If you’re looking for an incredibly unique and precious gemstone, look no further than gem-quality ammolite. The ammolite gem is scarce, sourced from only one place in the world, and extracted from fossilized shells.
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What You Will Learn
What is Ammolite Stone?
The gemstone ammolite can trace its history back to the prehistoric age. At that time, creatures known as ammonites lived in the oceans. Ammonites were cephalopods (akin to squid or octopi today) that looked like squids with big, circular shells on their backs.
Much like the dinosaurs, ammonites met their extinction millions of years ago. However, their fossils remain — and it’s the fossilized ammonite shell that gave birth to the ammolite gemstone. These iridescent ammonite fossils can be found exclusively in the Rocky Mountains of Alberta, Canada, in the Bearpaw Formation. This ancient geological formation stretches through Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Montana.
Indigenous populations realized the beauty and value of this gem material. They began creating ammolite jewelry for good luck (specifically when hunting buffalo, which is why ammolite is sometimes also referred to as the buffalo stone). On a larger scale, ammolite jewelry became popular in the 1960s. In the 1980s, the Coloured Stones Commission of the World Jewelry Confederation granted the organic gemstone its official gemstone status.
What Does the Gem Ammolite Look Like?
This rare gemstone differs in appearance from piece to piece. Ammolite comes in various colors and patterns. However, given its vibrant coloration and gleam, it is often compared to stained glass— almost as if the sun were shining behind it.
The most common ammolite colors are classic green and red, with violet and blue being less common and thus more valuable. Extremely rare and in-demand hues include violet and gold. Ammolite may contain only one color in a single stone, while others show various colors.
As for pattern, ammolite may be either “fractured” or “sheet.” Just as you might guess, fractured ammolite has a fractured appearance, which allows for a range of patterns. For example, dragon skin patterns have a scaly appearance, and cobblestone patterns have a stony appearance.
Some ammolite patterns are named after their coloring. For instance, the Christmas tree pattern is an ammolite with a green background overlain with red accents. Similarly, the lava river pattern is an ammolite with a red river-like pattern on a green background.
What is the Meaning of Ammolite?
Like most gemstones, ammolite is significant to those who believe that precious stones possess specific metaphysical properties and powers.
Depending on your belief system, the ammolite stone can possess numerous meanings. Some believe it can absorb energy, provide energy to the wearer, or promote good health, fortune, wisdom, and relationships. Some believe that it represents the various elements in balance, and it is sometimes referred to as the Seven Color Prosperity Stone.
For those looking to match a gemstone to their zodiac sign, ammolite is particularly beneficial for those who fall under the Aquarius, Gemini, and Taurus signs.
How is Ammolite Used?
Unfortunately, ammolite hardness is very low. This material ranks only a 3.5-4 on the Mohs scale, meaning it is a weaker stone and can experience damage easily. As such, you’ll rarely find this is a suitable gem material for jewelry that experiences a lot of daily wear and tear or is at risk for bumps or scratches, such as rings. Instead, ammolite would be a great addition to a pendant, as a pair of earrings, or even in an art piece.
Additionally, jewelers may pair freeform natural cabochons with other materials and settings to bolster ammolites, such as by adding a backing or capping it with shale, quartz, or spinel.
Should You Buy Ammolite Jewelry?
Where else can you get a natural gemstone material to create intrigue and a pop of fiery color with any outfit? But is ammolite jewelry right for you? Before buying your next piece, here are the pros and cons.
Ammolite Pros
- Beautiful, colorful, eye-catching appearance
- Unique origin story
- Rare and not exactly a gemstone you’ll find in every jewelry box
- More affordable than other gemstones (with price points starting in the hundreds)
Ammolite Cons
- Very delicate and easily damaged
- Not suitable for wearing daily
- Requires extra care and consideration to keep it in good condition
How to Care for Ammolite
Suppose you have any experience caring for pearl jewelry. In that case, you’ll be glad to know that many of the same guidelines that apply to pearl jewelry care also apply to ammolite jewelry care.
Typical jewelry cleaning methods, such as ultrasonic or steam cleaning, are not a good fit for ammolite jewelry, as they’re too harsh and can damage the stone. Additionally, even chemical jewelry cleaners can damage ammolite jewelry.
If you need to clean an ammolite piece, simply dampen a non-abrasive cloth with water and wipe away any residue. Be sure to dry it thoroughly with another non-abrasive cloth when finished.
When you wear your ammolite jewelry, don’t allow it to come into contact with any chemicals. Beyond cleaning products or pool chemicals, even seemingly benign cosmetics, such as lotions or hand soap, can damage your ammolite, causing it to lose its shine and color.
Likewise, don’t expose your ammolite jewelry to harsh conditions. This means you should avoid exposing your ammolite jewelry to extreme temperature changes or instances where it may be bumped or scratched, such as while playing sports.
Ammolite FAQs
What is Ammolite?
Ammolite is an iridescent fossilized shell found exclusively in the Rocky Mountains of Alberta, Canada. It was formed millennia ago from the fossils of squid-like creatures. The gemstone material is very delicate, rare, and easily damaged, so ammolite jewelry requires proper and delicate care.
Is Ammolite Expensive?
Ammolite can be expensive, depending on the size and quality of the gemstone in question. Ammolite’s expense is a direct cause of its rarity. You can find ammolite pieces selling for just a few hundred or several thousand dollars.
What Color is Ammolite?
Ammolite comes in all colors of the rainbow and in many different patterns, but the most popular colors are red and green. Blue or violet pieces are rarer and thus more expensive.
How Do You Tell if Ammolite is Fake?
Real ammolite is rarely uniform, including their patterns. If a piece’s patterns appear too repetitive and oddly uniform, or if it contains air bubbles, it’s likely a fake.
Can You Wear Ammolite Jewelry Every Day?
Unfortunately, due to ammolite’s delicate nature, you should not wear it every single day. Doing so puts your piece at risk of damage. Instead, wear it only for special occasions and care for it like you might another delicate jewelry favorite, pearls.
Protect Your Ammolite Jewelry with Comprehensive Jewelry Insurance
Ammolite is such a delicate, unique, and rare material. If you decide to invest in a piece of ammolite jewelry, make sure it’s properly protected. Go beyond just following suggested guidelines for wear and care and consider how specialized jewelry insurance can keep all of your jewelry safe in the instance of loss, theft, or accidental damage.
BriteCo offers comprehensive insurance policies that keep you covered, no matter what life throws at you (or at your jewelry). Learn more and get a quick and easy quote today.
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