What's That Rock?Jet
A glossy black gemstone made of compressed fossil wood. It was widely used in Victorian mourning jewelry.
How to identify Jet
- Very light and warm to the touch
- Black to dark brown streak
- Soft and can be cut with a knife
Often confused with
- Black glass
- Obsidianharder, colder, glassy
- Plastic
- Cannel coal
Real or fake?
- Black glass feels cold and heavy; jet feels warm and light
Is Jet valuable?
Moderate.
Typical retail prices
Polished piece$10–150each
Typical retail ranges in US dollars, compiled from public dealer and marketplace listings in October 2026. Real prices vary widely with quality, size and origin. This is general information, not an appraisal.
What changes the price
- Authenticity: real jet is lightweight, warm and black; glass and plastic imitations are common
- Origin and age: Whitby jet and Victorian jewelry cost more
- Carving quality and condition decide the price of pieces
Uses
- Jewelry
Care
Soft and brittle. Keep away from heat and chemicals.
Identifying a stone from a description or a photo is an estimate. Many stones look alike. Ask an expert or a gem lab before you buy, sell or rely on an identification.
Updated October 2026