Simple question. I think I bought some antique jet beads but I forgot
how to make sure. …after discovering some turquoise cabs that I
bought were composites rather than the real stuff , I no longer trust
my sources. But how do i tell if jet is jet and what is jet?
"...But how do i tell if jet is jet and what is jet?"
Jet is one of the organic a variety of Lignite Coal. It
formed millions of years ago from the remains of waterlogged wood that
became fossilized. Jet is also know to contain Pyrite inclusions. It
you touch it with the tip of a very hot needle, it will smell like
burning coal.
Charles Heick
Cincinnati, Ohio
But how do i tell if jet is jet and what is jet?
G’day; Jet is a variety of very hard coal, much used for mourning
jewellery in Victorian times. You can test by heating a needle and
touching the bead in a unobtrusive place. If it really is jet then
it will smell of burning coal.
I keep finding more and more uses for needles pushed eye first into a
piece of wooden dowel for a handle. I have several of varying
thicknesses; they are very cheap. – Cheers now,
John Burgess; @John_Burgess2 of Mapua Nelson NZ