Characteristics of Jet:

Chemical Name: Carbon

Formula: C

Colors: Dark brown, black,

Structure: Amorphous

Hardness: 2.5-4

Specific Gravity: 1.30-1.34

Refractive Index: 1.66

Lustre: Waxy

Streak: Black to dark brown

Locations: UK, Switzerland, France, USA, Canada, Germany

What is Jet? 

Jet is a type of lignite made from fossilized, compressed wood – it is composed of organic matter and, like coal, is readily flammable. Its color – jet black – never fades, and its polished surface can be used as mirror, as it was in medieval times. Like amber, when Jet is rubbed it produces an electric charge, a property that made it popular as a talisman and earned it the name “black amber”. The best quality Jet is found in Whiby UK, and is thought to have been driftwood from the Araucariaceae family of trees – Chile pine, also known as monkey puzzle tree.