Pot of Whitby Jet 12g Genuine Fossilised Wood Gemstone from Yorkshire | Natural Organic Gem from Jurassic Coast with COA

Description

Pot of Whitby Jet – 12g Genuine Fossilised Wood Gemstone

This Pot of Whitby Jet (12g) offers an authentic piece of Britain’s geological and cultural heritage. Sourced from the historic coastal cliffs of Whitby, North Yorkshire, this genuine fossilised wood gemstone is a remarkable natural material formed during the Jurassic Period, approximately 182 million years ago. Each pot contains carefully selected fragments of true Whitby Jet, renowned for its deep, lustrous black colour, lightweight texture, and distinctive organic origin.

Every specimen is 100% genuine and supplied with a Certificate of Authenticity, verifying its provenance and composition. The photo shows the actual specimen you will receive, and the 1cm scale cube provides accurate size reference. These fragments are ideal for collectors, jewellery makers, educators, and enthusiasts who appreciate the beauty and historical significance of natural British gemstones.

Geological Formation and Origin

Whitby Jet is an organic gemstone that originates from the fossilised wood of Araucariaceae, an extinct family of Jurassic conifer trees. Around 182 million years ago, during the Lower Jurassic (Toarcian Stage), ancient forests of these conifers lined the coastal lowlands of what is now North Yorkshire. Fallen trees and branches were transported by rivers into stagnant marine environments, where they were buried in fine-grained muds deprived of oxygen.

Under these anaerobic conditions, the wood underwent carbonisation — a natural process of slow decomposition, compression, and fossilisation. Over immense geological timescales, this organic material transformed into Jet, a compact form of lignite that retains traces of its original tree structure.

Whitby Jet occurs exclusively within the Whitby Mudstone Formation, a well-known geological unit of the Yorkshire Jurassic Coast. These dark mudstones and shales are famous not only for Jet but also for their rich assemblage of marine fossils, including ammonites, belemnites, and fish remains. The combination of organic debris and fine sediments created the perfect conditions for Jet formation, making the Whitby region one of the world’s only authentic Jet-producing locations.

Mineralogical and Physical Properties

• Type: Organic gemstone (fossilised wood)
• Composition: Primarily carbon (approximately 75%) with hydrogen, oxygen, and minor organic residues
• Geological Age: Lower Jurassic (Toarcian, ~182 million years)
• Formation Environment: Marine sedimentary deposits (Whitby Mudstone Formation)
• Hardness (Mohs): 2.5–4
• Lustre: Submetallic to vitreous when polished
• Colour: Deep black, occasionally brown-black when weathered
• Fracture: Conchoidal
• Specific Gravity: 1.30–1.35

Whitby Jet is light yet durable, making it ideal for fine carving and polishing. When polished, it develops a mirror-like, glassy surface unmatched by imitation materials. Its organic origin distinguishes it from minerals such as obsidian, giving it a warm, tactile feel. Each piece retains subtle textural features from its fossilised wood structure, sometimes showing minute grain or cell patterns.

Appearance, Colour, and Texture

This specimen displays the characteristic deep black tone that has defined genuine Whitby Jet for centuries. When lightly polished or burnished, it reveals a stunning reflective sheen — smooth, rich, and uniform. The fragments in this pot range in texture from slightly rough to naturally glossy, reflecting their origin within the Jurassic sediments.

Jet’s black colour is due to its high carbon concentration, formed under low-oxygen conditions that preserved the organic matter rather than allowing it to decay. In its natural state, Jet can appear matte with a soft surface, but when refined it transforms into one of the most lustrous organic gemstones in the world.

Geological and Historical Significance

Whitby Jet has captivated humans since prehistoric times. Neolithic peoples shaped Jet into beads and pendants, valuing its deep black sheen and organic warmth. During the Roman period, Jet from Whitby was traded widely across Europe, and archaeologists have found Roman Jet jewellery in Britain, France, and Germany.

Its most famous period of popularity came in the Victorian era, when Queen Victoria adopted Whitby Jet for mourning jewellery following the death of Prince Albert. This sparked a thriving local industry in Whitby, where artisans hand-carved Jet into brooches, necklaces, and cameos. Genuine Jet was so valued that it became a hallmark of refinement and respectability, worn by royalty and society alike.

Geologically, Whitby Jet remains an important study material for understanding ancient carbon cycles and early plant fossilisation. The preserved cell structures within Jet offer a microscopic record of Jurassic vegetation, linking modern science to ancient ecosystems that once flourished in the region.

Collector and Display Value

This 12g Pot of Whitby Jet offers a genuine connection to Britain’s geological past and artisanal history. Each fragment embodies the transformation of ancient conifer wood into a beautiful, lightweight fossil gemstone over millions of years. Its lustrous black appearance, organic origin, and locality make it ideal for collectors, educational displays, or use in crafting and jewellery design.

All of our specimens are 100% genuine and come with a Certificate of Authenticity for your peace of mind. The photo shows the actual specimen you will receive, ensuring transparency and trust in every purchase. With its fascinating origin and enduring beauty, this pot of Whitby Jet is a truly special example of Britain’s natural heritage — a timeless addition to any collection or geological display.