Color of Ammolite

The color present in Ammolite is caused by light interference during refraction into the many layers of the gemstone. Each color in Ammolite represents a different layer of the gem material. So, depending on the number of fine layers in the rough, everything from one color to the full visible spectrum will be displayed. Since the play of light varies, every Ammolite gem shows a unique array of color. See photos of different Ammolite gems here.

How hard is Ammolite?

The natural hardness of Ammolite is 3.5 to 4.0 on the Mohs scale. However, Korite International caps most Ammolite gem layers with a protective spinel crystal, increasing the hardness to an exceptionally durable 8.0. These capped gems are called triplets and, when set in gold jewellery by Korite International, are covered by Korite International's conditional lifetime guarantee.

Sources and Origin of Ammolite

Ammolite is formed from an ancient marine fossil called ammonite. Although sources of ammonite exist in other locations around the globe, it is only in one isolated region of Southern Alberta, Canada, that this deposit produces the gemstone Ammolite. Seventy-one million years of tectonic pressure, heat and mineralization have resulted in the formation of this geological wonder. To learn more about ammonites visit Canada Fossils.

Supply

The supply of Ammolite is extremely limited and with only one area for mining, Ammolite truly is one of nature's rarest gems. Korite International mines and supplies 90% of the world's Ammolite, and at current production estimates that high grade Ammolite could be exhausted within the next 20 years. See photos of Korite's mining operation here.

If you are interested in purchasing colourful Canadian ammonites, mammoth tusks, small fossils and fully mounted dinosaur skeletons for natural history museums please visit our sister company, Canada Fossils.