Ammolite
AMMOLITE
IN A CLASS OF ITS OWN
Ammolite is the gemstone derived from the fossilized shell of the ammonite species Placenticeras Meeki, and Placenticeras Intercalare. These ancient creatures lived in a shallow inland sea in what is now southern Alberta, Canada. When they died, their shells were deposited in the sediment on the sea floor. Over a period of 70 million years, tectonic pressure and mineralization transformed them into the beautiful spectrochromatic material we now recognize as ammolite.
Today these deposits lie deep in the earth, but in some locations, glacial erosion and river systems have cut through, allowing the fossils to reach the surface. These rocks generally suffer some decomposition due to the erosion process, making them unsuitable for gemstones, although they do yield some fine fossil specimens. Where the material lies close enough to the surface to be reached by mechanical excavation, mining is possible.
Much has been made of its Native American heritage and its Feng Shui and healing properties, but the fact is that ammolite, Canada's contribution to the world of gemstones, is as rare, unique and beautiful as any stone the world has to offer. Being an organic gem that rivals the beauty of the finest opals, it truly stands alone.
Like a fingerprint, no two stones are exactly alike. Each gemstone created in our factory is unique in color and pattern. Some will display beautiful interconnected mosaic fractures resembling scales or spider webs, while others contain ribbons of color or simply broad areas of intense fire seamlessly blending together.
All are crafted with the greatest attention to detail and quality. With more than twenty five years of cutting experience, we are very proud of the caliber of our stones and feel that they are among the best available anywhere.
Ammolite is available as:
Natural stones - A layer of ammolite gem naturally bonded to a matrix, or more rarely a solid two sided piece of gem. These are usually freeform shapes, and are sold by carat weight.
Doublets - A polished layer of ammolite bonded to a hard shale back. Also usually freeform shapes, but sold by weight or size.
Triplets - a layer of gem sandwiched between a protective backing and a hard spinel top. These stones are strongly recommended for applications that involve day to day wear, particularly ring settings. Calibrated and sold by size.
