The origin of Whitby Jet goes back 150 - 160 million years ago, to a period known as the Jurassic period. During the early phase of this period a deep muddy sea covered the North East Area of England, now known as North Yorkshire.
Like today driftwood floated and collected then gradually sank to the sea floor as it became waterlogged. Much of this wood came from the Araucaria (Monkeypuzzle Tree) which were prolific at this time, and grew to some amazing sizes of well over 300 feet tall.
After a period of many years the driftwood laying on the sea floor became covered in sediment. This is when the magic started, transforming the wood over millions of years into what we know today as Whitby Jet
There are two forms of Whitby Jet, Hard Jet (best for making jewellery) fossilised in the stagnant salt water and Soft Jet which formed in fresh water. Hard Jet when rubbed on a dry sandstone or sandpaper will leave a ginger brown mark. The lighter the mark the better the quality and density, which is ideal for making jewellery. Whereas Soft Jet is more brittle and glassy looking and will leave a much darker, almost black mark.
Jet can still be found after stormy seas washed up on the beach, deposited into the sea by cliff erosion over many years and in the Jet bearing rock cliffs in places such as:-
Like today driftwood floated and collected then gradually sank to the sea floor as it became waterlogged. Much of this wood came from the Araucaria (Monkeypuzzle Tree) which were prolific at this time, and grew to some amazing sizes of well over 300 feet tall.
After a period of many years the driftwood laying on the sea floor became covered in sediment. This is when the magic started, transforming the wood over millions of years into what we know today as Whitby Jet
There are two forms of Whitby Jet, Hard Jet (best for making jewellery) fossilised in the stagnant salt water and Soft Jet which formed in fresh water. Hard Jet when rubbed on a dry sandstone or sandpaper will leave a ginger brown mark. The lighter the mark the better the quality and density, which is ideal for making jewellery. Whereas Soft Jet is more brittle and glassy looking and will leave a much darker, almost black mark.
Jet can still be found after stormy seas washed up on the beach, deposited into the sea by cliff erosion over many years and in the Jet bearing rock cliffs in places such as:-
- Hawsker Bottoms
- Sandsend
- Kettleness
- Boulby
These are about the only places it can now still be found. Walking along the cliffs at Sandsend at low tide, you will see holes dug into the cliffs to extract the Jet, from the surrounding Jet bearing rock.
It is hard going and back breaking work to extract the Jet with a small chisel and hammer, but the only way it can be done now.
Jet was also found inland and was extensively mined by the Victorians throughout the 19th to early 20th century, as places such as:-
At Great Broughton there is a pub called The Jet Miners Inn, where the Victorian Miners would relax with a pint of ale after a long day working in the hills
It is hard going and back breaking work to extract the Jet with a small chisel and hammer, but the only way it can be done now.
Jet was also found inland and was extensively mined by the Victorians throughout the 19th to early 20th century, as places such as:-
- Rosedale
- Bilsdale
- Guisborough
- Great Ayton
- Great Broughton
At Great Broughton there is a pub called The Jet Miners Inn, where the Victorian Miners would relax with a pint of ale after a long day working in the hills
Monkeypuzzle Gems, 33a Baxtergate, Whitby, North Yorkshire, YO21 1BN
Tel: 01947 228251 Contact Us
Tel: 01947 228251 Contact Us
