There are different types of gemstones in the world, each attributed with esoteric powers and numerous curiosities. Many people don't know what jet is or what its properties are.
Here we are going to talk about the jet mineral, what it is, properties and uses, among other curiosities.
What is jet?
Jet is a mineral . It originated from fossilized wood that lived during the Jurassic period. Due to its composition, it is considered a type of coal. It is a fossil gem and is classified as a semiprecious stone. It is beautiful and rare, and its intense luster will last for a long time. Many people call it black amber and attribute great mystical powers to it.
It has no defined lines or contours, but it has a smooth finish when polished. It is compact but not rigid. Its hardness value is between 2,5 and 4, meaning it is a soft and brittle substance . This characteristic allows it to be extracted by hand and carved delicately.
As for its density, it can be said to be 1,3 g/cm³. The natural stone is opaque, dark black in color with dark brown veins. It is easy to polish to a high shine. Its chemical composition is 75% carbon, the remainder being oxygen, sulfur, nitrogen, and certain hydrocarbons. The smoke from burning jet is foul.
Uses and benefits of jet
The extraction and subsequent carving of jet dates back to prehistoric times. It was used by the Egyptians, Romans, Phoenicians, and Vikings as a talisman against negative energies. It is used in rituals and magic spells, as it is considered a stone with great energy and positive vibrations.
In Spain, jet has always been a highly valued stone and was used to make amulets against the evil eye called Higa de Azabache . It is also said to be a talisman to protect pilgrims on the Camino de Santiago.
It is used in jewelry in various ways. It is used for inlays such as bracelets, pendants, ring stones, crosses, cameos, carvings, and rosaries. It is also popular for crafting ornaments and other decorative items for tables, cabinets, and other furniture. Jet and other precious stones are a common choice in jewelry.
Some people claim that natural jet has medicinal properties and is excellent for relieving headaches . It is also used to alleviate depression and negativity caused by negative energies, witchcraft, spells, or curses. When people apply jet, they begin to feel calm and serene.
It is also indicated for treating gout and combating insomnia. Place a jet stone under your pillow to help you fall asleep.
People with epilepsy experience inner peace when exposed to jet aircraft, and it reduces the fears that arise from seizures. Many believe that natural, unpolished jet is more powerful.
Common Applications Today
When it comes to jewelry, jet has shed some of the notoriety it once had. Therefore, only a small number of operations are currently being carried out, mainly where there are deposits. However, it is still a typical talisman, especially for very young children, who will show a small piece of jet in the form of a clenched fist. Try to protect them from the evil eye.
The world's finest natural jet is found in the Spanish region of Asturias, specifically along the Gijón-Villaviciosa coast . Similar quality has been achieved in Yorkshire, UK. Other countries with deposits include the United States, France, Venezuela, and Hungary.
To check its legality, rub the stone on a piece of white paper. You have to align it black for it to be considered real. If it's already highly polished, try it near the fire. It doesn't really burn.
This material is very fragile, so the main thing to keep in mind is to avoid dropping or bumping it . If necessary, it's recommended to clean it gently with a soft cloth dampened with water or liquid detergent. Avoid using harsh chemicals. Gently rubbing it will enhance its shine.
Jet has long been used as a mourning stone in England, a tradition introduced by Queen Victoria , who wore jet as a symbol of mourning at her funeral when she was widowed in 1861. This practice persisted for decades, but has now disappeared.
According to folklore, the power of the stone is bestowed by the energies of the earth , its minerals, and its own organic matter. All these elements are "absorbed" deep within the earth and become receptors of all energies. Therefore, it has the power to protect and fight against evil.
However, from time to time the plane overloads with negative energy, so it has to return to Earth. Whoever possesses it must bury it for a few days to restore its powers.
As another curiosity, it stands out that the word jet, originally from Arabic, is used for a wide variety of purposes. Writers and poets use it for metaphors such as jet-black eyes, alluding to very dark, glowing eyes. It is also used as a proper name for livestock such as dogs and horses, and many proudly bear the name of the most recognized esoteric stone.
It can be confused with obsidian, but it is distinguished by its feel and weight , as natural jet has a low specific gravity. It can also be confused with crystal, resin, anthracite, schorl tourmaline, and onyx. We can tell the difference by its weight; an easy way to do this is to make a mark on paper, as jet leaves brown streaks.
Black gemstones have been found in Egyptian, Etruscan, Roman, and Viking jewelry , although the oldest pieces discovered to date come from a cave in Caldas (Oviedo) and are over 19.000 years old. The association of black gemstones with mourning emerged during the Romantic period (1833-1868) , and although it continued into the 20th century, artists and poets used tragic love to evoke feelings of grief and death. In the United Kingdom, Queen Victoria observed decades of mourning after the death of the Queen Mother and her beloved husband, Prince Albert, a practice that spread to the rest of Europe, although in Spain it was the Catholic monarch who officially adopted it for economic reasons.
