Ammolite
Phenomenal & Rare Gems
Ammolite is iridescent fossil ammonite shell from the Bearpaw Formation of southern Alberta. Its color comes from light interference within stacked microscopic platelets of preserved aragonite, the mineral that formed the original shell.
Identity
- Material or variety
- Ammolite
- Scientific or material identity
- Mineral-replaced ammonite fossil
- Classification
- Fossil material
- Aliases or trade names
- Gem ammonite
- Composition or formula
- Mineral composition varies with fossilization
- Crystal system or structure
- Aggregate or composite structure
- Geological or manufacturing origin
- Preserved or mineral-replaced through fossilization.
- Mohs hardness
- 4
Origins
Canada
Appearance & optical properties
ammonite shell material with fiery red-green iridescence.
History & discovery
Southern Alberta material was described from specimens recognized in 1908, but lapidaries first recorded using the shell as a gem in 1962. The trade name Ammolite appeared in 1967, commercial mining began in 1981, and Alberta designated it as the province’s official gemstone in 2022.
Uses & care
- Common uses
- Ammolite is usually cut as thin freeform cabochons for pendants, earrings and brooches. Because the color layer is delicate, gems are often assembled with a backing or protective cap.
- Handling and cleaning
- Use only warm water, mild soap and a soft cloth. Avoid ultrasonic cleaners, steam, acids, solvents, heat and hard knocks; rings need extra protection because the thin iridescent shell layer can fracture or abrade.
Jewellery
5 pieces of Ammolite jewellery. Learners earn each one in DigMyGem by learning words; until then it shows as a silhouette.
Aurora Ammolite Ring
Ring
A domed ammolite cabochon throws red and green fire from an ancient shell, cradled in a warm gold ring.
Rainbow Ridge Pendant
Pendant
A polished shard of fossil shell set as a pendant, its surface rippling through the whole spectrum with every turn.
Bearpaw Tiara
Tiara
A slender tiara whose graduated ammolite plaques glow like oil on water above the brow.
Dragon Scale Brooch
Brooch
An imagined oval brooch of ammolite, the fossil shell from Alberta whose cracked shine of red, green and gold looks like dragon skin.
Prairie Fire Necklace
Necklace
An imagined gold necklace of ammolite plaques that flash red, green and gold like fire across the Alberta prairie.