Ammonite Ammolite Natural Split Pearl Twins Pair 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.

These iridescent ammonites are often of gem quality (ammolite) when polished. In no case would this iridescence have been visible during the animal's life; additional shell layers covered it. Ammolite is a rare and valuable opal-like organic gemstone. The color of this pair range from gray to brown, with primarily red to gold 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. The thicker the layers, the more reds and greens are produced; the thinner the layers, the more blues and violets predominate. When freshly quarried, these colors are not especially dramatic; the material requires polishing and possibly other treatments in order to reveal the colors' full potential.

This auction is for a wonderful pair of polished gem grade ammonites. They are 63.29 mm x 49.05 mm x 8.78 mm (that is 2.49 inches x 1.93 inches x 0.35 inches) each. They have a total weight of 59.50 grams or 2.10 ounces. Although you will find a large number of ammonites, this quality is very hard to find.

Shipping will be $4.90. International buyers will pay actual shipping costs to your country plus $3.00. Insurance is available for $2.00 but not required.

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