Golden Gate-California Chapter: Jet⁠ – A Precious Jurassic Plastic

Presenter: Sarah Steele

The intensely black, gem-quality hydrocarbon, known as jet, has been utilized for high-status ornamentation since the Upper Palaeolithic era. Despite the long-term and intensive utilization of jet, very little progress has occurred in the gemological characterization and provenance of this gem material. In reality, jet is a complex group and perhaps represents the last unexplored gem species, with myth and legend prevailing over hard scientific fact. Many of us are still drawn to this ancient gem material and Sarah’s talk will discuss why this might be, and will update you on her ongoing research on jet. Samples of jet can be viewed at the event.

Sarah Steele is a degree-qualified Geologist, Gemologist FGA, DGA and professional lapidary. She is a specialist in natural, semi-synthetic and early 19th century synthetic polymeric materials used in the production of jewelry. Much of her time is now dedicated to research, as she is looking to establish a gem fingerprinting tool suitable for the Jet Group. Steele is returning to university this October to begin work on her postgraduate archaeogemology thesis on jet.