Geology/History
Jet is a coal gemstone, a type of Lignite, however unlike normal Lignite that forms in peaty deposits on land Jet forms in rocks of Marine origin. Forming roughly 180 million years ago, there are two forms of Jet, hard & soft, soft Jet occurs when the organic material is compressed with fresh water & hard Jet occurs when the organic material is compressed with salt water. Jet is sometimes referred to as black Amber as it shares the property of electrostatics & can create an electric charge like that of amber when rubbed. Also like Amber, Jet in not a mineral they are both mineraloid gemstones. Jet can be either black or dark brown & can contain pyrite inclusions.
The name "Jet" has derived from the French jaiet (modern French jais), a reference to the ancient Greek town of Gagae. Where the stone was known as “lithos gagátis” meaning “Stone of Gagates”. Several ancient authors such as Pliny the Elder, Dioscorides, Galenos, Aetios &Pedanius mentioned "the stone of Gagates" in their writings. The stone was attributed such powers as being able to drive serpents away, diagnose epilepsy, calm hysteria, evacuate worms, ease heart problems & heal gynaecological issues. Considered a talisman of health it was also used in jewellery. This stone was said to be found by the estuary of a river called Gages & was locally named after that river. The stone of Gagates was indeed Jet.
Humans have used Jet since prehistoric times one of the earliest known object is of a botfly larva carving from Germany dating back to roughly 10,000BC. Cultures all over the world have been crafting items from Jet from the ancient Egyptians to Native American tribes & many others. Across Europe, the Americas, Britain & Scandinavia Jet has been in continual use in items such as rings, hair pins, weapons ornamentation, beads, bracelets, bangles, necklaces, amulets & ornate carvings. It has been culturally revered for centuries as having magical protective qualities, the use & popularity of Jet continues still to this day.
Metaphysical Properties
The Dawn of Time Stone, Jets ancient energy has an unmatchable wisdom this vibration brings a deep understanding to life & how life works. It is the ultimate wisdom & enlightenment stone that greatly aids the ascension process. Working with Jet opens ones “sight” allowing one the vision to shift out of 2 dimensional concepts into higher multi dimensional understandings, in other words instead of just seeing the time on the face of a clock Jet shows us the internal bits & how the clock actually works. It aids in the removal of blind illusion, helping one to see, understand & embrace the universe & all within it.
Jet has been long revered throughout history as a powerful talisman or amulet bestowing health, wealth & longevity. It is considered highly protective & was often worn during conflict. Traditionally worn to ward of the evil eye or curses & deflect negative energies away from the wearer it is used to protect from the darkest of malevolent energies. While keeping negative energies or influences away Jet creates a safe space, helping birth the new into physical reality. Jet expands the aura allowing for greater connection with positive sources helping to increase creative flow & artistic or self expression. Jet helps one to achieve their dreams imparting the gift of manifestation by teaching the illusion of self imposed obstacles or incorrectly perceived boundaries as well as how to move, blend & focus energies into a creative manifesting force.
Jet is an excellent healing stone it provides connection to universal life force energy bringing the gift of restoration & regeneration. These qualities assists one to self heal & are particularly good for helping one heal deep repressed emotional trauma. Jet acts as a guardian stone or spiritual compass guiding one through the twists, turns, ups & downs of human life. It brings a mindset of fearlessness greatly increasing ones inner power, strength & mental fortitude, it awakens the inner warrior.
Magically it connects to all the elements harnessing Earth, Air, Fire, Water & Spirit energies. It is excellent for past life journeying or soul retrieval & retrieving lost or forgotten abilities, Jet helps one to remember & reclaim the true self. It assists all spiritual & magical growth by creating a strong connection with the higher self & universal energies. Jets ability to increase universal connectivity & awaken the soul boosts intuition, instincts & unlocks dormant senses. For those practicing active magic Jet is a loyal & powerful guardian ally, extremely helpful for spell or ritual writing & casting.
Crystal Healing
All ailments. Resonates with all Chakras.
Mineralogy
Group: Mineraloid
Crystal System: Amorphous
Composition: C,H,O+H2O
Form/Habit: None
Hardness: 2.5-4
Cleavage: None
Fracture: Conchoidal
Lustre: Vitreous
Streak: Brown
Specific Gravity: 1.3-1.4
Transparency: Opaque
R.I: 1.640 to 1.680
Colour: Black, Brown
Birefringence: None
Fluorescence: None
Strunz Classification: 10