North America, Canada, Alberta, Bearpaw formation, late Cretaceous, ca. 71 million years ago. Two fragments from fossilized ammonite shells with shimmering hues due to the formation of ammolite. Ammolite is a rare, iridescent, gem-quality material cut from the fossilized shells of extinct sea creatures known as ammonites. Found only in the Bearpaw Formation in Alberta, Canada - along the eastern slopes of the Rocky Mountains - this organic gemstone has a dazzling range of colors. Both have fiery red, orange, and green and the larger slice has an area of purple - one of the rarer ammolite colors. Wavy lines known as suture marks from ammonite are visible on the surfaces of both. Size of larger: 4.25" L x 4" W (10.8 cm x 10.2 cm)

According to the International Gem Society (IGS) statement on the difference between Ammolite and Ammonite: "You may find the terms ammolite and ammonite sometimes used interchangeably. However, ammonite, strictly speaking, refers to the fossil shells of ammonites, whether gem-quality or not. Ammolite refers to the gem-quality material made from fossils of particular species of ammonites." Also, according to IGS, "Ammonites were marine mollusks that became extinct around 65 million years ago. There were many species of ammonites, and their fossils have been found across the globe. The fossils of Placenticeras meeki, Placenticeras intercalare, and Baculites compressus can yield gem-quality ammolite. To date, this material has been found only in Alberta, Canada."

Provenance: private Berthoud, Colorado, USA collection

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#177731

Fragments of larger shells as shown. Professionally cut and polished with clear protective coating. Fabulous iridescence on front side of each piece.