Ammonites are ancient, extinct, fossilized marine creatures (cephalopods) from the Mesozoic era (252 to 66 million years ago) that visually resembled our modern-day Nautilus.
Ammolite is essentially opalized ammonite. The rainbow is caused by diffraction of light as it passes through the aragonite platelets in the shell's nacre.
Irridescent ammonites are found in many places, but Ammolite of this quality is considered one of the rarest organic gemstones, with a limited geographical source in Alberta, Canada.
The ammolite is carefully mined to preserve the layers of colour and then coated in UV-resistant resin to protect them.
This stunning piece contains the full rainbow, and is wrapped in coiled .925 silver. Measures just over 1” long and .5” wide (3.2 x 1.5 cm).
Will come in a gift box, with a sterling silver chain.
