Jet or Black Jasper - the meaning of the mineral for humans

Externally, the stone resembles resin.
At a temperature of 100 – 120°C it softens and becomes plastic, and when cooled it hardens again. It burns brightly, produces a lot of black smoke, and has a strong smell of bitumen. Jet is an ornamental stone. It is used to make costume jewelry, inexpensive jewelry, figurines, and interior items.

Color varieties

Jet does not vary much in color type and at first glance it is impossible to distinguish it by color. But in fact, minerals differ. The mineral occurs in nature in charcoal black, pearl black, blue black and dark brown.

You can find differences in the degree of gloss. The stone can be pearlescent with a mirror shine or matte with a muted glow.

Moreover, over time, the stone can change its appearance: become more sparkling or, conversely, lose its shine.

Physical and chemical properties

Jet stone is a sedimentary rock formed more than 1 million years ago under the influence of physical and chemical natural processes. Consists of 80% carbon and impurities.

The stone is difficult to process; upon impact, a crack may appear or the mineral may break completely. It is important to reinforce jet with a metal frame; it can serve for years in jewelry.

At high temperatures (above 110˚C) it changes its structure - it becomes soft and emits an unusual odor.

Magical properties of jet

Jet beads
It is no coincidence that jet is considered a protective stone. It is endowed with properties that help with mental pain, protects against the evil eye and damage.

Its magical properties were used by ancient magicians. So, in England, the mineral was applied to a baby to protect him from the evil eye.

The magical properties of jet appear to lie in its protective energy. This energy helps protect oneself from dark forces, takes away human pain, and helps cope with fears.

• This stone helps to cope with long separations; it is not for nothing that it is considered a symbol of travelers.
• You can also survive the loss of a loved one with the help of the magical power of this stone.
• In addition, the stone is used by mediums to communicate with the souls of deceased people.
• Using burning jet, ancient magicians checked whether a person had epilepsy; they determined this by the shape of the puff of smoke. Virginity was determined by clouds of smoke.
• And with the help of the aroma that is released if the stone is rubbed, you can cleanse a person’s thoughts, lift him to the spiritual and beautiful, and streamline human energy.
• The mineral is used by black magicians in love spells, as the stone has the ability to enhance love attraction.
• Jet can warn its owner of approaching danger - the stone becomes dull and loses its shine.
• But the main properties are the absorption of negative energy in the form of resentment, hatred, envy, both surrounding and one’s own.

Historical information about the stone

Humanity became acquainted with jet 9,000 years ago. Even then, primitive semblances of jewelry were made from it. The mineral has passed alongside man throughout all eras, remaining mysterious and incomprehensible.

Only at the beginning of the 20th century was a chemical analysis of the stone carried out, which gave an idea of ​​its structure and properties.

Interesting facts about the history of the stone:

• the ancient Egyptians made household items from the mineral, the Hindus made amulets;
• the ancient Arabs polished the surface of the stone until it was mirror-like; only relatives of the dead could look into such a mirror - according to beliefs, it was connected with the world of the dead;
• the Romans carved symbols of grief and sadness on it - yew, willow or Proserpina (goddess from the underworld);
• oriental beauties loved to wear jewelry with a gem that matched their black hair and dark eyes;
• in Rus' in the 11th century the comparison “black as jet” is found in literature;
• in the 2nd half of the 19th century in England, tombstones and other items of mourning paraphernalia were made from it, buckles and buttons were made;
• In Russia there were inkwells and boxes made of mineral.

Healing properties

Jet necklace
Scientists of antiquity compiled works devoted to the healing properties of the stone. For example, Pliny proposed the following drugs:

• crushed mineral mixed with wax cures scrofula;
• wine boiled with jet reduces toothache;
• the smoke of burning jet calms the nerves.

However, scientists disagree about the effect of the mineral on epileptic seizures. Abu ibn Sinna believed that the stone cured disease, but Pliny argued the opposite.

Now it does not matter. Modern lithotherapists do not use any of these remedies. They treat internal organs with jet plates.

They believe that jet:

• resolves tumors;
• treats kidney diseases;
• relieves headaches;
• has a beneficial effect on the liver and pancreas.

Jewelry can be worn constantly. It is advisable that they touch the skin.

• Bracelets relieve joint pain.
• A ring on the index finger improves the condition of weather-sensitive people when the weather changes.
• A ring on the little finger improves sleep and drives away nightmares.
• A ring on the middle finger normalizes heart function.
• Beads, pendants, necklaces improve hearing and vision, and increase immunity.

But do not forget that any treatment with stones is only good in combination with traditional methods of fighting diseases. Or as a preventive measure. Otherwise, you can only harm yourself.

Features of mineral extraction and processing

Jet is not widely distributed and is mined in the following areas:

• Georgia (the most famous deposit is located there);
• France;
• Spain;
• Crimea;
• USA;
• Germany.

In Russia it is found in Kamchatka, about. Sakhalin. Large deposits of the mineral have been discovered in the Irkutsk region.

The stone is easy to process - polished, ground. Processing stages:

• inspection for cracks and inclusions;
• sanding with coarse sandpaper or a sandstone whetstone;
• repeated inspection, the purpose of which is to identify possible flaws;
• sanding with fine sandpaper;
• giving the desired shape using a hacksaw;
• drilling a hole with mandatory water cooling;
• final polishing;
• adding shine using wax or Brasso paste.

During processing, the stone requires special attention because it can:

• crack or split;
• ignite when drilling.

How to process jet yourself, watch the video review:

Talismans and amulets

Funeral brooch made of jet (XIX century)
Jet as a stone for making amulets and amulets is popular in all world religions.

Their main purpose is to protect negative energy in all its manifestations: ill-wishers, envious people, sorcerers, evil spirits, ghosts.

• A jet amulet can protect a house from natural disasters: thunderstorms, storms, floods.
• Talismans and amulets made of jet are necessary for their owners in order to get rid of insomnia and bad dreams.
• Recommended as an amulet for people who have suffered severe mental trauma. Used to gain self-confidence, determination and courage.
• It can enhance sexual energy and, conversely, cause disgust towards a representative of the same sex.
• During the Middle Ages, crosses were made from jet, which, according to legend, protected against evil forces. Of course, the main role in protective power was given to the cross, as a symbol of the Catholic Church.

As a talisman it is suitable for lawyers, doctors, in particular, gynecologists and obstetricians, and people who, due to the duty of their profession, often go on long journeys.

The energy power of the stone is so strong that an amulet made from this stone will work even if it is not on the owner. It is recommended to keep one amulet at home in a secret place to drive away negative energy.

Amulets and amulets are made not only in the form of jewelry that a person should always carry with him. At home it may be present in the idea of ​​a figurine or a vase. Also, an ordinary stone can serve as a talisman for a person.

The magical properties are enhanced if the stone is set in silver, tin or copper. But gold is not recommended as a setting.

Interesting Facts

There are many stories associated with jet that have come to us from antiquity.
Thus, alchemists of the Middle Ages tried to find the philosopher's stone with the help of jet. Jet was used by occultists to communicate with residents of the underworld.

Easterners assumed that jet was frozen oil. And English robbers carried this stone with them to scare away dogs.

There is another curious fact associated with jet, which few people know about, but which everyone has come across.

So, in the 17th century in Spain, an amulet in the form of a figure of three fingers was made from jet. This amulet was called “figa”. Amulets are no longer made, but the fig still retains its magical meaning.

Jet jewelry

Jet beads
A lot of jewelry is made from jet, framed in gold or silver:

• women's elegant rings, men's rings, signets;
• earrings that look original, shine softly, highlighting the face;
• brooches, they are made from a large piece of jet, framed with a clasp;
• beads of various lengths;
• massive medallions, both from an uneven piece of polished stone, and in the form of some kind of shapes (oval, circle, rhombus, square, sheet, etc.);
• pins, cufflinks for ties.

Black color is universal - it will suit any tone of clothing.

For example, a ring will look good with both a bright yellow dress and a classic blue pantsuit; beads can be worn with low-necked outfits and a turtleneck with a high collar.

Jewelry sets off the skin, especially pale skin. The owner of the jet becomes more serious in the eyes of others and gains weight in society.

Jet price

Jet jewelry
An untreated stone weighing 150 grams costs $2-4. Small fragments are sold in packages: 300 grams - approximately $10. The price per gram in the online store is 2-3 cents. You can find it cheaper.

Crafts made from black amber, of course, are much more expensive. Beads and rosaries can be bought for $30-40. Bracelets are cheaper. This is with the continuous production method. Original works are more expensive, but they are also more attractive.

A large ball of black amber costs at least $50-60; it is in demand among those who believe in its magical powers.

The final price of jet depends on the complexity of production, the subtlety of the design, and the amount of material used.

Mineral deposits

The breed can be found in different parts of our planet. But the UK is considered to be a country that searches and mines stone on a professional level. A historic county in northern England, Yorkshire supplies “black amber” to jewelry workshops.

Large deposits of the mineral are concentrated in the following countries:

• Russia: Irkutsk region, Kamchatka, Sakhalin, Caucasus;
• India;
• Vietnam;
• France;
• Germany;
• Georgia;
• Spain;
• USA;
• Ukraine;
• Poland.

The process of mineral extraction follows the same principle as with coal. Sometimes the mineral is found in large deposits of clay rocks.

How to spot a fake

Ring with jet
The shortage of the mineral on the market pushes craftsmen to meanness. Often those who do not have the opportunity to buy the necessary raw materials from suppliers replace them with “analogues”.

When you find out that the wrong gem is inserted into the frame, you will be upset. But believe me, it could have been worse. There are cheaper fakes - for example, painted glass or plastic. Natural stone can at least be resold to someone by posting an ad on an online flea market.

Black amber is a rare mineral, so they regularly try to replace it with other stones: anthracite, onyx, melanite, sapropelite.

How to spot a fake:

• A real mineral begins to become electrified if it is heated.
• It scratches easily.
• Almost always stays warm. Gems similar to it (like onyx) give off a little cold.
• Gives a feeling of lightness in the palm.

Jet is light and warm. It is these characteristics that help to recognize a fake, because usually the stones are cool and heavy in weight. But this is an exception to the rule.

The price of jet is incredible. This is not a precious stone, so you can buy it at a good price. But it is better to refuse goods with the lowest price tags on the market. Competition is competition, but usually this is how they try to sell poor quality products.

It will still be difficult for a person far from the jewelry world to understand whether the product in front of him is of high quality. If in doubt, it is better to play it safe and come again in the company of a jeweler.

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.

How to care for and store jet

Due to its low hardness, jet is a fragile material that requires care:

• The product should be stored in a case or out of the reach of children and pets;
• you should not drop a stone, especially from a great height;
• Clean when soiled by wiping with a woolen cloth;
• cannot be washed with any chemicals;
• the room where the stone is stored must be ventilated and not hot;
• avoid temperature changes.

Storage and care

Jet is very soft and therefore requires careful handling. To preserve its original appearance and integrity, a number of rules must be followed:

• protect from impacts, squeezing and falling;
• avoid sudden temperature changes;
• avoid exposure to fire, as jet ignites like coal;
• store separately from other stones so as not to scratch the surface of the mineral;
• rinse in cool running water without adding any cleaning agents.

Interesting to know!

If the jet has lost its natural shine, then you should carefully rub it with a piece of woolen cloth.

Compatibility with other stones

Jet has a black contrasting color, which is why it is preferred to combine it with rock crystal or amber. The ancient Indians had a popular combination of black jasper and turquoise.

Esotericists prefer a combination of jet with sapphire, zircon and fionite, and lithotherapists prefer with lapis lazuli.

As for the frame, copper or silver is most often found, and gold is less common. In exceptionally expensive items, jet is set in ivory.

Who does jet fit according to the zodiac?

Jet pendants
The jet stone is not suitable for all zodiac signs. 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.

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.