By Chisom Ibemere
Ammolite is an opal-like organic gemstone which occurs along the eastern slopes of the Rocky Mountains of North America.
It is formed from the fossilized shells of ammonites, which in turn are composed primarily of aragonite. It is a new gemstone that was discovered in the late 20th century.
Ammolite is prominent in southern Alberta, Canada. The material is quite rare and only a small percentage of ammonite fossils found in this area are suitable for gemstone production.
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Ammolite gemstone is highly valued for its unique iridescent colors that shift and change with the viewing angle. It is often used in jewelry, such as rings, pendants, and earrings.
Ammolite has a mohs hardness of 3.5 to 4.5 on the Mohs scale, making it relatively soft and susceptible to scratching. It has a specific gravity of 2.6 to 2.85 and is composed primarily of aragonite, the same mineral found in pearls and coral.
Ammolite is unique for its multi-color iridescence, which is as a result of the interference of light with thin layers of aragonite that make up the gemstone.
Ammolite is a highly prized gemstone and can range in value from a few hundred dollars to over $10,000 per carat which is dependent on its quality and size. It has a relatively small market with increasing popularity among collectors and fine jewelry enthusiasts.
