The Rainbow of the Rockies: Discovering Rare Canadian Ammolite
If you are looking for a gemstone that combines prehistoric history with breathtaking color, there is nothing in the world quite like Ammolite. While many gemstones are minerals formed deep within the earth, Ammolite is an organic gemstone with a story that stretches back over 70 million years.
What is Ammolite?
Ammolite is the fossilized, iridescent shell of ancient cephalopods known as Ammonites. These creatures swam in the Western Interior Seaway—a prehistoric ocean that once covered much of North America—during the Late Cretaceous period.
While ammonite fossils are found all over the globe, "gem-grade" Ammolite is incredibly rare. In fact, it is only found in one specific geological location: the Bearpaw Formation in Southern Alberta, Canada. This makes Ammolite one of the rarest gemstones on the planet—even rarer than diamonds!
The Magic of the "Chromatic Shift"
What makes Ammolite truly spectacular is its iridescence. When light hits the surface of the shell, it reflects a stunning spectrum of colors. Depending on the specimen, you might see:
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Vibrant Crimson Reds and Scorched Oranges
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Deep Emerald Greens and Golden Yellows
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Rare Royal Blues and Violets (the most sought-after colors for collectors)
Patterns to Look For
No two pieces of Ammolite are exactly alike. Collectors often categorize them by the unique patterns formed in the shell over millions of years:
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Dragon Skin: A cracked, scale-like appearance that looks like the skin of a mythical creature.
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Stained Glass: Bold, distinct blocks of color separated by natural lines.
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Floral: Swirling patterns that mimic the look of petals or leaves.