Ammolite Gemstone: An Iridescent Fossil from the Ancient Seas

What is ammolite stone? Value of these iridescent gemstones.  Discover this beautiful Canadian gemstone.

Ammolite is a rare and valuable stone of organic origin, which is obtained from fossilized shells of ammonite (extinct animal in the Upper Cretaceous).

Contents

1. HISTORY
2. ETYMOLOGY
3. WHAT IS AN AMMOLITE STONE?
4. VALUE OF AMMOLITE
5. AMMOLITE CUT
6. GENESIS & ORIGIN
7. ENHANCEMENTS AND CARE
8. GENERAL DESCRIPTION - PHYSICAL & OPTICAL PROPERTIES

HISTORY

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Ammolite has recently entered the market for gemstones. Korite International Ltd. was the first company mining and marketing it in 1977.

Indigenous peoples of Southwestern Alberta have used ammonites for centuries. The Blackfeet Tribe used them as hunting amulets and in their medicine. Feng Shui practitioners value it for detoxification and energy balancing.

ETYMOLOGY

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The name "Ammolite" comes from "ammonite," which in turn derives from the Egyptian god Amun, often depicted with ram’s horns. Roman author Pliny the Elder referred to these fossils as “ammonis cornua” (horns of Ammon).

WHAT IS AN AMMOLITE STONE?

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Ammolite is a gemstone derived from fossilized ammonite shells. These shells are primarily composed of stacked layers of aragonite, which give the gem its vibrant iridescence. Thick plates produce reds and greens, while thinner layers reveal blue and violet hues.

VALUE OF AMMOLITE

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The more colors, intensity, and iridescence an ammolite shows, the more valuable it is. Red and green are most common; blue and purple are rare and command higher prices.

AMMOLITE CUT

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Ammolite is typically cut into freeform cabochons. Most are fashioned as doublets: a thin layer of ammolite atop a backing of shale. Triplets may include a protective cap of quartz, glass, or spinel.

GENESIS & ORIGIN

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Ammolite is found primarily in southern Alberta, Canada. In 2004, it was designated the official gemstone of the province. These gems form in sedimentary deposits and often display unique patterns like Lava Flow, Floral, or Ripple, depending on the fossilization layers.

ENHANCEMENTS AND CARE

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Enhancements:

Due to its low hardness, ammolite is often stabilized using polymers (Opticon, resins, or lacquer). Jewelry-grade pieces are almost always doublets or triplets.

Care:

Because of its fragility (3.5 Mohs), ammolite is better suited for pendants, earrings, and brooches. Avoid exposing it to acids, perfumes, and hairsprays.

GENERAL DESCRIPTION - PHYSICAL & OPTICAL PROPERTIES

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Experience Living Color with Ammolite

Unearth the fossilized fire of the Rocky Mountains with our hand-selected Ammolite gemstones. Each cabochon bursts with iridescent reds, greens, and blues—colors that nature took millions of years to create.

To wear an Ammolite is to carry a fragment of Earth's deep history. Formed from creatures that swam the seas over 65 million years ago, this gem is more than beautiful—it's a tangible connection to the ancient world. A miracle of time, pressure, and chance, now ready to shine in your hands.

Only a small percentage of mined material meets our high standards. That’s why Ammolite from MdMaya Gems stands out: brilliant color, natural origin, and exquisite polish. This rare gem transforms any piece of jewelry into a statement of time, history, and vibrant beauty.

→ Browse our Ammolite Collection