Ammolite Information
Ammolite Information:
Ammolite FAQs:
Ammolite is one of nature's rarest gems. Superficially
comparable to the finest Australian black opal, in the variety
and intensity of colors displayed, ammolite is formed from the
mineralized remains of an upper Cretaceous fossil called the
Ammonite Placenticeras. Ammonites were hard shelled squid-like
marine animals that became extinct 65 million years ago.
Ammonite fossils are found all over the world, but only in
Southern Alberta did these beautiful colors form on the shell,
making this gem very rare.
Ammolite was discovered by the native Indians and used by them
for years to ward off evil spirits. Some Feng Shui masters
believe that ammolite has absorbed cosmic energy from the
universe, which is then circulated back through the stone,
giving the owner health, wealth, and enlightenment. Ammolite was
declared a semi-precious gemstone by CIBJO, (the Colored Stones
Commission) in 1981.
Ammolite is sold in three forms: naturals, doublets and
triplets. Triplets are constructed of three layers. A dark gray
wafer of natural shale sits below a layer of ammolite. On top,
there is a calibrated cap of optical quartz or synthetic spinel
which helps the ammolite gemstone shows the most brilliant flash
as well as being durable enough to be worn as every-day jewelry
since unprotected ammolite is extremely fragile and is even
softer than opal. Most ammolite sold is in triplet form for this
reason.
Avoid knocking or scraping jewelry set with natural ammolite. It
is not advisable to wear your ammolite jewelry when playing
sport, gardening and performing household tasks like washing
dishes and showering.
Natural ammolite can be cleaned with a soft cloth. Doublets and
triplets can be wiped with a damp soft cloth but should not be
soaked.