Jet (color)
Overview
Jet black is the darkest and most intense shade of black, named after the jet gemstone (a fossilized wood), known for its rich, glossy darkness, symbolizing sophistication, power, and timeless elegance in fashion, design, and branding, often with subtle blue or purple undertones visible in certain lights.[1]
Things commonly found in jet black include but are not limited to: coal, tires, asphalt, human hair, panther fur, raven feathers, tuxedos, and piano keys.
History
The term "Jet black" was popularized as an adjective in mid 15th-century English literature. One of the first works to include it was Caxton's Book of Curtesye. The material Jet had already been used in jewelry and ornaments since the Neolithic period.[2]
Namesake
"Jet Black" is also the name of the English punk rock band "The Stranglers"' drummer, as well as a fictional bounty hunter from the animated series Cowboy Bebop.[3][4]
Similar Shades
Jet black has many similar dark shades of black: coal, obsidian, asphalt, sable, raven, and plain black.[5] It can be hard to determine which shades of black are darkest when they all get so dark, but jet black has been considered the darkest shade until more recent developments in paint and pigment technologies which have led to creations of shades such as "Singularity Black" and "Vantablack".
Legacy
Jet black has been and will likely continue to be a famous hue that carries a certain weight to it. It has a nice ring to it; it feels, powerful. Jet black is not really a shade of black, it is black: the absence of all color. It absorbs all light. It is really in a class of its own. Changes in time, culture, place, or society can influence popularity and usage of different colors. While meaning and symbolism of black can vary, its place on the palette does not.[6]
Misconceptions
- "Jet black gets its name from jet planes, possibly fighter jets as they are darker in color."
No, Jet black actually is named after a fossilized material described in the overview.
- "Jet black is the darkest shade of black."
This is a mixed bag as Jet black is generally considered the darkest shade of black, but there are technically darker shades. See the "Similar Shades" paragraph for more on that.
References
- ↑ "The meaning behind the color Jet Black". Wixel. Retrieved 2026-01-24.
- ↑ "Jet Gemstone: Properties, Meanings, Value & More". www.gemrockauctions.com. Retrieved 2026-01-24.
- ↑ Vilas-Boas, Eric (2018-04-12). "Why Jet Black's Fragile Male Ego Is the Key to His Character". The Dot and Line. Retrieved 2026-01-24.
- ↑ Association, Press (2022-12-08). "The Stranglers drummer Jet Black dies after 'years of ill health' aged 84". The Guardian. ISSN 0261-3077. Retrieved 2026-01-24.
- ↑ "Shades Of Black: +50 Black Colors with Hex Codes". www.eggradients.com. Retrieved 2026-01-24.
- ↑ "Only black is the new black: a cultural history of fashion's favorite shade". Quartz. 2018-02-04. Retrieved 2026-01-24.