Reviews
16.1" Museum Quality Ammonite (Ammolite) Fossil - Rare Purple!
This is a remarkable ammonite fossil (Placenticeras costatum), collected from the Bearpaw Shale of Alberta, Canada. It's entirely preserved as brilliant ammolite, an iridescent, opal-like gemstone bearing alluring purple, blue, green, red, and orange. This spectacular specimen is primarily green and purple, a highly sought after combination of colors considering purple and blue are the most uncommon iridescent colors of ammolite.
This remarkable ammonite fossil is in good condition with stunningly vivid colors. The display side (main picture) of the ammonite is considerably more vibrant than the opposite, however there is still a significant amount of preserved iridescent shell on the opposite side. Much of the outer portion of this ammonite has undergone some compression.
These complete, well-preserved ammolite fossils are quite rare and truly special. The Canadian government considers them part of the “National Treasures of Canada”. For this reason, all complete specimens must be inspected and registered by the Alberta provincial government. Each ammonite then receives a number and is entered in the provincial database. A cultural property export permit is required for them to be exported from the province. Documentation will be provided with the specimen upon request. A custom wood display stand will accompany your purchase for your ultimate 360 degree viewing pleasure.
Please contact us for any additional information about this specimen, payment or shipping.
This remarkable ammonite fossil is in good condition with stunningly vivid colors. The display side (main picture) of the ammonite is considerably more vibrant than the opposite, however there is still a significant amount of preserved iridescent shell on the opposite side. Much of the outer portion of this ammonite has undergone some compression.
These complete, well-preserved ammolite fossils are quite rare and truly special. The Canadian government considers them part of the “National Treasures of Canada”. For this reason, all complete specimens must be inspected and registered by the Alberta provincial government. Each ammonite then receives a number and is entered in the provincial database. A cultural property export permit is required for them to be exported from the province. Documentation will be provided with the specimen upon request. A custom wood display stand will accompany your purchase for your ultimate 360 degree viewing pleasure.
Please contact us for any additional information about this specimen, payment or shipping.
About Ammolite
Ammolite is an opal-like gemstone found primarily in Alberta, Canada. It is a kind of fossilized shell from ammonites, which in turn are composed primarily of aragonite, the same mineral contained in nacre (mother-of-pearl). The shell's microstructures are often preserved. In 1981, ammolite was given official gemstone status by the World Jewellery Confederation (CIBJO).
An iridescent opal-like play of color is shown in fine specimens, mostly in shades of green and red; howver, all the spectral colors can be seen. This iridescence is due to the aragonite's microstructure: unlike most other gems, whose colors come from light absorption, the iridescence in ammolite comes from interference with the light that rebounds from stacked layers of thin platelets that make up the aragonite. The thicker the layers, the more reds and greens are produced; the thinner the layers, the more blues and violets predominate. Blues and especially purples are the rarest colors, owing to the greater fragility of the finer layers responsible for these colors.
Ammolite is an opal-like gemstone found primarily in Alberta, Canada. It is a kind of fossilized shell from ammonites, which in turn are composed primarily of aragonite, the same mineral contained in nacre (mother-of-pearl). The shell's microstructures are often preserved. In 1981, ammolite was given official gemstone status by the World Jewellery Confederation (CIBJO).
An iridescent opal-like play of color is shown in fine specimens, mostly in shades of green and red; howver, all the spectral colors can be seen. This iridescence is due to the aragonite's microstructure: unlike most other gems, whose colors come from light absorption, the iridescence in ammolite comes from interference with the light that rebounds from stacked layers of thin platelets that make up the aragonite. The thicker the layers, the more reds and greens are produced; the thinner the layers, the more blues and violets predominate. Blues and especially purples are the rarest colors, owing to the greater fragility of the finer layers responsible for these colors.
$39,500
SPECIES
Placenticeras costatum
LOCATION
Lethbridge Mining District, Alberta, Canada
FORMATION
Bearpaw Formation
SIZE
16.1 x 13.7"
CATEGORY
ITEM
#313395
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