People have believed in Whitby jet’s magical properties for thousands of years. Even today, many wear it for protection and its positive impact on the mind and body.
These longstanding beliefs led to the use of jet in various practices, including banishing, purification, protection, divination, and shamanic rituals, dating back to prehistoric times. Was this a lack of scientific knowledge that led people to believe this stone had magical properties? Or were they onto something way before us? Here’s further information on the magical properties of Whitby jet.
First, what is Whitby jet?
Fossilized Araucaria wood, commonly called jet, is formed from the gradual compression of decomposed wood over millions of years. Jet can be discovered along the stunning North Yorkshire coastline. Searching for Whitby jet is one of our favourite ways to experience the breathtaking landscape.
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Jet enjoyed great popularity in Roman Britain, serving as a material for crafting rings, hairpins, beads, bracelets, bangles, necklaces, and pendants—much like the pieces we create today. However, they believed it protected people from snakebites. You can admire Roman jet jewellery at the Yorkshire Museum. Its smooth, black appearance, lightweight, and ability to take a high polish make it a sought-after material for jewellery and ornamentation.

In the Middle Ages, Monks from Whitby Abbey carved rosary beads from jets, and farmers hung jet crosses on barn doors to ward off witches.
Its beauty and uniqueness made it highly desirable, and it gained special recognition from Queen Victoria, who adorned herself with it during her husband Albert’s funeral. Following this, she exclusively wore jet jewellery and required only mourning pieces to be worn in court until around 1880.

It’s still popular today, and its magical properties make it especially intriguing.
The Magical Properties of Whitby Jet

Can jet provide protection against negative energy?
Whitby jet is often considered a protective stone, believed to shield the wearer from negative energy, psychic attack, or harmful influences. It is thought to absorb and neutralise negativity, so it has historically been used as a spiritual defence in amulets, talismans, and jewellery.
Is jet used for grief and emotional healing?
One of the most significant historical associations of Whitby jet is with mourning and grief. Its deep black colour symbolises the mourning process, and in Victorian times, it was commonly used in mourning jewellery, especially after the death of a loved one.
Jet is thought to have a calming effect on emotions, helping to ease sorrow, grief, and emotional pain. It is also considered to provide comfort during loss and facilitate heartache healing.
Is jet used for transformation and change?

Jet is believed to help in the transformation process and personal growth. It aids the wearer in letting go of old patterns, habits, and attachments that no longer serve them. This transformation is said to allow for new beginnings and fresh perspectives. Its energy is often associated with clearing the past to create a space for new opportunities.
Can jet improve my spiritual awareness?
Jet is said to enhance intuition and spiritual awareness. Some people use it in meditation or as a tool to deepen their connection to higher consciousness. It is believed to sharpen the mind, increase sensitivity to subtle energies, and help one access deeper insights during spiritual practices.
Can jet be used for purification and detoxification?
Jet is thought to possess strong purifying properties. Some traditions associate it with cleansing and purifying both physical and spiritual bodies. In this regard, it may be used in purification rituals or to help detoxify the energy fields of individuals or spaces. It is sometimes used in metaphysical practices to clear blockages in the aura or to eliminate stagnant or negative energy.
Is Whitby jet used to enhance relationships?
In some traditions, Whitby jet is thought to strengthen relationships based on mutual respect, trust, and loyalty. By absorbing negative energy, the stone is believed to help clear misunderstandings or conflicts in relationships and foster harmony between individuals.
How to use Whitby jet for magical purposes:

- Wear jet jewellery: Wearing Whitby jet jewellery, such as a pendant, ring, or bracelet, can keep its protective and healing properties close to the body.
- Practice meditation: Hold or place the stone on the body during meditation to enhance intuition, grounding, and spiritual clarity.
- Use in grief rituals: Whitby jet can be used in remembrance, healing, and emotional release for those working through grief.
- Protect your home: Placing Whitby jet in the house, especially near doors or windows, is said to protect the household and keep negative energies at bay.
Whitby jet scrying mirrors
These mirrors are used for divination and self-reflection. The jet’s smooth surface allows for clear reflections, making it ideal for scrying practices.
People use jet scrying mirrors to focus their thoughts and access their subconscious. The dark surface can also help enhance intuition and aid in meditation. Additionally, jet is often associated with grounding and protective properties, which can provide a sense of safety while engaging in spiritual practices.
Overall, the combination of its physical properties and metaphysical associations makes jet an appealing choice for those interested in scrying.
Where can I find Whitby jet?

Jet has a warm feel and comes in hard and soft forms. When found near saltwater, it tends to be hard, while it is smoother when located near freshwater. The jet available in Whitby and its vicinity dates back to the Jurassic period, making it around 182 million years old. It’s often discovered among debris from eroded cliffs, and the Whitby jet is renowned worldwide, regarded as the ‘gold standard’ of the jet.
Beachcombing is a lovely activity for finding jet and a way to enjoy the outdoors. Tate Hill is an excellent starting point; this small beach is situated at the harbour entrance and offers splendid views for relaxation. Other notable locations include Robin Hood’s Bay, Runswick Bay, and Staithes.
For the best jet-hunting experience, head to Saltwick Bay. You can access the beach via a footpath near the Whitby Holiday Park, perched on the cliff. The descent can be steep and occasionally slippery, so take care as you go. Saltwick Bay is also a fantastic spot for fossil hunting, including ammonites and belemnites. Look for Whitby jet among the rocks and shale at either end of the beach.
Whitby jet is loved not only for its beauty but also for its magical properties. We will continue to appreciate and explore these properties. Whitby jet celebrates nature and the belief in the enchantment within the stones we cherish.
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