Glittering Stones >> Semi Precious Stones >> Ammolite

Semi Precious Stone Ammolite

Ammolite, the rare and valuable opal-like organic gemstone is found primarily along the eastern slopes of Rocky Mountains of United States and Canada. Ammolite is made of the fossilized shells of ammonites, which in turn composed primarily of aragonite, the same mineral that makes up nacreous pearls. It is one of several biogenic gemstones; others include amber and pearl. In 1981, the World Jewelry Confederation gives official gemstone status for the gemstone ammolite. In the same year itself, the commercial mining of ammolite was started. In 2004, it was nominated has the official gemstone of the province of Alberta and official gemstone for the city of Lethbridge in 2007.

The ammolite was also referred as aapoak (Kainah for "small, crawling stone"), gem ammonite, calcentine, and korite. The latter is a trade name given to the gemstone ammolite by the Alberta-based mining company Korite International, the first and largest commercial producer of ammolite.

Historical Facts of Ammolite

Refractive Index	1.52 - 1.68
Chemical Composition	CaCO3, Variable
Hardness	4.5 – 5.5
Density	2.60 – 2.85
Crystal Group	Orthorhombic
Luster	Greasy to dull
Ocurrence	Canada, U.S.A
Color	Gray, Brown, Red, Green