Jet is a variety of coal known as lignite and is generally black or dark brown, and may contain inclusions of Pyrite, which may create a brassy, metallic lustre. It is organic in origin, and is also known as black amber, although it is not actually Amber. It is a form of petrified wood similar to coal with a Mohs Hardness of 2.5 with an amorphous crystal structure.
Like coal, Jet is a carbon based stone that is formed from the remains of wood that has been immersed in water for millions of years, then compacted and fossilized by extreme pressure. When burned or touched with a hot implement, it often exudes the characteristic smell of burning coal.
Being a fossilized resin Jet shares a close energetic relationship to Amber and this stone when rubbed with a cloth will build up an electrical charge attracting pieces metaphysical supply store of dust or paper, similar to Amber.
Jet has been used as a talisman since Stone Age days and has a long history of use. It was often associated with protection in the afterlife among both the Egyptian and Pueblo people. This stone can be traced back to ancient times when the Romans mined it in Asia Minor in a town referred to as Gagates on the river Gaga. Jet has been used for ornamentation since the Bronze Age. Mined in the area of York, England since 1500 B.C.E and used throughout Spain and Europe for jewellery, Jet was also carved into rosary beads and religious sculptures. It is used as a protective talisman and for religious purposes by several Native American cultures.
Medieval healers believed that burning jet was a cure for fevers and all manner of different illnesses. It was used extensively in mourning jewellery in Victorian times due to its sombre colour and modest appearance. This stone has long been known for alleviating grief and bringing it to the surface to be healed.
In the 16th century the Greeks believed that wearing Jet would invoke and ensure the favour of the Gods. The Pueblo Indians buried it with their dead, as it was believed this would protect them in the after life. Worked pieces of jet have also been found in prehistoric burial mounds.
In the United States, long necklaces of Jet beads were very popular during the Roaring Twenties, when young flappers would wear multiple strands of Jet beads stretching from their neckline to the waistline.
Those attracted to this stone are believed to be “old souls’ who have a long experience of being incarnated on this earth.
Jet is said to have very powerful protective energies to ward off evil, negativity and psychic attacks and is considered a powerful absorber of negative energy. Especially useful for people who have unreasonable fears that limit their lives. It provides protection during spiritual journeying and guards against violence and illness. In olden days it was used for protection from the “entities of darkness”.
Known as a traveller’s amulet the wives of sailors often burnt it to protect their husbands whilst they were at sea.
Jet uncovers past negative energies a person still carries in their subconscious mind, and will help in understanding and working with life and karmic cycles. It helps you to be alert to all possibilities and quickly come up with constructive solutions to any problems.
Placed in the cash box or the wealth corner (far left rear corner) Jet is said to stabilize finances and to protect businesses.
It can increase self-reliance. Help control mood swings and fight deep depression. Jet is a very light weight stone that can show you how to “Lift the weight off your shoulders”.
Jet is considered a stone of sympathy, providing support and help in alleviating the pain, grief and suffering associated with separation or the death of a loved one.
It is said to be an excellent calming stone, and helpful for treating epilepsy, migraines, stomach pain, colds, glandular problems, lymphatic problems, arthritis and inflammation of the joints. It was traditionally used for menstrual cramps.
Jet should be frequently cleansed of the acquired negative energy and recharged by placing it in sea salt and among rock crystals. Water and sun should not be used. If worn, it should be set in silver.