Ammolite

Ammolite is the trade name in jewelery for a thin iridescent shell aragonite , i.e. calcium carbonate, found on two types of extinct fossils - ammonite . Other, though less commonly used, names are calcinite and korite. Ammolite is very rare and comes from the area along the St. Mary in southwestern Alberta, Canada. Ammolite was recognized by the International Colored Gemstone Commission (ICGC) in 1981 as a new organic gemstone, ranking it among the rarest gemstones in the world. The age of ammolite is estimated at 65 - 70 million years.

Ammolite either creates an iridescent image of the entire range of colors in the visible spectrum (red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo and violet), or occurs only in some colors. It is comparable in color to opal, beauty and color intensity of labradorite. In order to prevent damage to the very thin and fragile layer, it is covered with a protective transparent film, e.g. made of crystal or spinel, and slate is used as a substrate. Ammolite is not only fragile, but also soft (hardness level is 3.5 to 4) and easily splits upon impact.

The name of the fossil from which ammolite is derived - "ammonite" is derived from the ancient Egyptian god Amun, as the ancient Egyptians believed that these fossils were of divine origin. Amon is represented in ancient literature as a ram's head with twisted spiral horns, and it was the shape of the twisted conch shell of the Ammonites that reminded them of these divine horns. The famous historian of ancient Rome, Pliny the Elder, considered the ammonite the most sacred of all stones, believing it to bring prophetic dreams.

Metaphysical properties of ammolite

Ammolite is a wonderful grounding stone that strongly radiates the positive energy of the Earth, bringing happiness and prosperity into life. Ammolite is a wonder stone not only because of its colors, but also as a protective mystical talisman for general good health, endurance and high energy. Ammolite is also excellent as a tool for deep concentration and meditation.

Some of the Feng Shui masters are convinced that ammolite has absorbed cosmic energy from the universe and through this stone gives its owner health, wealth and also life enlightenment. Ammolite is considered a highly energetic stone that improves harmony, vitality and overall well-being not only of its owner, but of his entire home. According to Feng Shui thinking, ammolite strengthens the flow of Chi (life energy), radiates life force and changes negative energy into positive energy. It is said that even for those who do not believe in the effects of Feng Shui, the presence of ammolite is considered beneficial. The beautiful colors of ammolite represent the harmonious balance of fire, earth, metal, water and wood in Feng Shui.

The quality of ammolite is evaluated by the number of colors displayed , their intensity and color play, which can be observed from different angles, according to the color pattern with minimal interruption by inclusions and cracks. E.g. the best quality ammolite, marked AAA must contain at least three bright colors , while ammolite marked Standard only needs to have at least one bright color.

Ammolite is one of the rarest gemstones in the world . Millions of years of tectonic pressure created this beautiful gem from the fossilized remains of an ammonite shell in only one place in the world. Really high-quality ammolite can boldly compete with the famous black opals with its beautiful colors.