still deep in sorrow for lost loved ones. Today, Jet gemstones are associated with cleansing, purification, spiritual protection, and clearing negativity. Believed to encourage thinking before action, wise decision making, and problem solving, Jet is used by those seeking to break habits, escape negative cycles, and move on from toxic relationships. In this way, the Jet stone has become a talisman of positivity, peace, and spiritual healing. Carrying a Jet gemstone in a pouch or cage pendant is believed to protect against evil eyes, ruminating thoughts, and anxious energies since the gem is known to behave like an angel on our shoulder, helping us to see the good and cast off what doesn't serve us.

How to Cleanse Jet Gemstones

Jet stones are extremely soft, as they range from 2.5 - 3 on the Mohs scale. For this reason, Jet is extremely easy to scratch and should not be submerged in water long-term, as this will cause the gem to soften even further. We always suggest using a Selenite tile or Full Moonlight exposure when cleansing crystals, since these methods will not cause any damage to your stones. Smoke Cleansing with Sage, Palo Santo, Incense, or dried herbs is another safe way to cleanse your Jet gemstone.

How Expensive is Jet, and What Factors Influence Its Price?

When considering the cost of jet, it's more affordable than one might initially assume. The price of jet varies based on several key factors, including the type, quality, and craftsmanship involved in creating jewelry pieces.

Price Range of Jet

1. Raw Jet: Typically, raw jet gemstones are quite cost-effective, priced at approximately $0.40 per carat, or about $2 per gram.

2. Carvings and Beads: Large jet carvings can be found for around $0.30 per carat, while jet beads usually range under $1 per carat. A complete set might cost between $14 to $50.

3. Jewelry: Though generally more affordable, modern jewelry pieces, especially from renowned brands or made from high-quality Whitby jet, can cost between $100 and $150 for a pendant.

Factors Affecting Jet’s Price

• Quality: As with most gemstones, the purity and appearance of jet significantly influence its price. Higher quality jet, especially without imperfections, commands a premium.

• Craftsmanship: Intricate carvings or expertly crafted jewelry pieces require skilled artisans, increasing the worth of the final product.

• Origin: Jet from specific regions, known for superior quality, such as Whitby in England, might be priced higher due to its historical and geological significance.

• Design and Brand: Jet pieces that carry a designer label or are associated with luxury brands tend to be more expensive due to their exclusivity and artistry.

Overall, while jet is a relatively affordable gemstone, its price is shaped by a blend of quality, craftsmanship, origin, and branding.

What Factors Determine the Value of a Jet Gemstone?

When assessing the value of a jet gemstone, several key aspects come into play. Understanding these factors can help you gauge its market worth:

• Color: The most prized jet stones feature a deep, intense black. Any deviation from this rich hue can affect the stone's value, with darker shades generally being more desirable.

• Cut: The craftsmanship involved in shaping the jet is critical. A well-executed cut enhances the stone's natural beauty and symmetry, making it more appealing in jewelry pieces.

• Luster: High-quality jet has a glossy, vitreous luster that can elevate its appearance. Lustrous stones tend to be more sought after, as they exude a polished and elegant finish.

• Authenticity: With various imitations available, ensuring the stone’s authenticity is crucial. Unaltered, natural jet commands higher prices compared to treated or synthetic versions.

While carat weight is often a primary factor for other gemstones, it is less significant for jet. This is because jet is lightweight and can be crafted into various sizes without losing its charm or value.

Understanding Jet: Is It Precious or Semi-Precious?

Jet is classified as a semi-precious gemstone. Throughout history, it has captivated people with its deep, rich black hue and unique qualities. Unlike precious stones, which typically include diamonds, rubies, sapphires, and emeralds, jet doesn't fall into the high-value category based on rarity or price.

Despite this, jet holds a significant place in jewelry making, particularly for its ability to be polished to a high sheen and carved into intricate designs. Its allure dates back centuries, having been favored by royalty and nobility in various cultures.

In summary, while jet is not a precious gemstone, its enduring popularity and historical significance make it a valued choice for artisans and collectors alike.

Is Jet Rare?  How Rare is High-Quality Jet Specimens?  Where Does the Best Jet Come From?

High-quality jet gemstones are indeed rare. This scarcity is especially evident when discussing the renowned variety originating from Whitby, England. Jet, known for its deep black color and smooth texture, has been a prized material for centuries. However, as with many gemstones, not all jet is created equal. The Whitby variety is particularly esteemed for its superior quality and has historically been used in fine jewelry. This rarity and reputation have made Whitby jet highly sought after by collectors and jewelers alike.

Why is Whitby Jet Considered the Highest Quality?

Whitby jet stands out as the premier choice among jet stones, renowned for its exceptional quality and beauty. This distinction arises primarily from its unique geological formation and historical charm.

Geological Origins

Whitby jet originates from the Whitby Mudstone Formation, a geological area rich with organic materials from ancient forests. Approximately 180 million years ago, this jet was formed from the fossilized remains of trees similar to the Araucaria araucana, commonly known as the "monkey puzzle" tree. Over millions of years, the organic material underwent a transformation into the deep, lustrous, black gemstone known as jet, prized for its durability and polish.

Quality and Characteristics

1. Luster and Appearance: Whitby jet possesses an unparalleled blackness and a vitreous luster that sets it apart from other jet sources. This deep, glossy finish is highly sought after in jewelry.

2. Historical Significance: Dating back to the Roman Empire, Whitby jet has been treasured for its use in jewelry and ornamental designs. In the 19th century, its popularity soared as it became an essential element in Victorian mourning jewelry, adding historical prestige to its allure.

3. Rarity and Exclusivity: Genuine Whitby jet is relatively rare due to the specific ancient environmental conditions required for its formation. This rarity enhances its value and desirability, securing its status as the highest quality jet available.

Final Thoughts

The combination of exceptional geological conditions, historical significance, and unique characteristics makes Whitby jet the gold standard in its category. Its remarkable appearance and deep cultural roots continue to captivate jewelry enthusiasts and collectors around the world.

Where is Jet Mined and Sourced From?

When it comes to sourcing high-quality jet gemstones, several countries lead the charge. England stands at the forefront, known for its exceptional jet gemstone quality, particularly from the Whitby area.

Spain follows closely, recognized for its substantial commercial production. Other notable countries where jet is mined include:

• Austria
• Cambodia
• Canada
• France
• Germany
• India
• Italy
• Luxembourg
• Mongolia
• Poland
• Portugal
• Russia
• Turkey
• United States: Specifically in the states of Colorado, New Mexico, and Utah.

Each of these locations offers unique qualities of jet gemstones, contributing to the rich diversity found in the market.

Key Differences Between Jet and Onyx

Understanding the distinctions between jet and onyx can help you choose the right material for your needs, whether it's for jewelry, interior design, or other uses. Let's delve into their classification, composition, and physical properties.

Classification

• Jet: Known as a mineraloid, jet lacks a crystalline structure, making it distinct from traditional minerals.
• Onyx: This is a true mineral, specifically a type of chalcedony, which falls under the microcrystalline quartz category.

Composition

• Jet: Primarily composed of carbon, jet originates from decayed wood under extreme pressure.
• Onyx: Contains silica and is a variety of chalcedony, showcasing its quartz origin.

Color Source

• Jet: Naturally boasts a deep black hue, contributing to its unique appearance.
• Onyx: Often, the black color seen in onyx is achieved through dyeing processes.

Hardness

• Onyx: Measures around 7 on the Mohs hardness scale, making it significantly harder and more scratch-resistant.
• Jet: With a hardness between 2.5 and 4, jet is comparatively softer and more susceptible to scratching.

Weight and Density

• Onyx: Tends to be heavier due to its higher density, which ranges from 2.72 to 2.85.
• Jet: Much lighter with a density between 1.3 and 1.4, making it easier to carve and shape.

Streak Test

• Jet: Leaves a brown streak when powdered, a useful test feature in identification.
• Onyx: Produces a white streak, further differentiating it in testing scenarios.

These differences underscore the unique attributes and uses of jet and onyx, guiding consumers in making informed decisions based on the specific qualities they need.

What Are Common Simulants of Jet, and How Can You Identify the Real Thing?

Jet is a rare and valuable material, making imitations quite prevalent in the market. Here’s a look at some of the common substitutes often mistaken for genuine jet:

• Plastic: Often used for affordable jewelry, its lightness and sometimes glossy finish can help identify it.
• Black Glass (French Jet): Known for its high sheen and weight, it exhibits a brittle texture in contrast to the dense feel of real jet.
• Obsidian: A natural volcanic glass that is heavier than jet and can be distinguished by its sharp edges and hardness.
• Black Tourmaline: This mineral is not as lightweight as jet and usually displays striations on its surface.
• Chalcedony: Unlike jet, chalcedony is translucent when cut thin and has a higher hardness level.

Identifying Genuine Jet

To spot real jet, consider these characteristics:

1. Weight and Feel: Real jet is notably lightweight and warm to the touch compared to its simulants, which are often heavier.

2. Surface Testing: When rubbed on unglazed porcelain, genuine jet leaves a brown streak, while many simulants do not.

3. Luster: Authentic jet has a soft, subtle sheen that sets it apart from the typically high gloss of its imitators.

By understanding these distinctions, you can better discern real jet from its more common simulants.

Jet vs. Onyx: A Detailed Comparison

When it comes to comparing jet and onyx, it's easy to see why they might be confused for one another, particularly when looking at black varieties. However, these two are distinct in several ways. Let’s explore how jet stacks up against the gemstone onyx.

Classification and Composition

Jet and onyx belong to different classifications; onyx is a mineral, specifically a type of chalcedony (which is a form of microcrystalline quartz). In contrast, jet is a mineraloid, which means it lacks a true crystalline structure and is primarily composed of carbon. This carbon-rich nature results from decomposed wood under extreme pressure, similar to coal.

Color Distinction

The rich black hue of jet is entirely natural, resulting from its organic origins. On the other hand, the black onyx you encounter is often a white or light-colored stone that has been artificially dyed to achieve that deep black appearance.

Hardness and Durability

If you're concerned about scratch resistance and durability, onyx holds an edge over jet. On the Mohs scale, onyx is rated at about 7, making it significantly harder than jet, which falls between 2.5 and 4. This difference makes onyx more resistant to everyday wear and tear.

Weight and Density

The weight of these gemstones also varies notably. Onyx is denser, weighing in with a density ranging from 2.72 to 2.85. Jet, being lighter, has a density between 1.3 and 1.4. This can affect how each stone feels when held or worn in jewelry.

Streak Test

A simple streak test can reveal another difference. When powdered, jet leaves a brown streak, while onyx leaves a white streak. This distinction is useful for gemologists and enthusiasts alike to differentiate between these stones.

In summary, while both jet and onyx can make beautiful additions to jewelry collections, their differences in origin, composition, and physical properties offer unique characteristics for any gemstone aficionado to appreciate.

How Did Jet Become Popular During the Victorian Era?

Jet, a striking black gemstone, captivated public interest during the Victorian Era, spanning from 1837 to 1901. Its rise to fame began with its introduction at the Great Exhibition of 1851, where visitors first encountered its unique beauty. This event marked the beginning of jet's transformation into a coveted keepsake, especially appealing to tourists.

A pivotal moment in jet's popularity came with a personal endorsement by Queen Victoria herself. Following the death of her husband, Prince Albert, in 1861, the queen chose to wear carved jet jewelry as part of her mourning attire. This royal approval had a profound impact, greatly enhancing the gemstone's desirability.

The demand spurred by these events led to the opening of dedicated jet stores, starting with the first one in Whitby around 1860. As a result, jet became a fashionable symbol of both elegance and remembrance throughout the era.

Is Jet an Alternative Birthstone?

Jet can indeed serve as an alternative birthstone for December as well as a zodiac stone for Capricorn. This versatile gemstone shares some mystical qualities with other December stones, making it a fitting choice for those born during this month. For Capricorns, jet is believed to hold particular significance, aligning with their traits and enhancing their personal energy.