Ammolite is a rare and valuable opal-like organic gemstone found primarily in Alberta, Canada.
It is arguably the rarest gemstone on earth, rivaling the rarity of such gemstones as alexandrite and red diamonds. It is made of the fossilized shells of ammonites, which in turn are composed primarily of aragonite, the same mineral that makes up nacreous pearls.
In 1981, ammolite was given official gemstone status by the World Jewellery Confederation, the same year commercial mining of ammolite began.
Being an organic gem that rivals the beauty of the finest opals, it truly stands alone. 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.
Like a fingerprint, no two stones are exactly alike. Each gemstone created in our factory is unique in color and pattern. Some will display beautiful interconnected mosaic fractures resembling scales or spider webs, while others contain ribbons of color or simply broad areas of intense fire seamlessly blending together.
The thickness of the ammolite layer is also an important factor: after polishing, the ammolite is only 0.1–0.3 millimeters thick. The natural hardness of Ammolite is 3.5 to 4.0 on the Mohs scale. However, caps are put on most Ammolite gems, increasing the hardness to an exceptionally durable 8.0.
Ammolite is available as:
Natural stones - A layer of ammolite gem naturally bonded to a matrix, or more rarely a solid two sided piece of gem. These are usually freeform shapes, and are sold by carat weight.
Doublets - A polished layer of ammolite bonded to a hard shale back. Also usually freeform shapes, but sold by weight or size.
Triplets - a layer of gem sandwiched between a protective backing and a hard spinel top. These stones are strongly recommended for applications that involve day to day wear, particularly ring settings. Calibrated and sold by size.
The rarest and most valuable are thick enough to stand alone, with only a thin portion of its original matrix (not exceeding 1.5 mm); but the vast majority require some sort of supportive backing. Calibrated stones—that is, stones fashioned into standard dimensions that will fit most jewelry settings—may also command a higher price.
Ammolite is considered the rarest organic gem material. It is soft and delicate, most often requiring special processing techniques known only to a few experts specializing in this commercial industry.
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