A beautiful iridescent gemstone is fast gaining popularity these days. From celebrities to gemstone enthusiasts and crystal healers, everyone wants to get their hands on this stunning stone that holds a rainbow of colors inside it and mystical properties that are known to promote health, wealth, growth, and wisdom. This hidden gem is called ammolite, and we are talking about magical ammolite jewelry.
History of Ammolite
Ammolite was discovered in the Rocky Mountains of North America. It can be found in the Bearpaw Formation, which was formed around 70 million years ago during the Late Cretaceous period and extends from Alberta to Saskatchewan.
The gemstone is formed from the fossilized shells of ammonites, which were ancient marine creatures that lived in the seas and became extinct at the same time as dinosaurs. The shells of ammonites were subjected to intense heat and pressure over time, transforming them into the gemstone that we know as ammolite today.
For centuries, the Blackfoot people have been using colorful ammonite fossils and referred to them as ‘Iniskim,’ which translates to “buffalo stone.” They believed the material possessed talismanic properties and used it as a symbol of power.
Scientists took note of the beautiful iridescent ammonite shells in 1908. The first exhibition of ammolite occurred in 1962 when these gems were turned into ammolite jewelry and showcased at a small gem exhibition in Alberta. In 2004, ammolite was declared the official gemstone of Alberta.
What Makes Ammolite Special?
Ammolite is extremely rare since gemstone-quality, high-grade ammolite can only be found in Alberta, Canada. Out of which, only a small portion of ammonite fossils, approximately 5%, contain gem-quality material limited to the shell’s surface. Even among those, gem cutters can only utilize about 20% of the shell for ammolite jewelry. So, if you own a piece of ammolite, know it is as unique and rare as you.
Ammolite Grading
Ammolite is graded on the basis of the intensity and number of colors the stone displays. The highest-quality Ammolite stones exhibit full spectrum colors with intense vibrancy, while lower-grade stones may display little to no color with low intensity. ‘AA’ and ‘AAA’ grade Ammolite stones are incredibly rare and are considered as valuable as flawless diamonds.
- Standard Grade: One or more vibrant colors
- Grade A: Two or more colors with good vibrancy
- Grade AA: Minimum three vibrant colors
- Grade AAA: Three to five vibrant colors with no visible matrix lines
Colors of Ammolite
Ammolite gemstones display all the natural hues found in the color spectrum. While red and green are common, blue and purple tones are uncommon due to their fragility. The rarest stones result from a combination of primary colors, such as violet, gold, or crimson.
Ammolite as jewelry
While ammolite was acknowledged in the 1980s, it wasn’t until the 1990s that it started being used in jewelry. Initially, ammolite was used in small decorative pieces like belt buckles and pendants, but as its popularity grew, it began being used in more elaborate and expensive jewelry pieces.
Today a wide range of ammolite jewelry is created, including earrings, bracelets, rings, and necklaces. Ammolite’s unique beauty and rarity make it a prized gemstone for jewelry collectors and fashion enthusiasts. As more people learn about the benefits of ammolite, its popularity is growing daily, making it a staple in fashion and jewelry for years to come.
Benefits of Ammolite Jewelry
Ammolite is a coveted gemstone for various reasons. Some of the most common include:
Unique Beauty
Ammolite is a gemstone that is known for its unique and vibrant colors. The gemstone has rainbow-like iridescent hues that make it a truly stunning gemstone. Every piece of ammolite is unique, which makes it a great choice for people who want a truly one-of-a-kind piece of jewelry.
Crystal Healing
Ammolite is a beautiful and rare gemstone that holds several mystical properties, making it a favorite among crystal healers. The stone is believed to have the ability to connect individuals with the environment on a physical and spiritual level, providing personal awakening.
The stone also works on the root chakra, helping the individual to channel their energy and gain stability in their relationships. Ammolite is thought to bring good luck, riches, and prosperity to those who wear it.
In addition, it is believed to offer various physical and emotional benefits, such as improving focus, increasing stamina, promoting happiness, and more. It is also said to help you remove unhealthy attachments and detoxify and cleanse the body. Ammolite’s versatile healing properties make it an ideal gemstone for those who believe in the power of crystal healing.
Used in Feng Shui
Ammolite is a powerful gemstone highly valued in Feng Shui for its ability to bring stability and prosperity. Since ammonite fossils have absorbed Earth’s energy over millions of years, ammolite is considered an extremely powerful stone. Feng Shui masters have named ammolite the ‘Seven Color Prosperity Stone’ due to the seven colors it can display, each with its own meaning and power.
For example, orange can increase creativity and libido, while purple can give more authority and power. Red ammolite is said to stimulate energy and growth; bring wisdom, growth, and success in business with green, and provide better knowledge, peace, health, and faith with blue. Ammolite is believed to have the power to benefit the body and spirit in many ways, making it a highly sought-after gemstone in the practice of Feng Shui.
How to Wear Ammolite Jewelry?
Ammolite jewelry is a great way to add a pop of color and mystical beauty to any outfit. Because of its rainbow iridescence, Ammolite jewelry can be worn with a variety of different colors and styles. It can be worn formally as a brooch or a sophisticated necklace with a dress for a formal occasion or worn with jeans and a t-shirt as a bracelet or earrings for a casual look. Ammolite jewelry is also a great conversation starter, as many people are unfamiliar with the gemstone.
Conclusion
Ammolite jewelry is a great way to express your individuality and style. It is a stunningly unique gemstone with a rich history and several benefits. Whether you are looking for a rare piece of jewelry with healing properties or one that stands out from the crowd, Ammolite jewelry is a great choice.
