How jet is formed: An organic geochemical approach using pyrolysis gas chromatography-mass spectrometry

Six samples, including wood and jet-like material from the same mummified wood specimens, together with two 'true' jet samples, were studied using pyrolysis gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (Py-GC/MS) to obtain detailed insight into the process leading to the formation of jet. Based on morphological and chemical data obtained, the process of “jetification” is characterised by a rapid change when mummified wood is re-exposed to sunlight and aerobic conditions. The transformation from mummified wood to jet is probably caused by relatively small chemical changes, leading to extra linkages between the phenolic compounds and causing the structure to become much more rigid, which is reflected in increased inertness of the material at the macroscopic level.