Jet: look-alikes and how to tell
Short answer
Jet is commonly confused with vulcanite, black glass ("French jet"), bog oak, gutta-percha, Bakelite, onyx.
The material: all four are black and polished.
Look-alikes
- vulcanite
- black glass ("French jet")
- bog oak
- gutta-percha, Bakelite, onyx
What to look at
Mould lines and identical repeated motifs point to vulcanite, as does a brownish or khaki fade from light. Glassy lustre and sharp edges with chips point to glass.
What settles it
- In the hand: jet is light and warm; glass is cold and heavy. This separates it from glass, not from vulcanite or plastic.
- Rub with your thumb, without pressing, until it warms: vulcanite may smell of rubber or sulphur. To tell jet from vulcanite for certain, a specialist.
Frequently asked
What can jet be mistaken for?
vulcanite; black glass ("French jet"); bog oak; gutta-percha, Bakelite, onyx.
How can I tell jet from its look-alikes?
In the hand: jet is light and warm; glass is cold and heavy. This separates it from glass, not from vulcanite or plastic. Rub with your thumb, without pressing, until it warms: vulcanite may smell of rubber or sulphur. To tell jet from vulcanite for certain, a specialist.