Ten Things You May Not Know About Ammolite
1. Ammolite was granted official gemstone status in 1981
While the industry has been around for over 40 years, Ammolite was only officially recognized as a gemstone in 1981. The Coloured Stones Commission of the World Jewellery Confederation (CIBJO), along with the Gemological Institute of America (GIA), granted Ammolite its official status. This recognition cemented Ammolite as one of the most sought-after gemstones to originate from Canada, often earning it the title of "Canada’s Gemstone."
2. Ammolite is found only in the Bearpaw Formation in Alberta, Canada
Over 70 million years ago, Ammonite cephalopods thrived in the Bearpaw Sea, which once bordered present-day British Columbia and Alberta. Over millions of years, immense pressure and unique geological conditions fossilized some of these creatures, resulting in the vibrant, iridescent Ammolite gemstone. The only known significant deposits of Ammolite are found in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains along the banks of the St. Mary River. Historically, Ammolite was hand-mined from eroding riverbanks, but as demand grew, surface deposits diminished. Today, ethical mining practices, such as those employed by KORITE, ensure that Ammolite is sourced with minimal environmental impact.
3. Ammolite is one of the rarest gemstones on earth
Due to the unique geological conditions found near Lethbridge, Alberta, Ammolite is one of the rarest gemstones in the world. Similar to other scarce gems like Black Opal, Tanzanite, and Alexandrite, Ammolite’s limited availability makes it highly prized. With surface mining nearly exhausted, only a few operations continue to mine along the banks of the St. Mary River to uncover this rare gemstone.
4. Ammonites are more closely related to octopuses than to nautiluses
While many gemstone enthusiasts may already know this, it’s a fascinating fact: Ammonites, the prehistoric creatures from which Ammolite originates, were more closely related to modern octopuses, squids, and cuttlefish than to shelled nautiluses. The vast number of Ammonite fossils found worldwide is a testament to their evolutionary success over millions of years.
5. Ammolite can display every colour of the spectrum, but some are rarer than others
Ammolite is often referred to as the "Rainbow Gemstone" because of its ability to showcase every colour of the spectrum. The vibrancy and rarity of colours are influenced by the thickness of the gemstone layers and the orientation of the aragonite crystals. While red, yellow, and orange are the most commonly seen colours, blues and purples are much rarer and considered highly valuable.
6. Ammolite features a wide variety of patterns
No two pieces of Ammolite are alike, as the gemstone exhibits a diverse range of patterns. Some of the most recognized patterns include "Dragonskin" (a scale-like texture) and "Stained Glass" (mosaic-like formations). The depth at which an Ammonite is found often affects its colour, orientation, and pattern, making each Ammolite gemstone a truly one-of-a-kind piece.
7. Ammolite is sacred to the Blackfoot Tribe of Canada
The Blackfoot peoples of Southern Alberta hold Ammolite in high regard, referring to it as the Buffalo Stone or "Iniskim." According to Blackfoot legend, the first Buffalo Stone saved an entire clan from starvation. These stones are believed to possess unique spiritual properties, and their significance continues to be honoured in Blackfoot culture today. You can learn more about this in our blog on the historical and cultural significance of Ammolite.
8. The name "Ammonite" originates from the Egyptian god Amun
The Egyptian sun god Amun (or Amon-Ra) was often depicted as a man with a ram's head. The coiled shape of the Ammonite fossil resembled a ram’s horn, leading the Phoenicians to associate the fossil with Amun. This connection eventually gave rise to the name "Ammonite," from which "Ammolite" is derived.
9. Ammolite was first used in jewellery in the 1960s
Although Ammolite received official gemstone status in 1981, it was first set into jewellery in the 1960s. KORITE was among the pioneers in mining and commercializing Ammolite jewellery, making the gemstone accessible to a global audience. Since then, KORITE has remained the foremost supplier of the world's finest Ammolite jewellery and Canadian Ammonite fossils.
10. Ammolite is a soft gemstone relative to diamonds
Ammolite ranks between 3.5 and 5.5 on the Mohs hardness scale, making it considerably softer than diamonds (which rank at 10). To enhance durability, KORITE recommends using a protective quartz cap, especially for jewellery meant for daily wear. Naturally stabilized Ammolite is also available, but pendants tend to be the most resilient option for showcasing this unique gem. Proper care is essential for preserving your Ammolite’s beauty—refer to our care guide or blog for detailed information on maintaining your Ammolite jewellery.