Ammolite

The official gemstone of Alberta, Canada. Formed from the fossilized shells of prehistoric ammonite mollusks, ammolite is a natural marvel that displays an array of vivid colours and iridescence. It's vibrant hues ranges from fiery reds and oranges, to deep greens and blues. It's colours shift as the light changes, and is truly a mesmerizing gem to those that hold it. 

What is Ammolite?

Ammolite is a gemstone formed from the fossilized remains of the Ammonite mollusks. Ammonites were marine creatures that lived between 240 and 65 million years ago during the Mesozoic era, which is also known as the age of the dinosaurs. 

Over millions of years, layers of sediment and minerals accumulated top of the ammonite shells, gradually transforming them into the new mineral known as aragonite. Aragonite, is a crystalline form of calcium carbonate, which is the same material found in sea shells and coral. The thin layers of aragonite are what give ammolite it's unique colour iridescent properties. However, ammolite wouldn't have it's vibrant colours without the help of some trace elements of other minerals. The gemstone gets its vibrant colours from trace elements of copper, manganese, and iron; as well as the light diffraction qualities from the layers of aragonite. These colours, patterns, and properties can vary from specimen to specimen. 

Due to its organic origins and remarkable transformation, ammolite is widely recognized as a one-of-a-kind gemstone. Its astonishing beauty and connection to the ancient world, makes it a highly pried and sought after addition to jewlery, gemstone, and fossil collectors worldwide.