About Jet
Jet is fossilized wood. Queen Victoria wore Whitby jet in mourning, and it has long been worn for protection and grief — fitting for Samhain ancestor work.
Historically worn for mourning in Victorian England — fitting for Samhain ancestor work.
History & folklore
Jet from Whitby in England has been carved since the Bronze Age. Queen Victoria wore Whitby jet for 40 years after Prince Albert died, making it fashionable for mourning. Romans carved jet into protective amulets.
Correspondences
- Traditional uses
- Protection, grounding, mourning
- Colour
- Deep black
- Hardness
- 2.5–4 (Mohs)
- Element
- Earth
- Chakra
- Root
- Best day
- Saturday or Thursday
- Moon phase
- Waning moon — for protection, clearing and letting go
- Intentions
- Protection, Grounding
Ways to work with it
- Wear it when grieving.
- Place it on an ancestor altar.
- Carry it for protection.
Where it comes from
Jet is fossilised wood from ancient monkey puzzle trees. The best comes from Whitby, England. Real jet is light and warm to the touch; glass imitations ('French jet') are colder and heavier.
Jet is soft and light. Avoid heat, water and scratches.
Spells to try
Pairs well with
HematiteGrounding, protection, focus
Black TourmalineProtection, grounding, shielding
OnyxProtection, strength, self-control
TurquoiseProtection, healing, communicationCorrespondences are traditional associations gathered from folk practice and modern craft books. They vary between sources, and they are not medical advice. Read our editorial approach.