Gaget...The Coal We Wear

It is a form of coal--lignite-- that easily takes to a high polish. It was, at one time, thought to be Black Amber. The Celts of Ancient Ireland fashioned complete rings out of it. Prehistoric peoples throughout Europe used it. It was mined near the River Gages in Lycia, in ancient Asia Minor. From the River Gages we get the word Gaget--pronounced "gajet"--which ultimately led to the word we use today: Jet.

Greek mythology speaks of seven amulets used by sailors in order to ward off the furies of the elements. The last and seventh of these amulets were supposedly made of Jet. Whatever vessel carried this stone was offered great protection on the high seas. Jet was also used--especially in mediaeval Spain--as a talisman to ward off the evil eye.

Jet beads and charms were found in ancient English burial mounds. It was popular in Victorian times and was worn to indicate the grieving for a deceased or loved one. The finest Jet is considered to come from Whitby, England...though most of you won't have to stray too far from home to find some...for in the seams of most coal-bearing rock in the Wet Mountain Valley, in southeast Colorado, Jet can be found with ease. Some pieces have been found that were over a foot long.

Now then...there may be a few of you out there who not only underestimate the power of Jet, but also think of it as an inconsequential word to describe an insignificant stone. To you I say pish-posh...and I cite the following as potent evidence to the contrary. Jet is the most frequently used word in the English language to describe something that is beautifully dark. She who has jet-black hair ain't no slouch, let me tell you. Tennyson described a lass's locks as being Jet Black...and Shakespeare referred to Jet as a jewel.

For the celestial minded...jet works well with Capricorns. It's tint blends in with the deeper shadows on Saturn. Folks, I have no idea what that means...none at all...zero...but I pass on this info for those out there wiser than I...of which there are surely a multitude.

Oh why oh why then, many of you may ask, isn't there more Jet around? Heck...I might want to go to sea one day...I might want to ensure I'm not pestered by the adversity of annoying elements...I want a piece of Jet...if not in my pocket...then surely around my neck. It is truly quite clear to anyone who knows anything, that one can not have too many amulets around. It's a tough world out there...we all need all the protection we can get. Well folks...the reason is quite simple...or perhaps not so simple. What do I know? In any case, for the most part, Jet has been replaced by Black Onyx, which is cheaper to get, and is also a harder material. Will a Black Onyx amulet save you when your ship is being tossed about like so much driftwood barely afloat on the crest of an angry wave? I doubt it...but then again...look how little you had to pay for it. Magic, my friends, at least true magic and good magic...as that found in well crafted amulets...is not cheap.

And so ends my tale of The Agate of the Ancients...as Jet is sometimes referred to in inner circles, to which you now all belong because I just voted you in. I hope you've all become more enlightened as to the power of this stone...and I hope none of you go to sea without at least one piece of Jet in your pocket. I can't believe there is anyone one out there who would even dare...is there?

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