Comparison · Organic Gem Materials vs Carbonaceous Rocks
Jet vs Shungite
Jet and Shungite are easy to confuse. Both sit near Mohs 3, so a scratch test alone will not separate them. Lean on luster, streak and heft instead. Below is a side-by-side comparison of their properties and the quick tests that separate them.
Key differences between Jet and Shungite
- Both sit near Mohs 3, so a scratch test alone will not separate them. Lean on luster, streak and heft instead.
- Streak color differs: Jet leaves a brown streak on unglazed porcelain, Shungite leaves black.
- Luster is different: Jet is waxy while Shungite is submetallic.
- Shungite feels noticeably heavier for its size (specific gravity 1.9 versus 1.3 for Jet).
- They overlap in black, but Jet also comes in brown and Shungite also comes in gray.
Jet vs Shungite properties
| Property | Jet | Shungite |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Organic Gem Materials | Carbonaceous Rocks |
| Mohs hardness | 3 | 3.5 |
| Luster | waxy | submetallic |
| Streak | Brown | Black |
| Transparency | opaque | opaque |
| Specific gravity | 1.3 | 1.9 |
| Crystal system | amorphous | — |
| Common colors | Black, Dark brown | Black, Dark gray |
| Rarity | uncommon | uncommon |
| Typical specimen value | $5–$300+ | $5–$150+ |
Which is more valuable?
Jet is usually the more valuable of the two: a typical collector specimen runs about $40 against $30 for Shungite, and premium Jet can reach $300 or more.
About Jet
Jet is a compact, lightweight black organic gem material formed from fossilized wood. It takes a high polish, feels warm to the touch, and has been used for mourning jewelry and ornaments since antiquity.
About Shungite
Shungite is a black, carbon-rich rock found mainly in the Karelia region of northwestern Russia. It ranges from dull carbon-bearing rock to a lustrous high-carbon variety and is notable for its very old Precambrian age.
Jet vs Shungite FAQ
Is Jet the same as Shungite?
No. Jet is a organic gem material while Shungite is a carbonaceous rock. Both sit near Mohs 3, so a scratch test alone will not separate them. Lean on luster, streak and heft instead.
How can you tell Jet from Shungite?
Both sit near Mohs 3, so a scratch test alone will not separate them. Lean on luster, streak and heft instead. Streak color differs: Jet leaves a brown streak on unglazed porcelain, Shungite leaves black. Luster is different: Jet is waxy while Shungite is submetallic.
Which is harder, Jet or Shungite?
Shungite is harder: Mohs 3.5 against Mohs 3 for Jet.
Which is more valuable, Jet or Shungite?
Jet is usually the more valuable of the two: a typical collector specimen runs about $40 against $30 for Shungite, and premium Jet can reach $300 or more.
