THE BLACK PEARL OF ERZURUM: JET STONE

“… My child, your mouth is pongee, fire, jet stone…” Poet Ilhan Berk has penned these words for his beloved. He used jet as a simile for the love of his life and the feelings he held for her. It truly is something of those sorts - that is to say, like silk, fire, and love... Just like a black pearl, a blind love...

In truth, the gemstone that was the subject of master poet Ilhan Berk is actually a fossilized particle of a tree. Due to being black, it is also referred to as “black pearl.” And the haven of this gemstone is Erzurum. Residents of Erzurum refer to it as “jet black,” yet it is not solely black, but on rare occasions can be yellow and greenish grey. However, the “black” of this gemstone is more appealing. The number of those who say “It’s got to be black!” is not few.

In bygone times it was used in the making of chests; these days, it generally is seen in the form of jewelry. Turned into a rosary it gives you peace, as a necklace it adds to your beauty. In the olden days, it was believed that jet kept the evil spirits and negative energy at bay. It was even said to have protected people from the evil eye. Can it be that many women opted for a jet necklace for that reason? Who knows?

It is as arduous to process as to unearth

The jet ore undocked from its mines is like broken veins. It can be seen in different regions of Anatolia and is really hard to extract.

You can find high quality jet in the rough terrain of Erzurum. It’s aplenty in villages like Güzelsu, Güllüce, Yeşilbaşlar, Alatarla, Dutlu, Çataksu, and Sülünkaya. And there’s also Georgia. The jet there is also of high quality but it cannot compare to that of Erzurum. Just like for many beautiful things, you need to spend a lot of effort with jet. From the phase where you unearth the gemstone to turning it into a work of art, you need to put in a lot of meticulous labor. Considering that it is located on the rugged and steep slopes of Erzurum, it is not possible to proceed along these roads in vehicles. People thread the paths with pickaxes and shovels on their shoulders. Consequently, each labored

step makes the stone more precious.

The unearthed gemstone has a soft surface but since it hardens as soon as it comes in contact with air, it needs to stay damp until it gets to the workshop.

The soft jet is shaped by chiseling and grinding with double-quenched blades.

The master then polishes the stone with chalk powder and olive oil. Hence, it is turned into artifacts ranging from necklaces to earrings, ashtrays to rings. Considering that jet is a fragile gemstone, it is as hard to process as it is to unearth. The mastering of this process is a profession that passes from father to son. Even though it is not as popular as it used to be, it continues its existence as a vocation.

A beauty formed by nature over millions of years

At the places where jet is unearthed, there are many fossilized trees and plants. That’s why, it is thought that jet is formed as an amalgam of tree resin, clay, and black coal buried in the earth under extreme pressure over millions of years. Microscopic examination shows that it is made up of elements like clay planches, lignite, pyrite crystals, and resin. In 1955, the Mine Search Institute (MTA) reported that jet was made of juniper coal. Various resources cite that mining operations of jet started in our country in the end of the 18th century.

There are many legends about the gemstone... If you are one of those who believes in the miracles of natural stones,

we would advise you to focus on this part of the story. It is believed that jet relieves stress and depression, and brings happiness and luck. When it is used as a necklace, it eliminates thyroid infections and inhibits goiter formation. However, all the objects that claim to be made of jet may not be so. Especially rosaries. If you have used plastic rosaries for long years, then you will feel that jet ones display a certain slipperiness in your hand. But pay attention! There are also counterfeits in the market. Let us give you a few clues so you are not fooled by them.

For instance, breath over the jet and see if its surface gets humid. If it does, it is jet. Can’t be sure? Then, electrify the stone by rubbing it. If it draws other things to itself like a magnet, then you really have jet before you. Enjoy!... Still not satisfied? Try igniting it. When you hold it to fire, the counterfeit melts, while real jet catches fire without melting.

It is possible to come by a jet rosary in many places like Istanbul, Ankara, and Izmir in Turkey. However, if you happen to pass by Erzurum, why not invest in a jet artifact produced in its homeland? Who knows? Maybe the jet you hold will protect you from malice!