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Jet
Main Deposits
Spain (Asturias), Great Britain (Whitby), France, Germany, Russia, the United States and Türkiye.
Description and Characteristics
Jet is a variety of lignite (coal) with a deep black colour, formed by the carbonisation of tree wood (mainly from the Araucariaceae family) that was buried under immense pressure in oxygen-free environments millions of years ago. It is found in sedimentary strata of shales and sandstones. It is an amorphous, very light material with a conchoidal fracture, notable for its ability to achieve an extraordinarily brilliant and deep polish, which has made it a favoured material for mourning jewellery and protective amulets since ancient times.
| Chemical Formula | $$C, H, O, N$$ |
|---|---|
| Luster | Vitreous |
| Streak | Brown |
| Fracture | Conchoid |
| Cleavage | Null |
| Hardness | 3-4 Mohs |
| Crystal System | Amorphous |
New-Age Properties
Jet has been known since prehistoric times as one of the most powerful protective stones. It is said to absorb negative energies and act as a shield for the aura.