Ammolite - the rainbow mineral of prosperity and abundance

The rare ammolite gemstone is mined in the eastern Rocky Mountains of the United States and Canada. By its origin, it is not a mineral, but the fossilized remains of ammonite shells. Like pearls, ammolite is composed of calcium carbonate. This is one of the most valuable stones of this origin, along with amber, pearls, mother of pearl, jet, and coral.

Ammolite deposits

The only deposits rich in ammolites are located in the Rocky Mountains (USA, Canada).
The most famous mine was called "Bear's Paw". It is located in the province of Alberta. — Advertising —

Taking into account the development of deposits and the constant decrease in stone reserves, scientists predict that the deposits will be completely depleted in a couple of decades.

Price

Jewelry or collection value is determined by the degree of preservation of the mother-of-pearl layer or the aesthetic characteristics of the minerals that fill the shell or impregnate the walls.

You can buy the mineral at the following average prices (RUB):

• ammonite (Russia, 30x30 mm) – 1,100;
• ammonite with ammolite, polished (Madagascar, 40–45 mm) – 840 – 1,700;
• ball (74 mm) – 5,700;
• egg (71x41 mm) – 5,300;
• pendant (25–45 mm) – 720 – 1,170.

The price is affected by the composition. Thus, the cost of pyritized agglomerate or with simbircite inside reaches tens of thousands of rubles. The most beautiful and expensive variety of ammonites is ammolite. He is like a petrified bright rainbow.

History of ammolite

About 300 million years ago, marine molluscs called ammonites lived on our planet.
In the modern Rocky Mountain region, changing ocean coastlines and volcanic activity left huge colonies of ammonites covered in layers of rock and ash. As a result, after many years, an ammolite gem was formed from the mother-of-pearl layer of mollusks. That is why the stone is so rare and is not found anywhere else on Earth.

The World Jewelry Confederation recognized ammolite as a gemstone only in 1981. Since then, they began to actively mine it.

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The name "ammolite" comes from the merger of the name of the molluscs "ammonite" and the word "lithos", which is translated from Greek as "stone".

When was ammolite formed?

Once upon a time, about 100 million years ago, the Western Interior Sea stretched east of the Rocky Mountains on the American continent. Where the taiga and prairie stretch today, the wind drove salty sea waves, and the depths below were saturated with ancient life. Numerous schools of fish preyed on cephalopods - belemnites. Small fish were followed by large ones - ancient sharks competed with six-meter xyphactines for prey. But they themselves found their death in the teeth of pliosaurs, huge sea lizards. The end of the age of reptiles was approaching, but in the meantime the short-necked and powerful-mouthed pliosaurs, the graceful long-necked elasmosaurs and a variety of saltwater crocodiles enjoyed their supremacy in the seas. Our heroes, the ammonites, also lived in this world full of dangers. Cephalopods with a shell twisted into a spiral, they hunted small fish in the water column, diving and swimming up like miniature submarines. When death from the teeth of a pliosaur or large fish overtook them, the shell of the mollusk sank to the bottom and was quickly covered with sand and silt, thanks to the strong bottom current. Gradually, after tens of thousands of years, some of these shells became fossilized. Rivers flowing into this shallow sea from the Rocky Mountains enriched the waters with salts and minerals, creating a unique chemical environment. Under these conditions, the shell of the mollusk deteriorated slowly, and the inner nacreous layer had time to become saturated with iron and silicon compounds, which allowed it to survive for many millions of years.

Physico-chemical characteristics of ammolite

Ammolite has a layered structure.
According to its chemical composition, it contains calcium carbonate with an admixture of silicon and iron oxides. Calcium carbonate in the stone is partially replaced by quartz, calcite, and pyrite. Ammolite is an opaque stone with a pearlescent sheen. Its density reaches 2.6 g/m3. Hardness ranges from 4.5 to 5.5 on the Mohs scale.

A distinctive feature of a gem is its color, which consists of different colors or shades of the same tone. The most prized specimens are those that combine the entire color gamut.

Due to the layering of ammolite, the light that passes through the stone is reflected and refracted many times. Therefore, when turning the gem and viewing it from different angles, the illusion of a color change appears.

In general, ammolite is a fragile and sensitive stone; various chemicals have a particularly negative effect on it.

Chemical composition

Ammolite has a complex chemical composition. The main substance from which it consists is calcium carbonate, CaCO3. Several stable forms of calcium carbonate are known. In mollusk shells it is aragonite. Flat hexagonal plates of aragonite crystals are layered on top of each other, forming nacre lining the inner layer of the shell.

During fossilization, part of the aragonite is replaced by compounds of other substances, mainly pyrite (FeS2) and quartz (SiO2), forming significant impurities. In addition to them, there are aluminum, barium, copper, manganese, strontium, titanium and vanadium, etc.

How is the iridescent (rainbow) effect formed? The multilayer microstructure of mother-of-pearl refracts light, creating an interference effect. White light is divided into its color components and scattered in all directions. As a result, a person, from different angles of view, observes a different picture, similar to a rainbow film on the surface of a soap bubble or a similar glow of an opal. “Fresh” mother-of-pearl has a weak effect due to the protein layers between the layers of aragonite crystals. In ammolite, organic matter is replaced by quartz and pyrite, which gives an absolutely fantastic picture.

The main colors of ammolite are a combination of red and green with yellow, orange, blue-green and blue. This color is provided by stronger and thicker layers of aragonite. Violet and pink ammolites are less common because they require fragile aragonite layers.

The magical properties of ammolite

The marine prehistory of ammolite has endowed the stone with the power to help everyone whose life and work are connected with the element of water.
Amulets with this gem have long been used by sailors and divers to protect themselves from troubles and gain success in all endeavors. With the help of ammolites, travelers looked for sources of water. And during periods of drought, the Indians used the power of stone to cause rain.

The inhabitants of Ancient Egypt were known to have a special relationship with ammolite. Among them, ammolite was associated with the main deity. It was believed that the owner of jewelry with ammolites always had prophetic dreams come true. Stones were also used for meditation, and it was believed that ammolite was capable of leading a person to the afterlife.

Later, the unusual stone found application in the art of Feng Shui as a conductor of “Qi” energy. Feng Shui experts say that each shade of the stone affects the fate of the owner, and since the flow of “Qi” energy increases, a person’s life will change for the better.

The spiral shape of the stone is based on the belief that ammolite organizes the life of its owner. Thus, over time, the owner of the gem notices that all the events in his life form logical interconnected chains, and he is aware of their patterns and meanings.

Ammolite is always inherited as a family heirloom, which gives happiness and long life.

Cost and how to distinguish from a fake

The price of jewelry with a rare stone starts from 2,500 rubles and can reach 40,000 rubles. It all depends on the size, number of colors and complexity of the work. Over time, the cost increases, due to a decrease in stone reserves.

The easiest way to spot a fake is with paired jewelry. Stone patterns should not be repeated on earrings. If the shade is absolutely identical, then you have low-quality material. Finding perfectly matching fossils is nearly impossible.

In addition, it is worth remembering that ammolite is a precious stone. When making jewelry, information about it is entered into a special passport.

The healing properties of ammolite

Previously, ammolite-based powder was used to speed up conception and to maintain pregnancy.
In Chinese alternative medicine, the stone was used to stimulate the functioning of internal organs. Modern lithotherapy advises using ammolite to cleanse the blood, for skin and hair diseases, especially for the treatment of psoriasis.

It is believed that this gem accelerates the progression of childhood infectious diseases, such as measles and scarlet fever.

It is recommended to use ammolite for sleep problems and depression.

Ammolites are also used during massage and for applications as regulators of the body's energy flows.

Healing

Although ammolite is not a stone, it is also used in lithothepapy . Experts note the beneficial effects of the shell on skin diseases - psoriasis, eczema, dermatitis.

The mineral has a positive effect on hormonal levels, eliminates its imbalance, and promotes the production of necessary hormones.

It is believed that ammolite can prolong the owner’s beauty and youth, and this is important for women of all ages.

Periodically wearing jewelry with shell fragments has a positive effect on the quality of the skin , promotes collagen production, tightens the oval of the face, and removes fine wrinkles.

To enhance the positive effect, lithotherapists recommend doing a facial massage using the mineral once a week.

Interesting! It is believed that powder from ancient fossils can even cure female infertility and help to bear and give birth to a healthy child.

Areas of application of ammolite

Ammolite is a fairly soft stone on which marine layers form, which must be carefully removed in order to reveal all the beauty of the gem.
Only real masters can feel exactly how many layers need to be removed. The resulting stone is always original and unique. In the shimmer of its colors, you can sometimes see real galaxies and beautiful drawings.

In jewelry, ammolites are used to make rings, brooches, beads, earrings, jewelry and souvenirs, and embroidery icons. All products are mounted in gold or silver or special substrates are made for them.

Where is the mineral used?

Fossilized ancient mollusks are used in two areas - jewelry, decorative and collection.

Collecting

The main segment of application of ammonite. The variety of shapes, shades, deposits, and ages allows you to create an extensive collection of the mineral.

The exhibit sizes can range from tiny to enormous.

Hobbyists are especially looking for rock ammonite - shells fused with rock.

Jewelry making, decor

Mostly single craftsmen work with the mineral:

• The beauty of the mineral is evident in its cross-section, so the range of products is appropriate: flat pendants, pendants, rings, earring inserts, brooches.
• The value is influenced by the characteristics of the surface and contents. Particularly good are specimens with a preserved layer of mother-of-pearl, filled with semi-precious stones or intricately colored ones.

Earrings with ammonite

Each ammonite jewelry is exclusive, since the natural pattern and shape are not repeated.

Products made from ammonite have an unusual look: a pendant, brooch or ring is guaranteed to attract attention to the owner.

Medium-sized specimens make items that decorate the interior.

Ammolite colors

The color palette of ammolites is very diverse. The main shades are:

• red-yellow;
• blue-green;
• red-green;
• bluish-red.

The most common ammolites are red-green in color. Purple, blue and pink tones are rare for ammolite.

The more colors a stone contains, the more valuable it is. A stone that contains all the colors of the rainbow is called the “seven-color stone of prosperity” and is valued more than all others. Any color of ammolite is accompanied by a pearlescent sheen.

Varieties and colors

Ammolite occurs in nature in different sizes and colors.

Shells are divided into several categories:

• AA - stones of the highest quality. The color palette contains 4 or more shades;
• A - high quality precious mineral containing 2-3 colors;
• B - simple, plain shells. The cost is much cheaper than the 2 minerals described above.

The mother-of-pearl layer shimmers iridescently if you begin to rotate the stone 360 ​​degrees.

The main and popular shades of ammolite found in nature:

• Red Green;
• pink, purple;
• red with yellow;
• violet;
• blue with green;
• pink;
• blue-green.

How to care for ammolite

As a fragile and soft gem, ammolite is protected from exposure to any chemicals, from shock and pressure, from sharp objects.
To maintain the quality of the stone, it is protected from the ingress of cosmetics and perfumes. Jewelry with ammolites is stored wrapped in soft cloth in closed boxes.

To clean them, you can use pearl cleaners or weak soap solutions, in which the items are placed for 20-30 minutes, then washed with running water and gently wiped with a soft cloth.

Stone care

Fragile and even “delicate” ammolite requires increased attention from its owner. You should not store it together with other jewelry: the stone can be scratched and ruin the appearance of the product. It is best to wrap the jewelry in a silk cloth or a box lined with velvet.

Under no circumstances should you use cleaning products such as varnish, alcohol, or household chemicals. You should either give the products to professionals, or wash them carefully in cold water with a little soap. High temperatures and acidity have a bad effect on ammolite: the layers may separate and the product will be damaged. By the way, for care you can use the same products that are suitable for pearls - the composition of the stones is similar.

Ammolite is a bright and unusual stone that can decorate a home or complement an image as an interesting accessory. This pearlescent beauty will be a worthy example in the collection of stone lovers.

Ammolite and zodiac sign

Ammolites are more suitable than all others for air and water signs.
Amulets with them endow representatives of the signs of these elements with family happiness, good luck in business and longevity. Ammolite is also capable of giving its owner the gift of foresight. Ammolites do not cause any significant harm or significant benefit to other zodiac signs.

How to store ammonite

Over millions of years, the ammonite was forced into contact with other minerals. Therefore, in jewelry or a box it is removed from the proximity of other stones. And it’s difficult to choose an aesthetically acceptable option: the mineral is good solo in any piece of jewelry.

No special care is required, just remove dust with a dry cloth.

Ammonite shell

It doesn’t hurt to sometimes immerse the mineral in water to make it “shine” in every sense.

Interesting facts about ammolite:

• It is believed that ammolite brooches, pendants and hairpins have the highest magical and healing powers. But earrings and rings with this gem do not have practically such properties.
• Ammolite is very closely associated with water, therefore it helps, first of all, the water signs of the zodiac, as well as all people whose activities are related to water. So, according to ancient legends and beliefs, this stone is still taken on ships before a long voyage in order to calmly reach their destinations. Pirates and sailors are confident that ammolites can help in the most severe storms and storms.

Scope and scope

Zodiac sign

Astrologers believe that ammolite is most suitable for representatives of the water element: Cancer, Scorpio, Pisces. The stone is directly connected with the inhabitants of the water, and therefore will help:

• Cancer - to fulfill cherished desires and establish peace in the family;
• Scorpios - to heal and lift spirits;
• Pisces - complete harmony in all areas.

In addition, it would be a good idea to purchase ammolite as a talisman for the Air signs: Aquarius, Libra, Gemini.

You should not assume that everyone else is prohibited from wearing or having ammolite at home. Rather, for the signs of Fire and Earth it will simply be a neutral decoration.

Due to its belonging to the water element, ammolite is a must-have for those whose occupation is related to the sea.

Medicinal properties

The healing power of the stone is recognized by many. It is believed that wearing ammolite amulets helps cure many diseases. Thus, the gem has a beneficial effect on the state of the circulatory system and is very helpful in healing from ailments of the skin and hair. Even if everything is fine with them, ammolite will further strengthen their condition.

Parents will be pleased to know that this beautiful stone is not only able to please the baby with its brilliance and bright color, but also has a good effect on his health. Even the ancient Greeks used ammolite to speed up the course (and cure) of various infections that often attack children: measles or scarlet fever.

Ammolite will help improve the condition of the endocrine system and normalize the production of hormones. It will also have a good effect on the psyche: it will help get rid of depression or establish sound, healthy sleep. Buy ammolite powder for those women who want to conceive a child.

Even if everything is fine with your health, a product made from ammolite will not harm, but will only strengthen your health and improve your appearance: it can rejuvenate you, and also improve your metabolism and help, for example, lose a little weight.

Magic properties

Even in ancient times, ammolite was used in magical rituals and ceremonies. Indian shamans could cause a saving rain during drought. The beliefs of some peoples say that a traveler can use a stone to find an underground stream and drink during a difficult journey.

A brightly colored stone can also bring good luck to the owner. Those who like to play in a casino or buy lottery tickets should have such a shining talisman. But in other areas, ammolite will bring success. It is especially suitable for women - it will enhance attractiveness, make it more graceful and add charm, even some mystery.

Those who want to protect their energy field from bad influences such as the evil eye can carry such an amulet in a secret pocket. For Feng Shui adherents, ammolite will help attract Qi energy. The gem has the shape of a spiral, and therefore is able to bring orderliness and completeness to the life of the owner, and allow one to realize the pattern of events.

The ancient Egyptians believed that ammolite could send a prophetic dream, thanks to which it would be possible to find a way out of a difficult life situation. And those who love to meditate should use it to more easily achieve contact with higher powers.

Decorations

Most often, jewelers make earrings, rings, and brooches from ammolite. In collecting, stones are sold in their natural form, but may be a doublet or triplet with an original slate or clay backing.

The traditional cut of ammolite is plate. There are round stones, they are high quality gems. If raw materials are being processed, jewelers combine several layers and fix them with varnish and resin.

When ammolite was not yet so popular and only those who mined the stone themselves knew about it, its cost was very small. However, commercial importance has increased and this gemstone can now be worth several thousand dollars.

It is better to wear ammolite, so that its beneficial properties are most evident, as a brooch, pendant or hair clip.

Stone and name

Most suitable for Tatiana, Eugene (both sexes), Victor.

Combinations with other stones

It is best to combine with such gems as emerald, pearl (which is even similar in composition), jasper, agate, turquoise. No completely unsuitable stones have been identified, but it is worth understanding that multi-colored ammolite (especially one that plays in all shades) is self-sufficient without “neighbors.” From metals it is combined with both gold and silver.

Ammonite jewelry

An almost unlimited variety of designs, color combinations, and a wide range of sizes allow us to consider ammonite as a promising ornamental and jewelry material for making jewelry. All products made from it, of course, belong to the category of jewelry, which can be divided into two main categories:

1. Jewelry and expensive costume jewelry: pendants, necklaces, beads, bracelets, brooches, rings, rings, earrings, clips, hairpins.
2. Luxurious decorative souvenirs and interior items: wall and table clocks, coffee tables, fireplaces, writing instruments, boxes, etc.

Especially beautiful cabochons and ammolites of the highest class with a diameter of no more than 5 cm (usually 1.5–2.5) are usually used as jewelry. Small ammonites of the first and second classes make quite decent jewelry or are used as finishing material for other items. As for large-sized ammonite stones, solid souvenirs are made from them.

Any product you purchase from this ancient material will please the eye and bring harmony. Not to mention it's antique!

Artificial shells

The desire to make jewelry cheaper leads to the production of artificial copies of natural minerals. Fake ammolites can be made of glass, plastic .

The cost of sets with similar stones will be noticeably lower than similar ones inlaid with real fossils.

Important! When purchasing stones of artificial origin, you should not count on magical, healing properties, since counterfeit specimens lack them.

Processing and use

Ammonite is a rather fragile material, and therefore requires careful handling both during its processing and during operation. Only experienced jewelers and stone craftsmen can work with ammonite shells.

As for use, the following main rules should be highlighted:

• Avoid long-term exposure of such products to direct rays of the sun - they dry it out and make the stone less durable. In addition, it loses its shine.
• Under no circumstances should the product collide sharply with hard objects or surfaces.
• When wiping jewelry or objects made of ammonite, use only a soft rag or a cotton swab moistened with clean water; the use of any household detergents is strictly prohibited.