Description
Ammolite Specimen from Canada.
You will receive this specimen, a fossil from the shell of an Ammonite that lived 70 to 100 million years ago.
Ammolite is a rare and beautiful gemstone found primarily in the region around **Alberta, Canada**. It is known for its vibrant, iridescent colors that can range from reds, greens, blues, and purples, often displaying a “play of color” similar to opal. This gemstone is made from the fossilized shells of **ammonites**, an extinct group of marine mollusks that lived around 70 to 100 million years ago during the Cretaceous period.
The **rock formations** where ammolite is found are located primarily in the **Alberta Badlands**, especially around the **Rocky Mountain foothills** and the **St. Mary River area**. These areas have been extensively explored for ammolite, particularly around the town of **Lethbridge** and the **southern Alberta** region.
### Key Facts About Ammolite:
1. **Origin**: Ammolite is primarily found in Alberta, Canada, particularly in the foothills of the Rockies.
2. **Formation**: It forms from the fossilized shells of ammonites, which were marine animals. Over millions of years, the shells have undergone a process of mineralization, turning into gemstone-quality material.
3. **Color Play**: Ammolite exhibits iridescent colors, similar to opal, due to its unique mineral composition, including the presence of **aragonite** (a form of calcium carbonate).
4. **Rarity**: Because ammolite is only found in a specific region of the world, it is considered one of the rarest gemstones.
5. **Gemstone Use**: Ammolite is often used in jewelry, including rings, necklaces, earrings, and bracelets, valued for its striking beauty and natural patterns.
### Significance:
Ammolite is sometimes referred to as the **”gemstone of the dinosaur age”** because it comes from creatures that lived during the Mesozoic Era. It was designated as the official gemstone of **Alberta** in 2004, which helped raise its profile both within the province and globally. Alberta is now the primary source of ammolite in the world.
The **mining process** involves carefully extracting these fossils from sedimentary rock, a delicate task due to the fragile nature of ammolite. After being extracted, the pieces are cut, polished, and sometimes stabilized to create jewelry or collectible items.
### Economic and Cultural Importance:
Ammolite mining has contributed to Alberta’s economy, particularly for local communities near the mining sites. It also holds cultural significance, especially as a symbol of Alberta’s ancient past and natural beauty. In the gemstone world, it is considered a valuable collector’s item due to its rarity and striking colors.
If you’re ever in Alberta, visiting the **Royal Tyrrell Museum** in Drumheller or the **Glenbow Museum** in Calgary might offer deeper insights into both the fossils and the unique gemstone created from them.
Enjoy this Ammolite Specimen from Canada.
Fossil, Tyrannosaurus rex fossilized Bone fragment artwork and description in a riker mount.
