Ammolite: The Rare Gemstone Redefining Luxury Jewellery

As President and Co-Owner of KORITE, Amarjeet Grewal is leading the company into a bold new era. With a deep appreciation for Ammolite’s cultural and geological significance, she is committed to elevating its presence on the global stage while ensuring ethical sourcing remains at the heart of KORITE’s operations.

ALBERTA, Canada – In the world of fine jewellery, where diamonds, sapphires and emeralds have long held the spotlight, a rare and vibrant gemstone is carving out its own space — Ammolite. Known for its striking iridescence and deep cultural significance, Ammolite is not only one of the world’s most unique gemstones, but also one of the rarest, found exclusively in the Bearpaw Formation of southern Alberta, Canada.

Daydream Ammolite Earrings – Mark Schneider Design

Designed by award-winning jeweller Mark Schneider, the Daydream Earrings showcase Ammolite’s mesmerising play of colour in a sleek, modern design

Despite its extraordinary qualities, Ammolite remained largely unknown until its certification as a gemstone by the World Jewellery Confederation (CIBJO) in 1981 — making it the most recent addition to the world of fine gemstones in over 300 years. Since then, its value has surged, increasing by an estimated 30% annually over the past 15 years as collectors and jewellery enthusiasts recognize its rarity and investment potential. In April 2022, Ammolite was officially designated as the provincial gemstone of Alberta, Canada, further solidifying its status as a cultural and geological treasure.

Beyond its rarity, Ammolite is an authentically Canadian gemstone, tied deeply to the land and history of Alberta. It is sourced only in Canada, making it one of the few gemstones in the world with such a distinct national identity.

Royal Solara Ammolite Pendant – Llyn Strelau Design

A true KORITE icon, the Solara Royal Pendant by Llyn Strelau remains a timeless masterpiece, celebrating the brilliance of Ammolite

While Ammolite’s origins are rooted in history, its future is being shaped by KORITE. As the world’s largest producer of Ammolite, KORITE owns 95% of the known reserves of Ammonite available for mining, giving it unparalleled responsibility in managing this finite resource. As an ICA-accredited Ethical Member, KORITE upholds the highest standards of integrity, transparency, and sustainability in the gemstone industry.

Today, KORITE, a 100% Canadian-owned and operated company, is leading the charge in bringing this extraordinary gemstone to the world stage. Under Indigenous ownership and female leadership, KORITE has been at the forefront of sustainable mining, ethical sourcing, and luxury jewellery production for over 40 years. With growing demand in both Western and Asian markets, Ammolite is no longer the jewellery industry’s best-kept secret.

Ammolite’s Allure: A Geological and Artistic Masterpiece

Unlike traditional gemstones formed deep within the Earth’s crust, Ammolite originates from the fossilized shells of Ammonites—marine mollusks that thrived in a prehistoric inland sea during the Late Cretaceous period. Over millions of years, layers of sediment and tectonic pressure transformed these once-living creatures into fossils, with only a rare few developing the thin, iridescent aragonite layers that give Ammolite its breathtaking play of colour.

Though Ammonite fossils exist worldwide, only in the Bearpaw Formation of Alberta did the precise environmental conditions exist to create gem-quality Ammolite. This makes it rarer than nearly every other gemstone, including diamonds.

The KORITE Mine

The KORITE Mine, a leading source of Ammolite, is proudly Canadian-owned and part of the mine-to-market journey of this rare gemstone

Nature’s artistry is only part of Ammolite’s appeal. KORITE, which has been pioneering Ammolite production for 45 years, has perfected the process of cutting, stabilisation, and jewellery design to ensure the gemstone’s full brilliance is revealed. Due to its delicate nature, each piece is meticulously handled by master artisans, preserving its natural iridescence. Designers are embracing Ammolite’s unmatched spectrum of colours, incorporating it into high jewellery collections, luxury timepieces, and bespoke creations that pair it with diamonds, silver, gold, and platinum.

Why Ammolite is Sought-After in Jewellery

What sets Ammolite apart is its ability to shift and change colour with movement and light, much like the wings of a butterfly or the Northern Lights. Unlike other gemstones, which derive their colour from chemical impurities, Ammolite’s hues are entirely structural—formed by the unique arrangement of its aragonite layers.

Canadian Ammonite Fossil Display

A stunning Canadian Ammonite fossil, revealing the iridescent colours that make Ammolite one of nature’s rarest treasures

This dynamic interplay of colours has made Ammolite highly desirable among collectors and jewellery enthusiasts. Its one-of-a-kind nature ensures that no two pieces are ever alike, making it a personal statement for those seeking truly unique jewellery.

Beyond aesthetics, Ammolite holds deep cultural and metaphysical significance. Indigenous Blackfoot communities have revered Ammolite for centuries, calling it “Iniskim” or Buffalo Stone, believing it brings prosperity and protection. In Feng Shui, it is regarded as a powerful stone for enhancing energy flow and attracting good fortune. This spiritual symbolism has made Ammolite particularly coveted in China, Hong Kong, and Southeast Asia, where demand for gemstones with meaning and rarity is on the rise.

As coloured gemstones continue to gain popularity, especially among Millennials and Gen Z consumers, Ammolite is emerging as a luxurious and meaningful alternative to more traditional gems.

A striking freeform Ammolite gemstone featuring elusive shades of purple, pink, and blue—true collector’s colours

KORITE’s Role in Elevating Ammolite on the Global Stage

While Ammolite’s origins are rooted in history, its future is being shaped by KORITE. As the world’s largest producer of Ammolite, KORITE owns 95% of the known reserves of Ammonite available for mining, giving it unparalleled responsibility in managing this finite resource.

KORITE collaborates with jewellers, retailers, and designers worldwide to introduce Ammolite to a broader audience. From fine jewellery collections to high-end watch brands incorporating Ammolite dials, the gemstone is making its way into luxury markets across North America, Europe, and Asia.

Asia remains a key market for KORITE, particularly due to Ammolite’s strong connection to Feng Shui. The gemstone’s energy-enhancing properties have made it highly desirable among collectors and jewellery buyers in China and Southeast Asia. However, Western markets are also embracing Ammolite as a rare, responsibly sourced gemstone that appeals to modern jewellery trends.

A Sustainable and Ethical Gemstone

As the demand for ethically sourced gemstones grows, Ammolite stands out as one of the most responsibly mined gemstones in the world. Unlike traditional gemstone mining, which often involves large-scale extractions across multiple continents, Ammolite is sourced exclusively from a single region in Canada, allowing for strict oversight and sustainable land management.

KORITE operates under Canada’s Towards Sustainable Mining (TSM) initiative, ensuring environmental restoration and ethical labour practices. Every Ammolite gemstone can be traced from mine to market, giving consumers confidence in its authenticity and responsible sourcing. With land reclamation a key priority, areas that have been mined are fully restored, ensuring that the natural ecosystem is protected.

For today’s conscious consumers, Ammolite offers a compelling alternative to traditional gemstones—one that is not only breathtakingly beautiful but also mined with respect for the environment and local communities.

The Future of Ammolite: A Gemstone in High Demand

With its finite supply, rich cultural heritage, and growing recognition in luxury jewellery markets, Ammolite is poised to become one of the most desirable coloured gemstones of the next decade.

While it has traditionally been found in statement jewellery, its applications are rapidly expanding. High jewellery houses are pairing Ammolite with diamonds and emeralds, custom jewellers are embracing freeform cuts, and luxury watchmakers are incorporating Ammolite dials into timepieces, adding an entirely new dimension of iridescence.

KORITE is leading this transformation, ensuring that Ammolite continues to captivate collectors, designers, and jewellery lovers alike. With its unparalleled beauty, rarity, and responsible sourcing, Ammolite is not just a gemstone—it is an experience, a connection to the Earth’s past, and a glimpse into the future of fine jewellery.

For those seeking something truly exceptional, Ammolite offers a rare opportunity to own a piece of history—one that is as timeless as it is breathtaking.