North America, Canada, Alberta, Bearpaw formation, late Cretaceous, ca. 71 million years ago. A vividly beautiful ammonite fossil of the Placenticeras intercalare genus, the once organic shell material transformed into ammolite, a stunning organic gemstone that boasts an astonishing array of rainbows colors! The brilliance of the ammolite is otherworldly- fiery red shifting to yellow, green, and a hint of blue- the color play is remarkable in person in natural lighting! The central spiral is slightly recessed and widens outward to the large chamber opening. The internal composition of the ammonite was once organic tissue - the body and tentacles - but is now a solid stone matrix. This fossil was discovered and prepared in 2022 by Korite, the largest commercial producer of natural ammolite gemstones and jewelry. They have provided ammonites and other amazing finds to important institutions, including an ammonite on display in the American Museum of Natural History in New York! Size: 6.5" Diameter x 1.125" W (16.5 cm x 2.9 cm); 3.75" H (9.5 cm) on included custom stand.
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 and patterns and is highly desired for freeform natural cabochons and assembled jewelry pieces.
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
All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.
A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids.
We ship worldwide and handle all shipping in-house for your convenience.
#174779
Condition
Professionally prepared by Korite with a clear fixative on surface to protect the shell. Stable fissures and chips from fossilization process. Amazing iridescence throughout. Old inventory label on surface.