Description
Whitby Jet – 31g Genuine Fossilised Wood Gemstone
This Whitby Jet 31g specimen is a stunning, genuine example of Britain’s most celebrated organic gemstone — a rare fossilised material formed from ancient conifer wood over 180 million years ago. Collected along the world-famous Jurassic Coast near Whitby, North Yorkshire, this exquisite piece captures both geological history and natural beauty in a single specimen. With its deep, velvety black tone and lightweight structure, it stands as one of the most recognisable and sought-after gemstones in the world.
Each piece of Whitby Jet we offer is 100% genuine and comes with a Certificate of Authenticity, verifying its provenance and natural composition. The photo shows the actual specimen you will receive, and a 1cm scale cube is provided for accurate size reference. At 31g, this piece is a substantial example — carefully chosen for its quality, colour, and organic texture — ideal for collectors, lapidarists, or those seeking a connection to Earth’s deep history.
Geological Formation and Origin
Whitby Jet is an organic gemstone formed from the fossilised remains of Araucariaceae, an extinct family of coniferous trees that thrived during the Lower Jurassic Period (Toarcian Stage), around 182 million years ago. As these trees fell into low-oxygen coastal lagoons and muddy marine environments, they were slowly buried by fine sediments. Deprived of oxygen, the wood did not decay but instead underwent carbonisation — a natural process of intense pressure and slow chemical transformation that converted the material into Jet.
The Whitby Mudstone Formation, which runs along the North Yorkshire coast between Staithes and Robin Hood’s Bay, is the primary geological unit where this fossilised wood is found. These Jurassic mudstones and shales, rich in organic material and marine fossils, created the perfect environment for the preservation of this ancient wood. Over millions of years, compression under sedimentary layers produced Jet — a hard, carbon-dense material with a smooth texture and brilliant polish potential.
Mineralogical and Physical Properties
- Type: Organic gemstone (fossilised conifer wood)
- Composition: Predominantly carbon (~75%) with hydrogen, oxygen, and trace organic compounds
- Geological Age: Lower Jurassic (Toarcian, ~182 million years ago)
- Formation Environment: Marine sedimentary (Whitby Mudstone Formation)
- Hardness (Mohs): 2.5–4
- Lustre: Submetallic to vitreous when polished
- Colour: Deep black to brown-black
- Fracture: Conchoidal
- Specific Gravity: 1.30–1.35
Whitby Jet’s composition makes it distinct from mineral gemstones — it is warm to the touch, lightweight, and capable of achieving a mirror-like polish when finished. The dense, uniform carbon structure allows fine carving and delicate shaping, making it ideal for jewellery and ornamental work. This 31g piece exemplifies the highest quality Jet, with excellent purity, deep coloration, and an even texture that reflects its ancient botanical origins.
Colour, Texture, and Aesthetic Qualities
This Whitby Jet 31g specimen exhibits the gemstone’s characteristic velvety black colour and smooth organic surface. Even in its natural state, it has a soft sheen, while polishing transforms it into a highly reflective, glassy finish. The lightweight yet robust structure makes it easy to handle and ideal for use in display, carving, or lapidary artistry.
Subtle traces of original wood structure may still be visible on the surface, offering a glimpse into its prehistoric past. The material’s depth of colour and light-absorbing quality lend it an elegant, timeless appeal unmatched by imitation Jet. True Whitby Jet feels distinctly natural — it does not cool rapidly in the hand like minerals do, and its warm touch further distinguishes it from synthetic substitutes.
Geological and Cultural Significance
Whitby Jet holds both scientific and cultural importance. From a geological standpoint, it provides insight into the Jurassic paleoenvironment of northern England — the lush forests and humid climates that characterised the region 180 million years ago. The preservation of cellular structure within Jet allows scientists to identify ancient species and reconstruct the ecology of these primeval landscapes.
Culturally, Whitby Jet has been valued for thousands of years. It was used by Neolithic and Bronze Age peoples for amulets and beads, prized for its rich black lustre and supposed protective properties. The Romans later carved Jet into jewellery, rings, and spiritual talismans, believing it could ward off evil spirits.
In the Victorian era, Whitby Jet achieved international fame. Following the death of Prince Albert, Queen Victoria chose Jet jewellery for mourning attire, setting a trend that made Whitby the centre of a flourishing craft industry. Skilled local artisans carved Jet into ornate brooches, necklaces, and cameos, many of which survive today as heirlooms.
Today, genuine Whitby Jet is highly prized among collectors, jewellers, and crystal enthusiasts. It is gathered only from natural coastal erosion to protect the fragile cliffside environment, ensuring every piece is responsibly and ethically sourced.
Collector and Display Value
This Whitby Jet 31g genuine fossilised gemstone offers an extraordinary opportunity to own a tangible piece of Britain’s Jurassic past. Its deep black hue, smooth organic texture, and lightweight composition make it a timeless addition to any geological or mineral collection. For artisans, its high polish potential and even texture make it perfect for creating fine jewellery or decorative carvings.
Each specimen is 100% genuine and supplied with a Certificate of Authenticity. The photo shows the exact piece you will receive, ensuring complete transparency and authenticity. Formed over 180 million years ago from the fossilised remains of ancient trees, this 31g Whitby Jet specimen represents a unique fusion of natural beauty, geological history, and British heritage — a true collector’s treasure from the Jurassic Coast.
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