Understandably Whitby Jet has fascinated gemologists, historians, scientists and locals for a long, long time. Jewellers too and we’re one of them. The way it forms, the intense colour and its weightlessness is very unusual especially for the part of the world it’s found in. It goes without saying that we’re extremely proud that the finest Whitby Jet is sourced from our coastline. It’s a rare gem that takes persistence and a keen eye to spot after a storm.
How Whitby Jet is Formed?
It may surprise you that Whitby Jet is millions and millions of years old. It started out as an Araucaria tree, which you may also know as Monkey Puzzle or Chilean Pine. Many of these ancient trees were swept into the ocean after a series of natural disasters. They became waterlogged falling to the seabed where the branches and trunks were trapped under sedimentary mud. Over time many, many layers buried the trees providing little oxygen and a lot of pressure fossilising the wood and turning it into Whitby Jet.
Where is Whitby Jet Found?
You have probably already figured out that Whitby Jet is discovered right here in Whitby. The name kinda gives it away. You’ll find the black gem on the North Yorkshire coastline after a particular rough storm. The turbulent weather dislodges the Jet from the cliff. Today we rely solely on natural erosion as Whitby Jet can no longer be mined like in the Victorian days. Back in the 1800s, the mining of the popular stone completely changed the landscape and was a dangerous job for those willing to take the risk.
If you do find the gem on the beach - Runswick Bay and Staithes are thought to be the best spots - make sure it’s the real deal. There are many lookalikes on the beach. Coal, plastic or charcoal from BBQ’s can easily be mistaken by those not used to hunting for Jet. We work with those who know exactly what they’re doing. They know the best times and spots to head out.
Unique Properties
Jet looks very different on the beach than when it leaves our bench. Raw Jet arrives in our workshop looking a lot fuller than when we’ve finished with it. Our jewellers polish the gem to bring out such a high sheen that many describe as mirror-like. It is one of the qualities that many including us adore.
The intense black hue makes Jet stand out. It’s so striking and distinctive it demands a lot of attention. The colour paired with its weightlessness makes the gem a popular one. Large, oversized earrings, necklaces and bracelets can be worn comfortably due to it being so lightweight.
