What Is Ammolite? Value, Rarity & Care Explained
Ammolite is one of the rarest gemstones in the world—yet most people are only just discovering it.
Formed from 70-million-year-old ammonite fossils and found almost exclusively in Alberta, Canada, Ammolite is as much a story of time and transformation as it is a gemstone.
If you’ve ever searched for Ammolite, you’ve likely come across dozens of questions.
Here, we answer the most asked—clearly, directly, and all in one place.
Is Ammolite a gemstone?
Yes. Ammolite is an official organic gemstone, recognized in 1981, formed from the fossilized shells of ancient Ammonites.
What is KORITE Ammolite?
KORITE Ammolite refers to gemstone-quality Ammolite that has been mined, produced, and crafted through a mine-to-market process in Alberta, Canada—ensuring authenticity and traceability.
Where is Ammolite found?
Ammolite is found almost exclusively in Southern Alberta, Canada, within the Bearpaw Formation.
How rare is Ammolite?
Ammolite is one of the rarest gemstones in the world because it comes from a single geographic location and only a small percentage of material is gem-quality.
Is Ammolite rarer than diamonds?
Yes—gem-quality Ammolite is significantly rarer than diamonds due to its limited supply and single-source origin.
What is the rarest color of Ammolite?
Blue and violet are the rarest colors of Ammolite, occurring in only a small percentage of stones.
Is Ammolite worth anything?
Yes. Ammolite is highly valuable, with pricing based on colour, brightness, and pattern.
How much is Ammolite worth?
Ammolite can range from affordable pieces to high-value collector gemstones, with top-quality stones commanding premium prices due to rarity and colour spectrum.
Does Ammolite increase in value?
Yes. Due to limited supply and increasing global awareness, Ammolite has steadily increased in value over time.
How can you tell if Ammolite is real?
Real Ammolite displays natural iridescence, shifting colors, and unique patterns. Authentic stones are typically sold with certification from reputable sources.
Can Ammolite be fake?
Yes. Imitations exist, often made from layered materials or treated shells, which lack the natural depth and color shift of genuine Ammolite.
How do you clean Ammolite?
Ammolite should be cleaned gently using a soft cloth and kept away from harsh chemicals, heat, and ultrasonic cleaners. More details can be found in our care guide.
Can Ammolite get wet?
No. Prolonged exposure to moisture should be avoided to protect the stone.
Is Ammolite good luck?
In many cultures, especially among the Blackfoot people, Ammolite (Iniskim/Buffalo Stone) is believed to bring prosperity, protection, and good fortune. This is also true in Feng Shui.
How old are Canadian Ammonites?
Canadian Ammonites lived over 70 million years ago, during the Cretaceous period.
What killed the Ammonites?
Canadian Ammonites went extinct around 66 million years ago, likely due to the same causes of the extinction of the dinosaurs.
Is Ammolite the rarest gemstone in Canada?
Yes. Ammolite is widely considered Canada’s rarest and most unique gemstone due to its limited geographic origin. It is also recognized as Alberta's Official Provincial gemstone and emblem.
Ammolite is more than a gemstone—it’s a piece of Earth’s history, preserved over millions of years and revealed in colour.
Rarity like this isn’t discovered twice. Ammolite’s value is defined by its scarcity, its origin, and the reality that no new source will ever replace it.