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Unraveling the Science of Ammolite: How Ancient Seashells Became the Gemstone of the Future
- James Kent
- Feb 27
- 4 min read
Ammolite is far more than mere elegant jewelry. The precious stone is an enchanting creation that has brought the old world onto the modern era because of its brilliant hues and beautiful excel.
Ammolite is a rare yet compelling gemstone that has rapidly gained admirers in high-end jewelry and among gemstone collectors. If you’re shopping for Ammolite gemstones for sale, the backstory of this gem is reason enough to get hip—it represents a gem of the future formed from ancient seashells. Alongside Opal Stone and Labradorite Stone, these mesmerizing gems offer a unique blend of history, beauty, and metaphysical energy, making them a prized addition to any collection.
The Geological Origins of Ammolite: Fossilised Seashells to Price GemStone.
Ammolite stone taken from the shells of ammonites, an extinct group of marine mollusks which inhabited during the Mesozoic Era. In the oceans they flourished with a coiled spiral shell — which acted as both a protective device and, if they were to sink, a buoyancy aid.
Millions of years passed before the ammonites were to die and their shells fossilized into a mineralized shell. And in the right conditions, the shells became red before becoming the iridescent gemstone we know today as ammolite.
Ammolite is formed when the shells of ammonites are compressed at high pressures underneath the Earth’s surface.
The process of replacement with minerals results in the colorful, iridescent gemstone replacement of the original organic material. Because ammolite gemstone formation requires such specific conditions, it is rare and therefore valuable and highly sought after gemstone in the world.
The Rarity and Value of Ammolite Gemstone: Why It Is Just a Gemstone of the Future
The rarity and complexity of the process by which ammolite forms make it highly valuable. Primary source of the gemstone is found in the Canadian provinces of Alberta and Saskatchewan where fossilized ammonites are common.
Only a very tiny proportion of the ammonite rocks in the area could be combined to create the stones, and the conditions necessary to create outstanding ammolite are uncommon. Ammolite therefore falls among the rarest rocks found worldwide.
An 8 carat diamond is worth about as much as a small bit of ammolite. Ammolite stones with the best colors and show the most fire ('play of light').
Ammolite gemstones are smaller and of poorer quality, but their value can escalate greatly because other ammolite gemstones are larger, and of higher quality.
Although rare, ammolite is growing in popularity within the luxury jewelry market and now many designers are starting to incorporate this unique gemstone into their lines.
Ammolite Price: It’s a Gems Worth the Investment
Because ammolite is so rare, its price can be exorbitant for high quality stones, especially when there is exceptional color and iridescence. The price of ammolite is influenced by several factors:
Color: Determination of a gemstone’s value depends on intensity and vibrancy of its colours. The most valuable stones are those that are rich, and have a multi color spectrum.
Size: The rarity and labour expense involved in cutting and polishing larger stones, makes them more expensive.
Quality: Ammolite high quality stones show strong play of the light or ‘fire’ and therefore are in higher price than lesser quality – less colourful stones.
But if you’re considering purchasing ammolite for sale, these are the factors to take into consideration. An ammolite gemstone carefully selected will be a marvellous and expensive jewelry accessory.
A Look at Canadian Ammolite and Why it Is So Special
The Canadian ammolite is outstanding in comparison to other ammolite sources. The specific geological conditions in this region give the gemstones mined here a brilliant, multi-colored mark which have become a specialty of this area.
Rarity and natural beauty of the gemstone has made it a much sought after material by designers and collectors alike.
Ammolite Gemstone Fun Facts
Ancient Origins: Ammolite is based on ammonites; the ammonites that form the base for ammolite lived over 70 million years ago, during the Mesozoic Era.
Symbol of Transformation: But ammolite stone is also associated with transformation and renewal, its basic origin being ancient seashells that have been transformed into the jewel itself.
Limited Locations: Canadian ammolite is so valuable because it can be found in such a very limited geographic area. This gemstone is heavily mined due for sustainability and regulated.
Conclusion:
The increasing awareness of ammolite's beauty and rarity is allowing its draw to continue to grow. Ammolite is a gemstone with natural history as well as aesthetic beauty whether you are a jewelry collector; a designer or just someone wanting to appreciate a fine gemstone.
But if you’re looking to buy ammolite gemstones for sale, now is the perfect time to buy because this gemstone is really taking off and making a name for itself as a very special one of the more valuable gemstones of the future.
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