Since Roman times, jet has been one of the most popular black gemstones. Jet is fossilized wood, close in composition and color to coal, though harder. It is still soft enough to be excellent for carving and inlay work. It occurs only as a glassy, black stone, and is commonly placed with shell and set in silver to enhance its protective properties and color. The stone was also called black amber in the sixteenth century and was used for rosary beads. During the Victorian era, it was popularized by Queen Victoria’s use in her mourning dress. For this reason, it became the only proper adornment of women in mourning or attending funerals.
Like many popular stones, there are faux substitutes. Anthracite, Scotch cannel coal, and obsidian are some of the more popular substitutions. Vulcanite (hard rubber), black dyed chalcedony, plastic and black glass known as Paris Jet are some others.
In Italy, jet is worn to deter the evil eye and ward off nightmares. Jet was often carved into black beetles for this purpose. It was carried in the British Isles to deter evil spirits. Wives would burn jet when their husbands were away at sea in order to ensure their safety, and the Romans carried it for protection while traveling. It is a form of coal and so burns very easily. The smoke was used to repel snakes and demons and to bring on menstruation. Powder jet in water was given to girls whose virginity was in doubt. If they drank the water and retained the jet, there was no doubt.
Business and finances benefit from the stabilizing effect of jet. Jet may be used to dispel fear and protect against violence and illness. It calms the mind, removes depression, and heightens psychic abilities. Spells are nullified by its protective qualities, and burned as a powder it drives away snakes. The stone is believed to absorb part of the wearer’s soul however and should be carefully guarded.
The base chakra aligns with jet, which assists in awakening kundalini energies. Jet can be used to reduce all pain. It helps migraine headaches, epilepsy, glandular and lymphatic swelling, stomach pain, and colds. Smoke from the burning jet is supposed to repel fevers, infections, hysteria, and hallucinations. Powdered jet in wine or water is said to ease colds, gout, cramps, toothache, palsy, tumors, and PMS.