Ammonite Ammolite Iridescent Lot Gem Pairs 10pc Fossils

Ammonites are an extinct group of marine animals or mollusk, which are related to the octopus, squid, cuttlefish and Chambered Nautilus. Their name came from their spiral shape as their fossilized shells somewhat resemble tightly-coiled rams' horns. Ammolite is a rare and valuable opal-like organic gemstone found primarily along the eastern slopes of the Rocky Mountains of the United States and Canada. Rarely is ammolite without its matrix, which is typically a grey to brown shale, chalky clay, or limestone. So-called "frost shattering" is common; exposed to the elements and compressed by sediments.

These iridescent ammonites are often of gem quality (ammolite) when polished. During the animal’s life this iridescence would not have been visible, additional shell layers covered it. Ammolite is a rare and valuable opal-like gemstone. An iridescent opal-like play of color is shown mostly in shades of green and red. The thicker the layers, the more reds and greens; the thinner the layers, the more blues and violets. Reds and greens are the most commonly seen colors, allowing the finer layers for the blues. The color of this group ranges from gray to brown, with reds, blues, greens, gold and pearl iridescence. The iridescence is due to the microstructure of the aragonite: unlike most other gems, whose colors come from light absorption, the iridescent color of ammolite comes from interference with the light that rebounds from stacked layers of thin platelets that make up the aragonite. When newly quarried, these colors are not especially dramatic, the material requires polishing and possibly other treatments in order to reveal the colors' full potential. Under ultraviolet light, ammolite may fluoresce a mustard yellow.

This auction is for a price to resale 10pc set of polished gem grade ammonites. There size range from 43.83 mm x 35.24 mm x 5.68 mm (that is 1.73 inches x 1.39 inches x 0.22 inches) to 75.94 mm x 61.79 mm x 11.42mm (that is 2.99 inches x 2.43 inches x 0.45 inches). These are extremely high quality pieces with every color from fire red to pearl white and great crystal filled pockets on the inside. There are 5 full ammonite halves for a total of 10 pieces. Although you will find a large number of ammonites, this quality is very hard to find.

Shipping will be $5.20. International buyers will pay actual shipping costs to your country plus $4.00. Insurance is available for $3.00 but is not required.