Jet as a gemstone was fashionable during the

reign of Queen Victoria, during which the Queen

wore Whitby jet as part of her mourning dress,
mourning the death of Prince Albert.[7][23] Jet was
associated with mourning jewellery in the 19th
century because of its sombre colour and
modest appearance,[24] and it has been
traditionally fashioned into rosaries for monks.
In some jewellery designs of the period jet was
combined with cut steel.[25]

AZABACHE
As you take your nal steps on the Camino de
Santiago, leading into the Plaza de Obradoiro,
you are walking down the very famous
street, Rua de Acibecheria, or the street of
Azabache. This street was once the designated
street housing the only shops that sold the
protective stone, Azabache, in the old town of
Santiago de Compostela.
HISTORY
Azabache, otherwise known as black amber,
comes from a family of jurassic trees that were
extinct more than 65 million years ago. The black amber is found in the northern coast of
Spain, in the region of Austrias, where there remains dinosaur imprints visible today. This
old stone was a very popular jewellery item from the 16th century.
The stone is jet black and when polished shines bright. It was once highly valued due to
the belief around the stone’s abilities. The stone would rid one of negative energy; as well
as protect those who wear it from fear, indecisiveness and evil. To those who believe,
Azabache is a magic and protective stone. Ages before, pilgrims would wear the stone to
guard themselves from evil and some would carve their memories of the Camino de
Santiago into the stone.
TODAY
It is widely popular around the world and you will nd many shops in Santiago de
Compostela selling the black stone in a variety of forms. It is often carved into the scallop
shell and other shapes representing the pilgrimage. Many Spaniards still believe the stone
brings good fortune and protects from evil. New babies will often receive the stone as a
birth gift. Girls will get a bracelet or earrings; and boys will be given a broach.
Make sure you check out one of the many jewellery stores selling Azabache once you
have nished your Camino. You don’t have to nd it on Rua de Azabacheria, but if you do
you may be in an original shop dating back to the 1800’s. Do visit the Museo del
Azabache to learn more about the stone yourself. Whether or not you believe the stone
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protects from evil, we still suggest buying a piece as it a lovely stone and makes a very
pretty souvenir!
Museo del Azabache
Praza de Cervantes, 12, 15704
Santiago de Compostela, A Coruña
Open Monday-Saturday 11-2, 5-9 PM

Azabache (a Spanish form of Jet and the magical stone of the Camino de
Santiago), are believed to o er protection and good fortune
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