About Ammolite

What is Ammolite?

Ammolite is the coloured gemstone that comes from Canadian ammonites with a distinct, and vibrant rainbow colour. Globally, these are only found along the St. Mary River, south of Lethbridge, in Western Canada. This stunning iridescent gem, received its official gemstone status by the World Jewelry Confederation in 1981.

Ammolite's extreme rarity has made it explosively popular in the last decade as the premier choice for gemstone investment. It has appreciated exponentially in value in just a short period of time. Fossil and gem enthusiasts come from around the globe to appreciate the beauty in our large collection of fully intact specimens. Ammolite Museum is proud to have the largest and most diverse collection of Ammolite in the country.

What is the Significance of Ammolite?

Ammolite originates from prehistoric marine fossils that date back 71-million years. Tectonic pressure, heat and mineralization forms the gemstone, which is then harvested. Ammolite gemstones are hand cut to maximize the inherently bright colours. The luminous colour in each gem is unique. Multiple layers of the natural gemstone material create a beautiful array of colour.

This rare, natural expression of the spectacular gem is believed to awaken positive energy with its joyful beauty and ancient heritage. Wearers and collectors call them gems of enlightenment.

What Colour is Ammolite?

Ammolite can display a single colour or a range of colours. Colour variety alone does not describe its appearance: brightness, pattern and how the colour changes with viewing angle also matter. A vivid single-colour stone can be beautiful without meeting the multi-colour criteria of a higher letter grade in the guide below.

Red and green are generally more common than blue and violet. Colour preferences are personal, so compare the actual stone's appearance as well as its grade.

Where Does Ammolite Originate From?

Ammolite is a rare, iridescent gemstone cut from the fossilized shells of extinct sea creatures known as ammonites. Found only in the Bearpaw Formation in Alberta, Canada, this organic gemstone has a dazzling range of colors and patterns and is highly desired for freeform natural cabochons and assembled jewelry pieces.

Considered one of the richest fossil beds in the world, Southern Alberta has always been a paradise for geologists and scientists. The geographic features created a unique environment to reserve ancient life and mineral, and Ammolite is a precious gemstone found only in the area, one place on the entire planet.

The uniqueness of Ammolite comes from its natural color and pattern. Unlike any other precious gemstone, every piece of Ammolite has its own unique color, pattern and personality. No two pieces of Ammolite are the same.

When you purchase our Ammolite jewelry, you can be confident that your piece is completely unique from any other, due to the uniqueness of the gemstone.

How is Ammolite Related to Feng Shui?

Ammonites are fossils that were once animals that have absorbed Qi or Chi after being in the Earth for millions of years, and are full of Earth energy. They are powerful and bring stability both to the wearer or holder and the environment around them.

The gemstone version of Ammonite is Ammolite, which has been named the 'Seven Color Prosperity Stone' by Feng Shui masters.

Each color has its own meaning and brings with it its own power:

• Orange – increases libido and creativity
• Purple – gives more authority and power
• Red – stimulates energy and growth
• Green – better fertility, wisdom, growth, and success in business
• Yellow – better health and brings balance
• Blue – brings better knowledge, peace, health, and faith

Our bodies and spirits reap rewards from every color in an Ammolite gemstone.

Where Should I Display My Ammolite?

To reap the benefits of Ammolite, you can either wear it as jewelry, or have it displayed in your office or your home. To boost its effects, you should display it where the Earth Feng Shui element is the strongest - in the West, Northwest, Southwest, Center, Southeast, and East.

If your Ammolite is predominantly a red colour, it is more governed by the Fire element, and would be best displayed in the South. Red Ammolite should not be put in the North sector of your home or office.

If you wear Ammolite or carry it with you, you can absorb good energies for balance, enlightenment, health and wealth. It will keep you grounded, offer you protection, and increase your energy. Placing one near your bedside can result in prophetic dreams.

Placing your Ammolite anywhere in your home will result in better harmony and peace, and both residents and visitors will get benefits of better vitality.

How is Ammolite Graded?

Ammolite grades describe visual qualities, not the complete value of a finished piece of jewellery. Colour variety, brightness, the visibility of colour as the stone tilts, and matrix lines should be considered together. Grade names alone do not guarantee equivalent quality between sellers.

Understanding Standard, A, AA and AAA

The following is a comparison reference based on KORITE's published Ammolite Grades guide, not a claim that every stone we sell has been graded or certified by KORITE.

• Standard: 1–2 colours; matrix lines are often present.
• A: 2 or more colours in brighter tones than Standard; matrix lines may be present.
• AA: 3 or more bright colours; matrix lines may be present.
• AAA: 3 or more vibrant colours visible from any angle, as described in KORITE's guide; fine matrix lines may be present.

KORITE's separate FAQ uses a stricter description of AAA, with no visible matrix lines. Because published descriptions differ, ask about the individual stone's matrix and viewing-angle performance rather than relying on its letter grade alone. See KORITE's grading guide and KORITE's FAQ for the source descriptions.

This reference replaces our previous illustrated grading matrix, which used different colour thresholds and additional grade labels. It does not regrade existing inventory or establish that existing grades are equivalent to another seller's grades. If a listing does not identify who assigned its grade, please contact us for clarification before comparing it with another seller's piece.

How to Compare Quality and Price Fairly

• Appearance: Compare distinct colours, brightness, matrix lines, dark areas and how well the colour remains visible as the stone tilts under comparable lighting.
• Stone dimensions: Compare the gemstone's measurements, not just the overall jewellery dimensions.
• Construction and treatments: Ask whether the stone is solid material, a doublet or a triplet, and about any backing, protective cap or treatments. Do not assume these details from its grade.
• Setting: Compare metal type and purity, accent stones, craftsmanship and what chain or other accessories are included.
• Photographs: Check whether the images show the exact piece or a representative example. Where a listing says the stone may differ, ask for photographs or a tilt video of the available piece before deciding.

Two pieces with the same letter grade can differ in appearance, dimensions, construction and setting. Compare those details together rather than treating the grade as a price guarantee. Please ask us about any details not specified in a listing.

Is Ammolite a Good Investment?

Mined only in Southern Alberta, Canada, Ammolite is unique to a geological deposit known as the Bearpaw Formation. The limited areal extent of this region is the primary reason why Ammolite is so rare.

The world supply of Ammolite is now rapidly depleting. Estimates suggest that there may only be six to eight years of mining left. As supply diminishes, the value is increasing, making the gemstone an excellent investment.

The price of Ammolite has been steadily increasing 30% per year on average, which makes it one of the most profitable options for gemstone investments. Its increasing popularity and exhausting supply almost guarantee great return on your investment.