Jet: Properties, Uses and Virtues

Jet forms in environments rich in organic matter, such as marine or lake sediments. It is distinguished by its deep black color. Often confused with onyx, jet is widespread throughout the world and has been used throughout history for a variety of applications, including the creation of jewelry, decorative objects, and even in the music industry for the manufacture of instruments.

Associated with protection, anchoring and the elimination of negative energies on the metaphysical plane, jet is relatively weak, with a hardness of 2.5 to 4, and can be scratched and damaged by aggressive chemicals and shocks.

It can be polished to enhance its lustre, but imitations are rare due to its unique nature. For maintenance, we recommend regular cleaning with a soft, damp cloth.

Jais: Table of contents

• The Short Version For Busy People
• Geological formation of jet
• Jais brut – The dark beauty of nature
• Sources – The global presence of jet
• History of jet – Through the ages
• Metaphysical properties of jet
• Jet varieties
• Jet color
• Durability and portability of jet
• Jet enhancements
• Synthetic jet
• Imitation Jet
• Jet care

Geological formation of jet

Jet, a form of fossilized burnt wood, forms mainly in geological environments rich in organic matter. Over time, the wood fossilizes and turns into lignite coal, then jet under the effect of pressure and heat.

Jais brut – The dark beauty of nature

Raw jet often has a smooth, matte surface, with a deep black color that can sometimes show shades of brown or blue. Like all organic gems, it has no crystalline structure because it comes from organic matter (such as wood, plants or animals) and not from minerals.

Sources – The global presence of jet

Jet is found in various parts of the world, including Europe, Asia and North America. Notable deposits can be found in England (the best deposit), Spain, France, Germany, Russia, Turkey, India and the United States.

History of jet – Through the ages

Jet has a long history of use in various cultures and civilizations. In the Middle Ages, it was popular for religious sculpture and jewelry-making, particularly in northern Europe. Examples of magnificent jet carvings can be found in churches and cathedrals from this period.

More recently, in the 19th century, jet was used to make mourning jewelry, particularly in England, where Queen Victoria popularized the wearing of jet jewelry after the death of her husband, Prince Albert. These jewels were often adorned with complex, symbolic motifs, such as tears, broken hearts and crosses.

Today, jet is used in lithotherapy and in many contemporary jewelry designs.

Metaphysical properties of jet

On a metaphysical level, jet is often associated with protection, anchoring and the elimination of negative energies. It is said to create an energetic shield around the wearer, protecting them from harmful influences and promoting a sense of security and stability.

Jet varieties

Jet has no particular variety, apart from the wood that has been fossilized at its base.

However, the most popular jet on the market is “whitby jet”, which comes from Whitby in the UK, and “French jet”, which is actually a glass-based imitation.

Jet color

Who’s ever heard the expression “jet black”? For my part, I realized that it came from the gem…30min before writing my article. It makes perfect sense, but I’d never consciously made the connection…

The deep black color of jet is due to its composition, which is rich in organic matter. However, shades of brown or blue may sometimes be present, depending on the impurities in the material.

Durability and portability of jet

Jet is a relatively fragile material that can become scratched and damaged over time, especially if exposed to aggressive chemicals. With a hardness of 2.5 to 4 on the Mohs scale, it is also shock-sensitive. It should therefore be handled with care and stored in a safe place when not in use.

Fun fact: jet floats and is not particularly sensitive to clear natural water, but can quickly degrade in contact with acidic or chemical water. It’s in my list of stones never to be worn in the pool!

Jet enhancements

Jet can be polished to enhance its shine and texture, but improvements are usually minimal due to its unique nature and natural appeal.

Synthetic jet

Synthetic jet is not available on the market, but it is possible to find imitations.

Imitation Jet

Jet is often imitated by plastic, resinated charcoal and black glass as “French jet”! Jet can be confused with obsidian, onyx with black spinel and schorl.

Natural jet will always be rather warm to the touch (room temperature), like plastic and amber.

Jet care

To preserve the beauty and integrity of jet, we recommend regular cleaning with a soft, damp cloth to remove dust and residues. Avoid contact with aggressive chemicals or corrosive liquids, as these can damage the delicate surface.