Collection: Jet

Jet is an organic rock that comes from woody material (from wood or plants) buried in sediments. This rock is said to have become charred. In fact, jet comes from plant debris which gradually transformed into coal. It does not form in a vein. Jet is not classified as a mineral. It has a hardness of 2.5 to 4 on the Mohs scale, which indicates a certain fragility.

As mentioned above, it comes from plant debris buried in a muddy environment. Then, it underwent compaction. It is found in bituminous shales (rock with the particularity of having a laminated appearance, being cut into thin plates). In fact, jet is a fossil gem resulting from the action of oceanic pressure on a sedimentary rock where the remains of plant fossils are found. Jet is of plant origin, because it comes from coniferous trees which have slowly transformed into “coal”.

The etymology of the word jet comes from the Latin “gagatês”. Gagas was a city and river located in Asia Minor. This term “gagatês” was taken up by Pliny the Elder (23 AD / 79 AD), Roman writer and naturalist, author of the encyclopedia Natural Stories and gave the name “iaiet”, then jais in modern French .

Traces of jet have been identified between 208 and 144 million years BCE. This rock was used since the Bronze Age. In England, jet had been mined since the 2nd millennium BC. Thus, during archaeological excavations in ancient burial mounds, balls, pendants and amulets made of jet were found.

The Romans decided to exploit the jet and export it to Rome. Very quickly, jewelers began to create all kinds of jewelry.

In the Middle Ages, jet began to be used in the manufacture of jewelry and religious statuettes. Furthermore, among the Indians of the southwest of the United States, magnificent amulets were discovered: they were intended for the protection of their wearer.

In the 18th century, the patenotriers were makers of rosaries. Organized since the time of the Renaissance in corporations or brotherhoods, they worked on relatively rich materials, such as pearls, mother-of-pearl, amber, jet, etc. They made mourning jewelry, rosaries and jet crosses. The blackness of jet made it possible to make magnificent jewelry, called mourning jewelry because of this magnificent black color.

In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, tons of jet were produced each year. The lightness of jet made it possible to create voluminous pieces, such as very long necklaces, imposing earrings, bun combs. The production of splendid jet pieces exploded at this time. Tons of jet are exported from Yorkshire to England. The imported specimens were reputed to be among the most beautiful in the world.

However, the fineness of the mineral makes it very complicated to industrialize. Thus, each jeweler or jeweler will develop their own technique to produce quality jewelry and statuettes. An important trade developed in Compostela. Many religious accessories, crucifixes or affliction medals are sold.

In fact, jet was particularly used for mourning jewelry. Indeed, in France, only jet jewelry was tolerated during mourning.

Then after the First World War, wearing jet jewelry was no longer fashionable and small businesses closed.

Nowadays, this very specific material is once again on the market. Some jewelers have rediscovered their know-how in the creation of jewelry, religious effigies, pendants, etc.

The main deposits are located in Mongolia .

In Lithotherapy, jet is a stone known for overcoming bereavement and sorrow due to separation. It is very effective in complicated life situations such as divorce, unemployment, announcement of a serious illness, etc. Jet fights states of intense sadness. It gives the strength to be positive and to get back up in the face of difficulties.

Jet is an excellent stone for introspection. It helps to cope with trauma often linked to childhood. Thus, it dissolves the negative energies anchored deep within oneself and can replace them with positive energies. It helps to identify what prevents you from living peacefully.

This stone provides self-confidence and great assurance. It makes you want to move forward and bring professional or other projects to fruition. It facilitates new beginnings and breeds success. Jet has the ability to bring about financial success.

Jet is a stone of anchoring and protection. He fights against anxieties and irrational fears. It promotes stability and encourages optimism. It helps scare away evil spirits and brings good luck.

Some beliefs stipulate that this stone is an accompaniment stone for the deceased. It is said that it helps them leave their earthly life.