Ammolite

Gemstone : Ammolite Birthstone Month : Ammolite is not a recognized birthstone. Zodiac : Ammolite is not associated with any particular zodiac sign. Chemical Symbol : CaC02, although the actual complete chemical make-up of Ammolite varies widely. Chemical Make-up : Ammolite is made up of Calcium Carbonate, Aragonite, Iron, Silica & various trace minerals including, Aluminium, Barium, Chromium, Copper, Magnesium, Manganese, Silicon, Strontium and Vanadium. History & Lore : The word Ammolite is taken from the name of the Ancient Egyptian God Ammon, who was represented by a ram's head with twisted horns. This representation looked similar to the shell of the Ammonite cephalapods, squid-like creatures that lived in the oceans 65 – 70 million years ago. The Ammolite gemstone is actually formed by the mineralized reamins of Ammonites and is one of the three biogenic gemstones, the other two being Amber and Pearl. Ammolite is known as the Seven Color Prosperity Stone in Feng Shui, and is highly prized for its ability to improve chi, or energy flow. Ammolite is believed to enhamce wisdom, wealth and enlightenment. Ammolite is said to radiate strength and to have the power to transform negative energy into positive energy. Ammolite also has a special meanig to the Blackfoot Indians, who refer to it as the buffalo stone and revere it for its ability to help them hunt and capture buffalo, and for the luck that it brings the wearer

Availability : Whilst Ammolite is an extremely rare gemstone, supply currently meets demand, but this could change as more and more people become aware of the existence of this lovely gemstone. Ammolite is a moderately priced gemstone. Sources : Whislt Ammolite fossils are found around the world, Canada, specifically Southern Alberta, is the only location where these wonderful shells display the most vivid colors and are found in any abundance. Alberta is therefore the only location in the world where this wonderful gemstone is mined. The Ammolite gemstone is one of the rarest gemstones known to man – they are significantly rarer than Diamonds. Evaluation : Ammolites are rated at 3.5 - 4.5 on the Moh's Scale of Hardness. Ammolite is soft and fragile, and for this reason natural Ammolite is most commonly used for Brooches, Earrings & Pendants. In order to make natural Ammolite durable enough to be used in Rings it must be made into at least a doublet, but is more commonly used in constructed triplets, where the Ammolite sits between a layer of Shale or Black Opal (underneath), and a Clear Quartz on top. This allows the Ammolite to display its brilliant play of color and iridrescense, whilst being well-protected by harder gemstones. Ammolite is found in Blue, Cyan, Green, Orange, Pink, Purple, Red, Violet and Yellow colors. Reds and Greens are the most commonly discovered. Vivid Blues and Purples are highly prized colors. The rarer colors such as Pink and those that display certain hues like crimson, gold and violet are priced more highly irrespective of quality. Ammolite is known as the Seven Color Prosperity Stone in Feng Shui, and is highly prized for its ability to improve chi, or energy flow. Ammolite is believed to enhance wisdom, wealth and enlightenment. Ammolite is said to radiate strength and to have the power to transform negative energy into positive energy. Ammolite also has a special meanig to the Blackfoot Indians, who refer to it as the buffalo stone and revere it for its ability to help them hunt and capture buffalo, and for the luck that it brings the wearer. Common Cuts : Ammolites are most commonly presented as cabochons. Routine Enhancements : Ammolite is often impregnated with colorless, hardened substances, which helps to lend strength and stability to these naturally fragile gemstones. Care & Cleaning : Ammolite is best cleaned with a soft, dry cloth. Doublets and triplets can be cleaned with a soft, damp cloth, but should not be soaked or cleaned in steam or ultrasonic devices. Store Ammolite away from harder jewelry that may scratch or damage it.