DISCOVERING AMMOLITE

Here at Odin Minerals, we love mineral curiosities, rare and uncommon stones. Today, we want to share with you our interest in ammolite, which stands out for its fascinating color spectrum, origins, and history.

As majestic as opal, ammolite boasts vibrant, almost metallic colors, ranging from green, orange, and red to blue and purple. Ammolite can display all the colors of the rainbow. Blue ammolites are uncommon. Gold or purple ammolites are extremely rare and can be extremely expensive. Its iridescent colors come from the aragonite crystals that cover the shell’s surface. Aragonite is the main component of mother-of-pearl. Ammolite is also composed of trace elements such as aluminum, copper, iron, chromium, manganese…

When you read “ammolite,” you immediately think of ammonite. Is there a connection between the two? Yes, there is… Ammolite is a biogenic stone, derived from marine ammonite fossils dating back 71 million years. Its organic origin places it in the same category as amber or pearls. Ammonites had spiral-shaped shells that served as both protection and a flotation device in the ocean. Ammonites disappeared at the same time as the dinosaurs at the end of the Cretaceous period, then accumulated on the ocean floor and were covered by sediments. Many species of fossilized ammonites have been discovered worldwide, but only certain geological conditions can produce gem-quality ammolite.

The main known ammonite deposit is located in the Rocky Mountains of Canada, in the Bearpaw Formation. This formation extends from Alberta to Montana, in the United States. The current exploitation of the deposit is estimated to last 6 to 8 years before resources are depleted.

Ammolite is cut from fossilized shells. The iridescent outer layers can be 0.5 to 8mm thick before polishing and 0.1 to 3mm after polishing. Generally, stonecutters can only use 20% of the shell. High-quality ammolite is either a very vivid and brilliant solid color or displays a very vibrant color palette.

It can present different patterns depending on the geological layers in which it fossilized: mosaic-like patterns, scales, flower petals, broad strokes.

In the Feng Shui tradition, an ancient art aimed at balancing energy flows, it is said that ammonites absorbed a large amount of vital energy (Qi) emanating from the earth and the universe for millions of years. Thanks to this energy, they are believed to purify the body, stimulate vital force, and improve overall well-being. They are considered powerful stones bringing stability and prosperity. They are also called “seven-color prosperity stones.” Each color has a particular meaning:

• Orange: increases creativity and libido
• Red: represents love, stimulates energy and growth
• Yellow: strengthens health and brings balance
• Blue: brings peace and serenity, spirituality, and strengthens good health
• Purple: grants more authority and power

According to Feng Shui tradition, wearing ammolite brings energy, grounding, balance, and attracts prosperity. Placed in your home, it brings peace, harmony, and happiness.

We conclude this article with some advice if you decide to purchase ammolite jewelry. Ammolite is very fragile and easily scratched. Simply store it in its pouch when you are not wearing it to protect it from rubbing against other jewelry.

To preserve its iridescence, you must absolutely avoid exposing it to excessive heat, household products, or cosmetics. An accidental spray of perfume on the stone, for example, could make it lose all its luster. By taking these simple precautions, you can admire the iridescence of your ammolite jewelry for many years!

The Odin Minerals Team