Description
Whitby Jet – Natural Fossilised Wood Mineral Specimen from Whitby, UK (10–40mm)
This genuine Whitby Jet specimen originates from the famous coastal town of Whitby in North Yorkshire, UK. Measuring approximately 10–40mm (please see photo for full sizing), each piece is carefully selected for its quality, colour, and authenticity. The image provided shows an example of the actual specimen you will receive.
Your specimen includes a Certificate of Authenticity lifetime guarantee generic card, confirming it as a genuine piece of Whitby Jet sourced from the UK’s historic Jurassic coastline.
What is Whitby Jet?
Whitby Jet is not a crystalline mineral in the traditional sense, but a highly compact form of fossilised wood. It formed from ancient trees—primarily from the Araucariaceae family—during the Lower Jurassic period, approximately 180 million years ago.
Over millions of years, buried wood underwent compression and chemical transformation in an oxygen-poor marine environment. This process converted the organic material into a dense, carbon-rich substance known as jet. Unlike coal, Whitby Jet is more uniform, more compact, and capable of taking a high polish.
Composition: Primarily carbon
Type: Organic gemstone / fossilised wood
Hardness: Approximately 2.5–4 on the Mohs scale
Lustre: Vitreous to resinous when polished, dull when rough
Colour: Deep black, sometimes dark brown in transmitted light
Transparency: Opaque
Geological Origin – Whitby, North Yorkshire
Whitby Jet is found within the Jet Rock Member of the Whitby Mudstone Formation, part of the Lower Jurassic strata along the Yorkshire coast. These marine sedimentary deposits formed in a shallow sea environment where organic material accumulated and was preserved.
The dramatic cliffs and foreshore around Whitby have produced jet for centuries, making the town world-famous for this distinctive black fossil material. Victorian-era jewellery crafted from Whitby Jet became especially popular in the 19th century, adding historical significance to every genuine specimen.
Associated fossils in the same geological layers can include ammonites, belemnites, and marine reptiles, highlighting the rich Jurassic heritage of the area.
Appearance & Natural Characteristics
Each Whitby Jet piece displays:
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Rich, uniform black colouring
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Smooth or naturally shaped surfaces
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Lightweight feel compared to most minerals
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Fine texture from its fossilised wood structure
Under magnification, subtle organic textures may sometimes be visible, reflecting its ancient botanical origin.
Because jet is organic rather than crystalline, it does not display a crystal system. Instead, it occurs in compact masses shaped by sedimentary processes and coastal erosion.
Size, Selection & Authenticity
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Material: Whitby Jet (Fossilised Wood)
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Origin: Whitby, North Yorkshire, UK
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Size Range: 10–40mm (see photo for scale)
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Authenticity: Includes Certificate of Authenticity lifetime guarantee generic card
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Selection: Carefully chosen specimen, example shown in listing image
Each piece is selected to represent genuine Whitby Jet from its historic locality.
Collecting & Historical Interest
Whitby Jet holds a unique place in British geological and cultural history. It has long been valued for carving, jewellery making, and as a collector’s fossil material. In spiritual traditions, jet has been traditionally associated with protection symbolism, though here it is offered strictly as a geological and collectible specimen.
Compact, historic, and naturally formed over millions of years, this Whitby Jet specimen is a striking addition to any mineral, fossil, or UK geology collection.
