“Brown coal” of natural origin enjoys unprecedented popularity among esotericists. The mystical abilities of the stone are described in ancient legends and traditions. Today jet is also in demand. The exquisite beauty of black amber attracts both jewelers and luxury goods makers.
| Opening year: | Gained fame in the mid-19th century, but ancient peoples already knew about it |
| Title in English: | Jet |
| Category: | Ornamental |
| Group of stones: | Brown coal group |
| Chemical formula: | C |
| Stone color, trait: | Jet black, black with slight hints of blue or pearlescent |
| Transparency: | Opaque |
| Shine: | Gummy |
| Syngony: | ———— |
| Hardness: | 2.7 – 3.5 on the Mohs scale |
| Density: | About 1400 kg/m³ |
| Cleavage: | Absent |
| Kink: | Conchoidal |
| Morphology: | Layers, pieces, separate clusters |
| Stone price: | From 40-50 rubles per gram |
| Zodiac sign: | Representatives of the water element, as well as Capricorn and Scorpio |
| Similar stones: | Onyx, tourmaline, melanite |
Jet: features of the stone
“Black amber”, “black jasper” - this is how jet has been called since ancient times, emphasizing its external similarity to other stones. By origin, it is a petrified Araucaria tree, a coniferous tree. This amazing tree grows in New Zealand and Australia. The gem received its name thanks to the Gagai River, on the banks of which its deposits were first found. Jet is also known as “Gisher”, which means “black night” in Armenian.
The stone has a deep black color, sometimes with a gradient turning into a brown tint. After processing, the structure looks dense, a uniform shine (not shine!) and opacity appears. On the Mohs scale, used to measure hardness, jet has only 3.5 out of 10 points. This means it is practical when processed, so not only jewelry is made from it, but also interior items - figurines or vases, for example. The physical properties of guichard are very similar to coal, even down to the ability to ignite - a striking difference from minerals. From an organic point of view, it resembles amber - hence one of the alternative names.
Jet mining is carried out in different parts of the world:
- Kamchatka;
- Ukraine;
- Vietnam;
- Caucasus;
- India;
- England.
In ancient times, stones were found on the banks of the river, washed with water - because of this, their natural polishing was ideal. In mining areas, it is found in layers in coal deposits, so processing takes on an industrial scale.
The healing properties of jet
Lithotherapists are unanimous in the opinion that jet is capable of restoring health in many aspects. Among its main areas of application are problems with vision, digestion and skin. A massage is performed with small balls of guishar to relieve pain in the joints - this procedure improves immunity. Among its other medicinal properties, the following are also noted:
- Normalization of the lymphatic system;
- Improving kidney function;
- Relieving seizures;
- Reducing the intensity of allergies;
- Help with dermatological problems.
A special method of treatment with jet consists of heating the stone until it emits a characteristic odor. Inhaling its aroma improves psychological well-being, fights depression and other disorders. It has a positive effect on mental abilities, enhancing concentration. For those suffering from hypertension, it is recommended to wear jet jewelry along with lapis lazuli.
Magical properties of jet
Esotericists value coal stone for its outstanding properties of protection against witchcraft and the evil eye. In England, jet was placed in a baby's cradle to protect the baby. The gem is credited with the property of powerful feminine energy; wearing it helps smooth out difficult moments, balancing the situation. Wearing a stone not only strengthens the nervous system, making a person more resistant to stress, but also strengthens the will. The power of jet allows you to achieve your goals without getting stuck on minor problems.
In India, it is believed that the stone is capable of taking away negative influences directed at its owner. It makes it more harmonious, dispels negative emotions and feelings. There is an opinion that jet helps to feel the genus as a line of fate. It provides astral protection by calling upon the spirits of ancestors.
Jet is used for love spells, and the ritual itself is virtually absent. You need to wear stone jewelry with you for a long time, endowing it with your energy. After that, give it to the object of your affection.
Application in astrology
Not all zodiac signs are suitable for the jet stone. Astrologers insist: Cancers and Pisces should certainly have it in their arsenal. People of these signs who are insecure (according to the horoscope) will receive confidence from the stone, learn to cope with timidity and constant hesitation, develop the ability to defend their own opinion, and begin to think soberly without fear of acting.
It is recommended to use black amber as an amulet of good luck for Scorpios and Capricorns. It smooths out rough edges in relationships, helps to find a common language with others, avoiding stressful situations.
Ring with black amber
But already strong Leos, Aquarius, Aries under its influence risk becoming even more self-confident and hot-tempered, which will not be beneficial.
According to the zodiac sign, it is suitable very limitedly for Libra, Virgo, and Taurus. They need to be careful with jet, using it only as a temporary talisman. There is a possibility that the nervous system will become unstable and spiritual harmony will be destroyed.
| Zodiac sign | Compatibility |
| Aries | + |
| Taurus | – |
| Twins | + |
| Cancer | +++ |
| a lion | + |
| Virgo | + |
| Scales | – |
| Scorpion | + |
| Sagittarius | + |
| Capricorn | + |
| Aquarius | – |
| Fish | +++ |
(“+++” – fits perfectly, “+” – can be worn, “-” – is strictly contraindicated).
All this applies to adults. But children and teenagers, according to astrology, can wear such jewelry regardless of what zodiac sign they belong to. The stone helps to clarify consciousness and pushes towards the right choice of life path.
Varieties
The oily shine and deep color distinguish jet from ordinary coal, making it a decorative stone. Experts distinguish 3 groups of black jasper:
- Small black pebbles that can be found on the coast of England. They are thrown out by waves, which also polish the surface to a shine. Characteristic features are deep black color, matte shine and rounded shape.
- The rock is of medium (relative to the jet classification) hardness and melts easily when heated.
- Durable stone, suitable for processing. Shows satisfactory resistance to environmental influences.
The variety directly depends on the deposit; the hardest rocks are mined in Kamchatka. In Europe, jet is more common in the form of individual small pebbles - the average person does not even recognize it as black amber.
Description of physical and chemical properties
Jet is not a mineral. This is an organic breed. How did the compressed layers of the fossil come about? Experts assure: the ancient coniferous tree Araucaria, having fallen into the water and being saturated with it, sank to the bottom, it was enveloped in clay, silt, and for thousands of years the wood was carbonized inside without access to oxygen, after which coal was formed.
| origin of name | from Greek γαγάτης - black amber, according to another version - from the Latin Gages - the name of a river in Asia Minor |
| Selection form | clusters, pieces, lenses, thin layers |
| Transparency | opaque |
| Hardness | 3 3,5 |
| Color | black to brown-black |
| Zodiac sign | Aries Scorpio Capricorn |
Sometimes a tree, while decomposing, did not fall apart into its components and appeared to contemporaries in its preserved form, but charred. But more often, raw materials are found in the form of layers between layers of clay and ordinary coal.
Gisher
80 percent of jet consists of carbon. The best examples are bright black. There are other shades: bluish-black, brown-brown. Specimens of a uniform tone with a brilliant pearlescent sheen are prized.
Despite its looseness and lightness, the stone changes its structure when heated from 120 degrees, that is, it is quite durable. At the same time, it is malleable and scratches easily. Good viscosity does not allow jet to be split without effort. It lacks a crystal lattice. Sudden changes in temperature are undesirable, as is high humidity. The inside of the jet is homogeneous. Shells are visible on the chips.
Black Jasper
Jet jewelry
Amulets and amulets are made from this stone, sometimes it is just a polished stone. For decorative purposes, the gem is set in silver to make rings, earrings, pendants and brooches. Also, beads and bracelets are often made from jet, entwining the hand several times. This stone looks massive and is light in weight, which allows you to wear large jewelry with comfort. King Solomon wore a silver ring with a jet plate.
Jewelry with black stones is considered by some to be mournful, which reduces the demand for them as costume jewelry. At the same time, rosaries are made from jet, because from a religious point of view, the stone is considered a positive amulet.
Talismans and amulets
Jet is used to make amulets and talismans in many countries. It is believed that the mineral is able to remove negative energy and drive away the thoughts of ill-wishers and envious people. Protect the house and its residents from damage and the evil eye, external natural factors - thunderstorms, floods.
Amulets made from jet help solve the problem of insomnia, nervous breakdowns, and prolonged depression. Relieves the dreamer of bad dreams and unpleasant memories. Helps overcome mental trauma, gives strength and energy.
In ancient times, the stone was used as a talisman for all residents. Craftsmen made large crosses and installed them on church domes. It was believed that this helped people save themselves from various ailments and illnesses. Magicians claimed that such a cross could cope with weather disasters and protect crops from destruction.
In the modern world, the stone is suitable for people with the following professions:
- gynecologist;
- obstetrician;
- everyone whose work is related to travel and tourism.
Who is the stone suitable for:
- For successful people involved in business and creativity. It removes negative energy flows and improves well-being.
- Women and men who have faced grief and suffered nervous stress. The mineral helps normalize blood pressure, fights insomnia and apathy.
- Girls and boys who have feelings for members of the same sex. The amulet helps normalize sexual energy and treats disorders.
- People who practice and meditate. It helps you relax, enter a trance state, and clear your mind of negative thoughts.
- A lover who is afraid of losing his soulmate. It is believed that if you give a stone to your beloved or lover, the relationship will become more harmonious and the feeling of love will intensify. The stone will protect the couple from betrayal and jealousy.
They say that jet has an invisible connection with its owner. Therefore, you can leave it at home, hidden from prying eyes.
Artificial jet
If jewelry is purchased at the market, of which there are plenty in tourist towns, there is a high risk of buying a fake. You can avoid deception if you carefully examine the jet - its color is very deep and highly intense. The gem quickly heats up in the hand; the cold inherent in onyx is not felt. Inserts with jet are usually large, but light - this combination is rarely found in other stones.
If the product has already been purchased, but suddenly doubts arise about its authenticity, you can conduct a simple experiment. To do this, you need to heat the needle and scrape off a tiny piece of stone with it. If the fragment begins to melt due to high temperature - it is jet, the deformation on the surface will be noticeable instantly. Also, when heated, a real stone emits a smell; glass, which is often faked as jet, cannot do this.
Price
A raw stone weighing 150 grams costs 100–200 rubles. Small fragments are sold in packages: 300 grams - 500–600 rubles. Price per gram in the online store is 25 kopecks. You can find it cheaper.
Bracelet with jet
Crafts made from black amber, of course, are much more expensive. Beads and rosaries can be bought for 1.5-2 thousand rubles. Bracelets are cheaper. This is with the continuous production method. Original works are more expensive, but they are also more attractive. The final price depends on the complexity of production, the subtlety of the design, and the amount of material used.
Interesting facts about the stone
Jet, due to its appearance, has always been considered a mysterious stone. They tried to use it to communicate with the afterlife; they believed that it helps to establish a connection with ancestors. Alchemists in the Middle Ages also did not ignore it, trying to use it in their experiments to create the philosopher's stone. The robbers believed that jet should be carried on one's person to scare away dogs. In the East, for some time jet was considered solidified oil due to its oily sheen and dense structure.
How to spot a fake
Despite the fact that jet is not a precious stone, but an ornamental one, it is also counterfeited. Replicas can be made of ebonite, onyx, black glass, anthracite, Kennel coal, slate, lignite, black-dyed horn, swamp oak, bakelite, even epoxy resin. It is difficult for the average buyer to distinguish between natural and artificial fakes without modern technological techniques.
Sizes of black jasper
You can, of course, scratch the sample (the needle marks will remain on the jet) or set fire to a piece (the carbon smell will “give away” the original), but who wants to destroy the treasure. To determine the authenticity of a stone, it is edged along the unglazed porcelain surface. Natural jet will leave a brown mark. The main difference between imitations and the original is the coldness of the material, weight, and smell.
Care
Since jet is a very soft stone in its structure, it must be stored separately from other jewelry so as not to damage or scratch it.
Jet can crack if there is a sudden change in temperature, and the stone is also afraid of fire. You can clean it by simply washing it in warm water. If the product has lost its natural shine, you can rub it with a woolen cloth.
This is interesting
- Queen Victoria did not remove her jet jewelry for 40 years. The courtiers, out of respect for the ruler, followed her example.
- British museums still contain items decorated with jet. They are considered examples of the Victorian era.
- In the UK, in Whitby Abbey, there is a museum. It presents an unusual collection of jet products made back in the 19th century.
- Archaeologists managed to find figurines from Gisher, whose age was estimated at 15 thousand years.
- Jet is nothing more than prehistoric wood that has not rotted, but has hardened and become saturated with mineral elements.
- In the works of Pliny there is a record that a powder made from ground black amber and wax can cope with scrofula.
Origin story
Jet is an ornamental stone that gets its name from the Gages River, which flows in the territory of modern Turkey.
The history of jet causes a lot of controversy in the scientific community. Known since the Bronze Age, jet has experienced sharp ups and downs in its popularity.
For some time this stone was associated with mourning symbolism due to its black color. At the end of the 70s, interest in this stone arose again, but not to its full extent due to its rare distribution.
