Colors of the rainbow
AMMOLITE
Ammolite Origin & Physical Properties
Ammolite is rare iridescent opal-like gemstone, originating from fossilized shells of ammonites. It is one of the few organic gemstones, classified as such because it originates from living organisms.
The iridescent color play of Ammolite is usually found in shades of metallic red, green and yellow but all spectral colors can be found. The opal-like effect is caused by the microstructure of the aragonite, the main mineral component. The light undergoes interference as it bounces through layers of platelets, micro disc-shaped cells within the aragonite.
Ammolite is actually a thin layer, usually less than 1 mm thick, that formed on some Baculites fossils, a species of mollusk that became extinct along with the dinosaurs at the end of the Mesozoic era. Gem quality Ammolite is only found in the Bearpaw Formation, which runs from Alberta, Canada to Montana, U.S.A. Most quality specimens are found along the St Mary River in the Rocky Mountains of Alberta.
| Category | Properties |
|---|---|
| Chemical Composition | aragonite polymorph CaCO3 |
| Mohs Hardness | 3.5-4.5 |
| Luster | Vitreous to resinous |
| Specific Gravity | ~ 2.7 |
| Refractive Index | 1.52-1.68 |
| Fluorescence | variable, mustard yellow |
| Crystal System | Orthorhombic |
| Phenomena | Iridescence, opal-like color play |
| Color | mostly green & red, but all spectral colors found |
| Origin | Alberta, Canada |
| Chakra | Root Chakra |
| Zodiac | Named from Egyptian God Ammon, |
| Element | Fire, Earth |
| Metaphysical Effects | Excellent for meditation & focusing on abundance |
| Physical Effects | Energizing, revitalizing, helps regulate metabolism |
Ammolite Healing & Metaphysical Properties
Although Ammolite is a new-comer to the gem kingdom, it has a formidable reputation for its healing properties. Associated with the grounding and balancing energies of the Root Chakra, Ammolite carries the qualities of wisdom, knowledge and and higher consciousness.
It is a popular stone with Feng Shui practitioners due to its reputation for increasing the flow of Chi in the body and balancing the metabolic system. It is said to encourage prosperity and abundance and is a stone for shifting consciousness. The stone can help improve focus, stabilize emotions and aid against depression.
Ammolite is a gem for times of change and upheaval. It can help to stabilize during times of transformation and attune you to your highest state of consciousness.
Ammolite History & Mythology
Ammolite is a relatively new arrival to the gem world but long before its commercial discovery it was known to the Blackfoot tribes of Canada as “Iniskim”, the buffalo stone. The magical properties of Ammolite were thought to draw the buffalo for the hunt and provide good luck.
The name Ammonite comes from the ancient Egyptian god named ‘Ammon’ which was symbolized by the head of a ram with spiral horns, similar to the spiral form of the mollusks from which Ammolite is found.
After being officially recognized as a gemstone in 1981, in the 90’s Ammonite became popular with Feng Shui practitioners. It became known as the “seven color prosperity stone”. They believe the fibonacci spiral form of the ammonite fossil absorbed chi energy over millions of years. The colors are thought to emanate healing earth energy and rebalance the chi flow of the user.
This rare gem can only be mined commercially in Alberta, Canada and it is thought that new finds may become exhausted in the coming decade.