Whitby Jet
Jet is essentially wood that has been changed by extreme compression over millions of years.
Jet is a gemstone that can readily be found on the beach in Robin Hoods Bay, though you will need a sharp eye and a bit of luck.
Jet is formed from the wood of Early Jurassic tree species very similar to the Chilean Pine (Araucaria Araucana) more commonly known as the monkey puzzle tree.
Jet is quite an unusual material.
- It is predominantly carbon and will burn. Touching a piece of jet with a red hot metal probe will release smoke smelling of coal.
- Its low density means that pieces of jet feel much lighter than stones of a similar size.
- It can also feel warmer to touch as it has relatively low thermal conductivity. This is one of the features that makes it especially good for jewellery
- It is a soft "rock" readily markable with a steel probe, Although this makes it easy to carve, the delicacy and ease of chipping means that working with Jet requires a high degree of skill.
Hunting for Jet in Robin Hoods Bay.
Jet deposits in the North Yorkshire Moors can be found in a layer of rock that formed during the Early Jurassic Period. Coastal erosion of the cliffs between Robin Hoods Bay and Whitby periodically expose deposits of Jet. Pieces of Jet break off and as a result of their low density they are readily carried by currents and tides of the area.
Look for jet on a falling tide and seek areas where it will have been "trapped" in crevices or even in clumps of seaweed.
Steer clear of the muddy hills between Robin Hoods Bay village and Boggle Hole and stay well away from the cliffs after Boggle Hole. Over the years we have seen some huge rockfalls in this area and we stay well away from the foot of these cliffs.
Jet deposits in the North Yorkshire Moors can be found in a layer of rock that formed during the Early Jurassic Period. Coastal erosion of the cliffs between Robin Hoods Bay and Whitby periodically expose deposits of Jet. Pieces of Jet break off and as a result of their low density they are readily carried by currents and tides of the area.
Look for jet on a falling tide and seek areas where it will have been "trapped" in crevices or even in clumps of seaweed.
Steer clear of the muddy hills between Robin Hoods Bay village and Boggle Hole and stay well away from the cliffs after Boggle Hole. Over the years we have seen some huge rockfalls in this area and we stay well away from the foot of these cliffs.
The Whitby Jet Museum
Whitby became the main centre for Jet jewellery manufacture and remains an important local industry. You will find many dedicated jewellery shops in the town each with their own unique styles. We have our own jet jeweller in the Bay located just of the main road producing hand crafted unique items.
Whitby became the main centre for Jet jewellery manufacture and remains an important local industry. You will find many dedicated jewellery shops in the town each with their own unique styles. We have our own jet jeweller in the Bay located just of the main road producing hand crafted unique items.