Featured Help with this black beauty. Deco era? Maybe Bakelite? Artist piece

Sorry, I'm no expert in Whitby jet. I just threw it out there as a possibility.

 

Just to remind people that jet occurs in many parts of the world, Whitby is just one of them. Only jet jewellery made of Whitby jet can be called Whitby jet.
The test for jet is not called Whitby test, you can test jet from other locations in exactly the same way.

In Whitby and other parts of the UK you can see chunks of jet protruding from the coastal rocks. It is impressive. Because so much jet was found there, Whitby jet became an important name in British jewellery.

Germany was also well known for cutting and assembling jet jewellery. Their jet was locally sourced. I can imagine there are many places in North America where jet can be found as well.
German and other jet should not be called Whitby jet, for obvious reasons.

 

I'd need to google specifics, but there's distinct chemical differences with Whitby jet, too. Down to the tree species. But the test works for all jet, indeed.

 

Yes, tree species, period and circumstances. Just like amber.

 

I don’t know anything about it. Thank you for helping me learn. I bought the book to learn more.

 

It's botanical geography, basically, which is fascinating.

 

And botanical geology. I agree, it is fascinating. The earth's magnificent history, and we are just little ants trying to find out more.
Meanwhile, we rub black stuff on the back of a tile.