Jet - Black Amber - photos, jewelry, who suits it

Description of physical and chemical properties

This stone also has other names - black amber, black jasper. The gem can also be called gisher. In fact, it is not a mineral. This is an organic rock that was obtained from layers of fossils pressed together.

Experts say that it is based on an ancient coniferous tree called Araucaria. When it entered the water, it became saturated with it and sank to the bottom. As a result, the wood was enveloped in clay and carbonization took place for many thousands of years. From these remains black jet was obtained.

The main properties of this stone include the following:

• form of isolation - thin layers, lenses, pieces;
• hardness parameters – 3-3.5;
• opaque structure;
• black or brown-black color.

80% of jet consists of carbon. What does a gem look like? The best examples have a rich black tint. There are also other shades - blue-black or brown-brown. In addition, there are homogeneous specimens with a shiny mother-of-pearl surface.

Although the stone seems loose and light, it changes structure when heated from 120 degrees. This means that it is highly durable. At the same time, jet is considered malleable and scratches easily.

High viscosity does not help to split the stone without effort. Moreover, the gem does not have a crystal lattice. Sharp temperature fluctuations are contraindicated, as is high humidity. The inside of the stone is considered homogeneous, and shells are visible on the chips.

Bernit

Bernite (or, in another reading, bernat) is sometimes passed off as natural amber. Although an array of bernite may contain 5% of actual amber dust, or may not contain it at all... Serious jewelry enterprises have long ceased to imitate natural amber with bernite: artificial stone is now painted in colors that are completely impossible for fossil resin, and is sold as a product that has independent value .

However, the synthetic polyester compounds that make up bernite completely imitate the optical properties of honey-clear amber. Special technologies for processing artificial “stone” make it possible to create defects in the massif—husks—that enhance the resemblance of burnite to amber.

The first bernites were produced by sintering amber powder with polyester resins. If the process took place in the presence of oxygen, the stone turned out yellowish-red. Heating in a nitrogen environment caused the bernite to turn green.

The range of bernites available today is so large and the colors so varied that bernite imitations of amber are vanishingly rare. Previously, there was simply no need for them! However, rising prices for natural amber may provoke an increase in the number of bernite fakes...

Magical properties of jet

Jet or black amber has long been endowed with magical characteristics. The stone was revered by representatives of different faiths. As protection and amulet, the monks used the gem to create rosaries. At the same time, magicians used it for rituals.

The magical properties of the stone are as follows:

1. Protects the house and its inhabitants from evil forces. For a long time, it was customary to store stones in old clothes that were not worn outside. Many people were sure that the stone helped protect against the evil eye and damage.
2. It influences the subconscious of other people and helps to cast love spells. Magicians used jet stone to bewitch another person. To do this, it was enough to hold the pebble in your hands and think about your beloved. After this, the stone was given to the person.
3. Helps you see the future. This magical feature of the crystal was often used by sorcerers who wanted to foresee the future or unravel the truth of existence. They performed rituals or meditations using the crystal, using jet as the main element.
4. Helps predict fate. Runes were often made from black amber. They were used for fortune telling by people who wanted to know their future.
5. Helps people choose a path in life. The ancestors were sure that the owners of this stone became decisive and were lucky in any endeavor. At the same time, difficulties are easily overcome, and dangerous situations pass by.
6. Helps diagnose diseases. Healers lit jet and watched the smoke. This helped them assess health conditions and identify epilepsy, which is considered real magic.
7. The old-timers were sure that the stone must be carried with them at all times. The magical properties inherent in jet helped protect against danger. If a threat approached, the stone acquired a dull color and lost its beautiful shine. Such a gem was beginning to look not very attractive.

Medicinal properties

The healing properties of jet have been known since ancient times. Today they are used by lithotherapists. Black amber helps to cope with pain of a different nature. With its help, it is possible to eliminate headaches, toothaches, and joint pains.

The inherent properties of jet help to obtain the following results:

• eliminate tumor formations;
• cope with kidney diseases;
• eliminate bladder pathologies;
• improve liver and pancreas functions;
• normalize blood pressure - in this case, the gem can be used for both hypotension and hypertension.

To get the desired effect, it is important to use a specific jet product:

• A bracelet will help cope with joint pain;
• to normalize the functioning of internal organs, you should wear a pendant on a chain;
• Water infused with jet will help eliminate tooth pain.

The black gem functions as a sponge. It absorbs all the dirt that accumulates in the body. The mineral filters harmful energy. Therefore, it may deteriorate over time. To avoid such problems, the gem must be constantly cleansed of negative energy. To do this, you should use magical rituals.

Salt is an excellent cleansing option. It has been used since ancient times to remove the negative energy of talismans. A more powerful method is purification by fire. To achieve the desired effect, just pass the jet amulet over the candle. This must be done an odd number of times - 3 or 7. After this, the gem must be rinsed with water.

Inclusions

From time immemorial, the authenticity of amber was determined, among other things, by the presence of inclusions - biological remains sealed in living deposits millions of years ago. But who in childhood did not have fun drowning flies in candle stearin? Modern scammers continue children's games, and enthusiastically push flies, spiders, and even small reptiles into hardening synthetics.

The difference is sometimes subtle, but in most cases obvious. A spider or mosquito, captured by resin a hundred million years ago, has long lost its flesh and become translucent. Their body has disappeared! All that remained was a bleached (in most cases) chitinous cover, and the exact form of a creature that once lived on Earth. Inclusion in natural amber is 99.9% empty, cavity! Fakes, on the other hand, show resin-filled insects in all their pristine glory. Synthetic polymers often act as preservatives, and therefore the blowfly, “packed” in resin two hundred years ago, looks as if it were alive – and also has a shiny blue-green cover! Artificial inclusions also reveal themselves as unnatural objects. The insect, having stuck to the resin, remains intact. Tweezers and other craft tools are crude and often strip mosquitoes of their wings or legs. However, on the market for geological rarities and amber jewelry there are many fakes that are almost indistinguishable from the genuine stone. Are artificial resins determined by spectrometers? Fraudsters - in light of the current increase in amber prices - are hastily purchasing hardened araucaria resin from the Southern Hemisphere, melting it, and placing not only insects and spiders, but also small reptiles and even exotic mollusks into castings. Classifying fakes as rare inclusions, hired propagandists convince collectors to purchase “amber” before representatives of wealthy museums arrive. “Such exhibits,” the tempters whisper, “are not even in the natural history museums of London and New York!” And the unlucky buyer who signs an order for a multi-thousand-dollar payment has no idea that this is because museums are not interested in forgeries! Amber counterfeiters are expanding their arsenal of criminal techniques and improving their ability to deceive. The latest trend in the market is the passing off of initially inexpensive, but modified and “improved” copals as amber. Amateur chemists are not asleep either. Artificial resins and even composites are increasingly taking on the appearance of amber - a silent witness of time immemorial, the eternal symbol of the Sun, an ancient friend of man and humanity.

Natural amber can be purchased in our store.

Application in astrology

Many people are interested in who this stone is suitable for according to their zodiac sign. The gem is most suitable for Cancers and Pisces. Insecure people who belong to these signs will be able to become more decisive, cope with hesitations, develop the ability to defend their own opinions and think soberly.

This gem should be used by Capricorns and Scorpios as an amulet to attract good luck. It helps smooth out rough edges and find a common language with other people. At the same time, the crystal helps to avoid stress.

Jet is not always suitable for Leos, Aries and Aquarius. These already strong people can become more self-confident and hot-tempered. This doesn't always work to their advantage.

Who is suitable according to their zodiac sign?

As a rule, it is recommended to choose gems taking into account your personality traits. At the same time, the energy of the talisman should be in harmony with the energy of the talisman. Most often, black amber is recommended for use by the following zodiac signs:

1. Cancer - jet can be just perfect for them. By nature, Cancers are considered not too decisive. At the same time, a talisman made from this gem helps to overcome complexes and believe in yourself.
2. Pisces - representatives of this sign are considered quite dreamy. At the same time, jet helps them return to reality and begin to act.
3. Scorpio – representatives of this sign need support. A black gem will suit fans of a discreet clothing style. It also helps to cope with hostility towards the world.
4. Capricorn - black jasper is also suitable for representatives of this sign. However, they should be careful. The gem brings good luck in risky endeavors. At the same time, it can make a brave person more frivolous.

Note! For Leos, Aries and Sagittarius, jet can be made a temporary talisman. However, astrologers do not recommend wearing products with it every day.

Representatives of other signs should not expect benefits from the gem. In this case, there is a risk of manifestation of not the best qualities of the jet. To prevent imbalance, it is not necessary to use such a talisman, since the compatibility is not very good.

dug

Copal is similar in origin to amber. Both are hardened tree resins. Only amber is the resin of the ancient conifers familiar to us, and copal is the secretion of plants of the legume group (which includes, for example, Robinia, which appears in our country as acacia) or exotic southern conifers, such as araucaria.

There is also a difference in age. Amber is tens of millions of years old. Copal is also a fossil, but its age sometimes does not exceed three million years - and in most cases it is barely 150-200 years old. Moreover: cutting certain plants of the tropical zone leads to the release of hardened resin, which after simple manipulations (mainly boiling or baking) is passed off as a copal fossil.

Visually, copal is difficult to distinguish from some varieties of amber. Processing of frozen drops of wood resin, carried out in autoclaves in the presence of various reagents, makes it possible to increase the hardness and density of fresh resin.

Particularly advantageous is the ability to introduce an insect into a drop of still liquid resinous deposits, allow it to take a natural “pose,” and then give the man-made product the appearance of a natural amber inclusion.

Jewelry and products with jet

The amazing properties of jet allow you to make various jewelry from it. Jewelry stores offer many earrings, pendants, and rings with this gem. They are relatively inexpensive. You can buy a small piece with black amber for literally $15. Gold jewelry will cost a little more – about $40.

Various handmade products are no less popular. Decorative knives, dishes, and figurines look beautiful. In industrial conditions, jet is used to make vases, sculptures, and frames.

Jewelry made with the addition of other stones is often found on sale. Rock crystal and amber are usually used as additions. Also, the properties of the mineral are enhanced in combination with zirconium, sapphire, cubic zirconia.

From the history

Guicher is pleasant to the touch. The stone is black and matte. Geologists believe that it appeared during the Paleozoic period. Formed from petrified tissues of trees of the Araucaria family. After polishing, the jet will have a beautiful shine.

Inside you can recognize the silhouettes of pine needle branches. Black amber got its name from the Eider River, in the area of ​​which a large deposit was discovered. The gem is widely used in jewelry. Despite the fact that this is an inexpensive ornamental stone, it is called a gem for its beauty and useful qualities. It was used in Ancient Egypt.

How to spot a fake

Since jet is considered a fairly rare mineral, it is often counterfeited. In this case, there is a risk of buying a gem made of painted glass or plastic. To distinguish natural material, you should pay attention to the following features:

• a natural gem becomes electrified when heated;
• it can be easily scratched;
• jet almost always remains warm, which cannot be said about other crystals;
• natural black amber creates a feeling of lightness in the hand.

Raw jet is light and warm. It is these characteristics that make it possible to identify a natural gem, since other stones appear cooler and heavier.

Jet is a fairly rare stone that has pronounced decorative properties. In addition, the gem has magical and healing properties.

Polyburn

It took almost a year for the chemists of the German Democratic Republic to fulfill the orders of the party and create a material that would make amber production waste-free. Amber chips formed during mechanical processing of natural stone became the basis for the production of polyburn.

Fixed with epoxy resin, small and hitherto inconspicuous pieces of amber sparkled, sparkled with light, and delighted with bright colors. The leadership of the Communist Party approved the innovation and industrial production of Polyburn began.

The Germans made up the name of the artificial stone from the names of the two main components of the material. “Poly-” is a reminder of the polyester resin that holds the pieces together. The syllable “-bern” is taken from the German name for amber – bernstein.

Mass production of polyburne allowed jewelers of the last century to produce several extensive series of jewelry - rings, pendants, brooches, earrings - with polyburne inserts. Interior items made of polyburn were also produced.

Soon, however, the fashion for inexpensive artificial stone passed. The jewelry quality of Polyburn strongly depended on the decorative quality of the amber fragments arriving at the enterprise. As a result, different batches of material differed from each other in artistic expression.

In such conditions, it was not possible to conduct rhythmic production of guaranteed quality stone. Enterprises switched to other products, but the technology was not forgotten. These days, several East German (and a few more Western European) laboratories produce polyburn in small batches.