What is ammolite?

ammolite is an iridescent gem, which comes mainly in the rocky mountains of North America, although limited deposits can also be found in other areas of the world. This gem is also referred to as CORITE, AAPOAK, calcite or gem ammonite. This gem has been used in jewelry since the late 1960s and in the 80s was officially awarded the status of gems, making it one of the latest gems on the market.

Although ammolite was not recognized as a gem until the 20th century, the origin of this geemstone is ancient. It is made from mineralized remains of ammonite, sea creatures that have been extinct millions of years ago. In the right conditions, the ammonite shells were covered with sediment layers and a very slow process of deposition of minerals fossilized shells and turned them into a mummolite. Approximately half of the ammolite renewed in mining operations is considered a "GEM degree", most of which come from Canada. The appearance of this gem is formed by a fracture of light as it passes through the layers in fossil. LayersThey are extremely thin and susceptible to cracking and peeling, but they can produce a number of colors including blue, purple, green, red and pink. The most common are red to green patterns. Because this material is so fragile, it is usually sold with a support pad that can consist of stone in which ammolite was found or alternative support such as slate or even glass.

ammolite is often sold in the form of triplets, stones that include a pad, ammolite itself and a protective crystal cap. It is around four on the Mohs scale and the triplets have an increased hardness of seven to eight, which makes them much more robust. It is still necessary to ensure that the pieces of harsh chemicals and excessive sunlight are exposed, because the stone is susceptible to fading and peeling and sculpting cap.

opalescent appearance of this material leads many people to compare it with opal orAbout the pearl of the mother, and in fact the primary mineral present in Ammolithic is the same mineral that gives Mother Pearl his luminescent glow. The most classic is sold in the form of polished cabochons, which are used in necklaces, earrings and brooches. The rings made of this mineral must be carefully designed to protect the stone because the rings are subject to more trauma than other jewelry.