Whitby Jet Genuine Natural 31g Polished Fossil Gemstone from Yorkshire UK | Authentic British Organic Crystal Mineral Specimen with COA

Description

Genuine Whitby Jet – 31g Natural Organic Gemstone from Yorkshire, UK

This exceptional Whitby Jet specimen (31g) originates from the dramatic cliffs and coastal deposits surrounding Whitby, North Yorkshire, England. Whitby Jet is a rare and highly prized organic gemstone, formed during the Jurassic Period, approximately 180 million years ago, from the fossilised wood of ancient Araucariaceae conifer trees. Over millions of years, this wood underwent intense compression within marine sediments, transforming it into the deep, lustrous material known today as Jet.

Each piece of Whitby Jet is unique, displaying a velvety black finish with a natural sheen when polished. The specimen photographed is the exact piece you will receive, weighing 31 grams. A 1cm scale rule cube is shown in the image for accurate sizing reference. Every crystal and mineral specimen we sell is 100% genuine and comes with a Certificate of Authenticity, guaranteeing both origin and quality.

Geological Formation and Origin

Whitby Jet is not a mineral in the traditional sense but an organic mineraloid—a product of fossilisation rather than crystallisation. It formed in the Upper Lias Shales (Lower Jurassic, Toarcian Stage), part of the same geological sequence that has made Whitby world-famous for its ammonite fossils. These black shales were once the muddy seabeds of a Jurassic ocean that covered much of Northern England.

The transformation from wood to Jet occurred through a process of carbonisation under pressure, without the high temperatures that typically create coal. As a result, Jet retains the fine structure of the original wood, visible under magnification as growth rings and cellular patterns. The depositional environment was anoxic (oxygen-poor), preventing decay and allowing the organic material to become encased in fine marine sediment before fossilisation.

Physical and Aesthetic Characteristics

Whitby Jet is distinguished by its deep, velvety black colour and natural glassy luster when polished. It is lightweight yet dense, with a specific gravity of around 1.3, and has a conchoidal fracture, meaning it breaks with smooth, curved surfaces similar to glass. When rubbed or warmed, genuine Jet produces a faint scent of burnt wood—an identifying feature distinguishing it from synthetic substitutes.

The piece offered here has been carefully selected for its purity and natural sheen, displaying a smooth surface and uniform black tone with subtle organic texture. Some collectors and gem cutters prefer Jet for its ability to take an exceptionally fine polish, making it ideal for both decorative and lapidary use. Its pure carbon composition gives it a strikingly rich tone unlike any mineral gemstone.

Historical and Cultural Significance

Whitby Jet has been admired and used for thousands of years, from prehistoric times through to the modern era. The Victorians popularised Jet jewellery, particularly during the reign of Queen Victoria, who wore Whitby Jet during her period of mourning for Prince Albert. The material became synonymous with elegance, refinement, and sentimental keepsakes.

In earlier centuries, Jet was carved into amulets, rosaries, and protective charms, believed to ward off evil and negativity. Its association with both beauty and protection continues today, making it a favourite among collectors, crystal healers, and gemstone enthusiasts alike.

Geological and Collectible Value

This Whitby Jet specimen is a piece of authentic British geological heritage, representing the unique intersection between organic fossilisation and gemstone formation. It comes directly from the same Jurassic beds that yield some of the most famous ammonite fossils in the world. The 31g size makes it ideal for display, lapidary crafting, or as a natural history collectible.

Because Whitby Jet deposits are rare and tightly protected along the Yorkshire coast, genuine material has become increasingly difficult to source in high quality. This piece, with its fine preservation and deep, lustrous tone, embodies the beauty and geological significance that have made Whitby Jet a treasure of British natural history.

All our crystals and fossils are 100% genuine specimens, and each is supplied with a Certificate of Authenticity, confirming its provenance, authenticity, and careful preparation. The Whitby Jet you see pictured is the actual specimen you will receive—a timeless piece of Earth’s organic past.