Ammolite ammonite Placenticeras costatum

In the Late Cretaceous, when Tyrannosaurs hunted the plains east of the Rocky Mountains, a vast expanse of water called the Western Interior Sea crossed North America. Where bison graze today, mosasaurs hunted, and numerous ammonites swayed in the flow of the warm current. Once sunk to the bottom, their shells were fossilized. However, it was at that time and in that place that the unique conditions were created to turn the shell of a mollusk into a precious stone.

The mother of pearl, which is usually destroyed, was preserved due to the calcium compounds and salts of various metals that soaked it up. This mineral is called ammolite, and the only place in the world where it is found is the province of Alberta in Canada. The blue-green color of this specimen is not very common and suggests copper compounds. The light directed at the ammonite at different angles can create an iridescence effect, allowing some colors to flow into others. Very few gemstones can boast such an effect.

Just imagine: a good quality ammonite on its own is already a valuable find, but an ammolite ammonite is a real gem.