File:Modern lignite bead (profile) (FindID 289979).jpg

English: Fragment of a lignite bead, where about a third of the bead survives, showing from its curvature that it was probably originally ovate in profile, and round in plan and section. The central circular hole is very precise and about 3 mm in diameter and does not vary along its length. The hole has lines inside spiralling downwards suggest that it was drilled by a mechanical drill rather than a bow drill which would have cancelled out the lines by moving back and forth, so the bead must be post-Industrial Revolution in date. The lignite is fragmented and not compact like jet and because it is so cracked, may have a sulphuric content, which would suggest that it might be Spanish lignite, imported into Britain during the 19th century when Whitby jet was so popular, but more expensive. This lignite is more matt in appearance and not quite as black in colour, and gives off a sulphurous smell when burnt (Sara Chambers pers comm).