851:
27:
1069:, a common glass-based imitation of opal. Blues and purples are much more pervasive in labradorite, and in both it and opal the play of color is seen to roll across the stone unlike the comparatively restricted play of color in ammolite. In Slocum stone, the play of color takes the form of tinsel-like patches. The visible structure is also considerably different; in the imitations, the body of the stone is transparent to translucent from certain angles, whereas ammolite is entirely opaque.
1153:
593:
1025:; however, certain jewelry setting stylesâsuch as those with closed backsâcan complicate things. A triplet can be identified by inspecting the stone in profile; the top of the stone can then be seen to be domed and transparent, with no play of color. If the dome is made of glass, bubbles, swirl marks, and scratches may be present; the harder synthetic materials are optically flawless.
767:
696:
601:
93:
1143:
and given a transparent cap of synthetic quartz, forming a doublet in the same fashion as ammolite. These doublets are perhaps the most deceptive, and have also been used to imitate opal. Under magnification most abalone doublets will show dye concentrated along certain areas and air bubbles trapped
757:
paying the tribe royalties based on how much land the company has mined. This agreement has expired. It prohibited the Blood Tribe members from surface mining along the banks and cliffs of the St. Mary River. There were about 35 licensed Blood surface miners in 2018. The surface miners are
867:
The quality of gem ammolite is communicated via a letter grade system, from most desirable to least desirable: AA; A+; A; and Aâ. However, this system is not yet standardized and some vendors may use their own systems. The grade and therefore the value of an ammolite gemstone is determined by the
948:
The thickness of the ammolite layer is also an important factor: after polishing, the ammolite is only 0.1â0.3 millimeters thick. The rarest and most valuable are thick enough to stand alone, with only a thin portion of its original matrix (not exceeding 1.5 mm); but the vast majority
534:
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. Reds and greens are the most commonly seen colors, owing to the greater
919:
is how far the specimen can be turned while maintaining its play of color; the best rotate 360° uncompromised, while lesser stones may exhibit highly directional colors that are only visible within a narrow rotational range, down to 90° or less. Intermediate grades have ranges of
1240:
stone, ammolite should be given a hard protective cap, namely one of synthetic spinel as used in triplets. Whole polished ammonites of appropriately small size may also be mounted in jewelry. Nothing harsher than mild soap and warm water should be used to clean ammolite jewelry;
565:. So-called "frost shattering" is common; exposed to the elements and compressed by sediments, the thin ammolite tends to crack and flake; prolonged exposure to sunlight can also lead to bleaching. The cracking results in a tessellated appearance, sometimes described as a "
953:
are also commonly undertaken; all other factors being equal, the less treatment an ammolite gem has received, the more valuable it is. Calibrated stonesâthat is, stones fashioned into standard dimensions that will fit most jewelry settingsâmay also command a higher price.
806:
material. It is the most common and (generally speaking) the least valuable form of ammolite. Beginning twenty meters below the crush material is the "blue zone"; ammolite from this zone, which extends 65 meters, is usually compressed with a thin layer of
1038:
935:
is essentially dependent on how well-preserved the nacreous shell is, and how fine and orderly the layers of aragonite are. The quality of the polish is also a factor. The "dragon skin" cracking usually hinders its value ; the most prized ammolite is the
1028:
Although the vast majority of commercial-grade ammolite has been treated in some way, a small fraction of production requires no treatment other than cutting and polishing. Ideally, any treatments should be disclosed at the time of sale.
794:
The ammolite deposits are stratified into several layers: the shallowest of these layers, named the "K zone", lies some 15 meters below the surface and extends 30 meters down. The ammolite within this layer is covered by
782:
are dug with an excavator and the excavated material is screened for its potential gem contents. The pits are further examined by hand, and commercial production is supplemented by individuals who sell their surface-picked findings to
970:
or other synthetic resin to stabilize the flake-prone ammolite prior to cutting. Although the tessellated cracking cannot be repaired, the epoxy prevents further flaking and helps protect the relatively soft surface from scratching.
944:) that has broad, uninterrupted swathes of color similar to the "broad flash" category of opal. The matrix is not visible in finer grades, and there should be no foreign minerals breaking up or diminishing the iridescence.
580:. While these shells may be as large as 90 cm (35.5 inches) in diameter, the iridescent ammonites (as opposed to the pyritized variety) are typically much smaller. Most fossilized shells have had their aragonite
1181:
powers; specifically, the gem is believed to aid in the buffalo hunt, and to draw the buffalo within tracking distance. The
Blackfeet also believe ammolite to possess healing powers and incorporate the gem into their
966:â therefore it is not subject to dehydration and subsequent crazing seen in opals. The thin, delicate sheets in which ammolite occurs are also problematic; for these reasons, most material is impregnated with a clear
886:, that are the rarest and in highest demand. The most valuable grades have three or more primary colors or 1â2 bright and even colors, with the lowest grades having one comparatively dull color predominant.
721:
The best grade of gem quality ammolite is along high energy river systems on the eastern slopes of the
Rockies in southern Alberta. Most commercial mining operations have been conducted along the banks of the
978:
in partnership with the
Alberta Research Council. Impregnated and epoxy-coated ammolite first entered the market in 1989 and the treatment significantly increased the availability and durability of the gem.
1164:
Compared to most other gems, ammolite has a rather scant history of use; it did not begin to garner interest in
Western society until the 1970s after entering the market (to a limited degree) in 1969. The
1065:. Neither are convincing substitutes, and the latter is actually of greater value than ammolite. Indeed, ammolite is often used as an imitation of black opal. An even less convincing possibility is
530:
are possible, however. 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
1103:. The iridescence of lumachella is fragmentary and not nearly as brilliant as that of ammolite. Despite these differences, lumachella may be considered synonymous with ammolite in some circles.
878:
A large array of color is displayed in ammolite, including all the spectral colors found in nature. Red and green are far more common than blue or purple due to the latter's fragility (see
1139:
of abalone shell is silky rather than the near vitreous luster of polished ammolite, and the colors of the two materials do not closely approximate. However, some abalone shell has been
576:
Occasionally a complete ammonite shell is recovered with its structure well-preserved: fine, convoluted lines delineate the shell chambers, and the overall shape is suggestive of a
1380:
535:
fragility of the finer layers responsible for the blues. When freshly quarried, these colors are not especially dramatic; the material requires polishing and possibly other
826:
has mined over 100 acres of ammolite deposits. The company employs over 280 people and accounts for approximately 90 percent of world gem ammolite production.
1197:". Named the "seven color prosperity stone", each color is believed by feng shui practitioners to influence the wearer in different and positive ways; a combination of
1193:
began to promote ammolite as an "influential" stone with what they believe is the power to enhance well-being and detoxify the body by improving its flow of energy or "
657:
The ammonites that form ammolite inhabited a prehistoric, inland subtropical sea that bordered the Rocky
Mountainsâthis area is known today as the Cretaceous or
1610:
1160:. The ammolite gems are triplets, as evidenced by their convex profiles. Ammolite is best used in pendants, earrings, and brooches due to its fragility.
990:, with the ammolite layer adhered to a dark backing material. This is usually the matrix or mother rock from which the ammolite was quarried; black
1049:
Ammolite is neither easily nor often imitated; however, a few materials have a passing resemblance that may deceive the unfamiliar. These include:
838:
for a lease. These leases are not regularly offered; as of 2004, there was a CAD $ 625 application fee, with an annual rental fee of CAD$ 3.50 per
2758:
1586:
1127:
for their meat. The shell's structure is distinctive: sinuous bands of blue, green, and rose iridescence are delineated by dark brown lines of
1730:
1690:
1668:
1575:
1364:
1276:
2008:
998:
could also be used as backing. In composites where the ammolite layer is exceptionally thin, a third component is used: This constitutes a
1489:
48:
1388:
758:
self employed mining in all kinds of weather. Some miners also restore the fossils they find or resell their finds to other fabricators.
1762:
1045:) of labradorite may lead to its confusion with ammolite by the unfamiliar, but the overall appearance is unconvincing as an imitation.
1701:
70:
1561:
Research and development at the
Alberta Research Council (Report). Edmonton, AB: Alberta Research Council. Summer 2004. p. 7.
1410:
1356:
723:
143:
850:
819:
material; due to its depth it is rarely mined. It is also much less fractured, and therefore a more valuable form of ammolite.
531:
2768:
459:
196:
718:
in the USA. However, small deposits have been found as far south as
Central Utah which also contains gem-quality ammolite.
341:
1209:
yellow is most sought after for this purpose, the colors being said to enhance growth, wisdom, and wealth, respectively.
835:
908:
41:
35:
2773:
2753:
1535:
982:
Because the ammolite layer is usually mere fractions of a millimeter in thickness, most ammolite gems are in fact
2778:
2219:
1635:
1618:
52:
2055:
1877:
1295:
Ammolite gemstones are distinguished from other organically produced, precious ornamental materials, such as
962:
Ammolite is often damaged due to environmental exposure, even though it is fully mineralized and contains no
2686:
2060:
1779:
1755:
1268:
882:). There are also certain hues, like crimson or violet or gold, which are derived from a combination of the
658:
1304:
702:'s mechanized mining operations are fairly basic, involving the excavation of shallow pits with backhoes.
348:, Alberta, Canada in 2007, and was subsequently designated as Alberta's official gemstone in April 2022.
2586:
186:
1307:, etc., primarily by the ways in which they are used. Pearls, amber, and ammolite are considered to be
573:
window" pattern. Ammolite mined from deeper deposits may be entirely smooth or with a rippled surface.
344:(CIBJO), the same year commercial mining of ammolite began. It was designated the official gemstone of
1251:
is the largest market for ammolite; this may be due to its use as an imitation of increasingly scarce
1099:, lumachella is rarely if ever used in jewelry; rather, it is used as a decorative facing stone or in
2423:
2080:
1264:
1255:, or its aforementioned use in feng shui. Secondary markets include Canada, where it is used both by
1119:) is one last possible imitation. Abalone shell is inexpensive and plentiful owing to the commercial
388:
1594:
2418:
1260:
1136:
731:
622:
209:
2763:
1827:
1807:
1748:
376:
329:
176:
1443:
375:. Marcel Charbonneau and his business partner Mike Berisoff were the first to create commercial
1510:
1021:
The detection of these treated and composite stones is relatively simple via inspection with a
526:
opal-like play of color is shown in fine specimens, mostly in shades of green and red; all the
2274:
1857:
1726:
1686:
1664:
1571:
1465:
1360:
787:
and several other producers. Approximately 50% of the ammolite mined is suitable for jewelry.
707:
2184:
2013:
1967:
1887:
1500:
727:
550:
473:
466:
297:
245:
219:
120:
2279:
2214:
2025:
1998:
1705:
1300:
1183:
903:
779:
448:
301:
403:, or other minerals. The shell itself may contain a number of trace elements, including:
1002:, with a durable and transparent convex topping piece. This cap may be either synthetic
2632:
2576:
2564:
2493:
2137:
2075:
1852:
1174:
912:
739:
527:
371:. The latter is a trade name given to the gemstone by the Alberta-based mining company
584:
replaced by calcite or pyrite, making the presence of ammolite particularly uncommon.
2747:
2707:
2637:
2596:
2264:
2018:
2003:
1952:
1679:
1015:
883:
855:
750:
749:
has operated primarily within the reservation. The company had an agreement with the
605:
570:
305:
255:
2732:
2727:
2722:
2674:
2627:
2457:
2403:
2189:
2070:
2030:
1922:
1066:
711:
515:
452:
278:
1152:
1037:
592:
2669:
2559:
2398:
2348:
2343:
2259:
2101:
1977:
1927:
1802:
1797:
1272:
1120:
1054:
1050:
932:
827:
600:
581:
523:
511:
275:
265:
766:
2503:
2448:
2323:
2236:
2204:
2194:
2096:
2045:
1982:
1957:
1832:
1417:
1252:
1242:
1128:
1062:
831:
799:
695:
676:
661:. As the ammonites died, they sank to the bottom and were buried by layers of
643:
639:
617:
609:
345:
1469:
171:
Gray to brown, can be radiant blue, with primarily red to green iridescence.
2649:
2642:
2513:
2508:
2488:
2413:
2338:
2332:
2313:
2209:
2150:
2065:
1962:
1897:
1872:
1862:
1792:
1771:
1237:
1190:
1166:
1124:
860:
662:
562:
432:
428:
424:
404:
317:
140:
791:, the largest miner of ammolite, produces over 90% of the world's supply.
2717:
2691:
2680:
2617:
2483:
2473:
2468:
2428:
2368:
2358:
2318:
2300:
2289:
2284:
2199:
2155:
2040:
2035:
1972:
1912:
1902:
1867:
1842:
1817:
1812:
1213:
1115:
1072:
1058:
1007:
812:
796:
706:
Significant deposits of gem-quality ammolite have only been found in the
680:
673:
651:
647:
631:
577:
440:
436:
412:
313:
112:
1505:
683:
preserved the aragonite of the shells, preventing it from converting to
2712:
2622:
2534:
2443:
2408:
2393:
2378:
2363:
2353:
2226:
2160:
2111:
2050:
1907:
1882:
1847:
1543:
1421:
1256:
1229:
1225:
1221:
1202:
1132:
1107:
1096:
1083:
or "fire marble", a similarly iridescent marble composed of fossilized
839:
715:
684:
392:
321:
147:
1643:
1224:
as accents. Due to its delicacy, ammolite is best reserved for use in
2612:
2518:
2478:
2453:
2388:
2373:
2269:
2254:
2249:
2165:
2116:
2106:
1822:
1787:
1639:
1233:
1178:
1157:
1100:
1076:
1011:
1003:
975:
823:
808:
788:
784:
771:
754:
746:
735:
699:
566:
549:(0.02â0.03 inches) in thickness. Rarely is ammolite without its
477:
416:
408:
400:
396:
372:
356:
309:
155:
151:
1490:"Ammolite: Iridescent fossil ammonite from southern Alberta, Canada"
92:
1259:
and fine jewelry producers who sell their creations to tourists of
1018:
and has the effect of enhancing the ammolite's iridescent display.
328:, with a microstructure inherited from the shell. It is one of few
97:
Unprocessed sample of ammolite; a "dragon skin" pattern is apparent
2591:
2581:
2571:
2554:
2549:
2539:
2498:
2328:
2308:
2244:
2176:
1917:
1892:
1837:
1296:
1248:
1206:
1151:
1111:
1092:
1088:
1036:
1022:
995:
967:
963:
849:
765:
694:
669:
599:
591:
554:
337:
333:
325:
974:
The impregnation process was developed over a number of years by
734:. Roughly half of all ammolite deposits are contained within the
2463:
2438:
2433:
2383:
2145:
1217:
1198:
1084:
991:
558:
420:
379:
of the gem in 1967. They went on to form
Ammolite Minerals Ltd.
293:
1744:
1488:
Mychaluk, K.A.; Levinson, A.A. & Hall, R.H. (Spring 2001).
1014:, or in lower-end productions, glass. The convex cap acts as a
1140:
778:
Commercial extraction is mechanized but fairly basic: shallow
665:
391:
of ammolite is variable, and aside from aragonite may include
340:. In 1981, ammolite was given official gemstone status by the
20:
1587:"Blood Tribe building economic growth for future generations"
915:
in its scope, while lower grades show very little variation.
1740:
742:, and its inhabitants play a major role in ammolite mining.
1194:
907:
is how the colors vary with the angle of viewing and the
1311:, while the others are treated more as textural objects.
911:
the gemstone. In higher grades this variation is almost
1075:
speaking, ammolite can be grouped with the shell-based
608:
highlighting the shallow inland sea present during the
1061:
that may also be of
Canadian origin; and broad-flash
1723:
Gems Their
Sources, Descriptions, and Identification
2662:
2605:
2527:
2298:
2235:
2174:
2136:
2129:
2089:
1991:
1945:
1938:
1778:
616:Ammolite comes from the fossil shells of the Upper
542:The ammolite itself is actually a very thin sheet,
274:
264:
254:
244:
236:
228:
218:
208:
195:
185:
175:
167:
162:
119:
107:
102:
85:
1685:. Sterling Publishing Company Incorporated. 1997.
1678:
1106:The predominantly blue-green iridescent shell of
774:'s open-pit mining operations in Alberta, Canada.
480:light, 589.3 nm) is biaxial negative, with
250:usually 1.52 - 1.68 (varies with mineral content)
986:stones: These usually take the form of two-part
300:found primarily along the eastern slopes of the
224:usually about 2.70 (varies with mineral content)
1536:"Alberta Energy: Error - Page can not be found"
949:require some sort of supportive backing. Other
863:Stage, upper Upper Cretaceous, ~70-75 Ma.
642:, that thrived in tropical seas until becoming
539:in order to reveal the colors' full potential.
1568:Gem and Ornamental Materials of Organic Origin
1460:Musick, Glenn (August 2008). "Utah Ammolite".
1455:
1453:
950:
726:, in an area south of and between the town of
672:. Many gem-quality ammonites are found within
1756:
1636:"The Most Influential Stone of the Millenium"
1177:stone", and have long believed it to possess
941:
8:
1464:. Vol. 38, no. 8. pp. 34â38.
1212:Ammolite is usually fashioned into freeform
1135:material that holds the shell together. The
859:ammolite specimen, from Bearpaw Formation,
1661:Synthetic, Imitation, and Treated Gemstones
1617:. International Gem Society. Archived from
1611:"Ammolite jewelry and gemstone information"
1499:. Vol. 37, no. 1. pp. 4â25.
630:, and (to a lesser degree) the cylindrical
2133:
1942:
1763:
1749:
1741:
1704:. Emporia State University. Archived from
1483:
1481:
1479:
316:, which in turn are composed primarily of
91:
1504:
1444:"Designating Alberta's official gemstone"
71:Learn how and when to remove this message
34:This article includes a list of general
1323:
1288:
1591:Aboriginal Times (aboriginaltimes.com)
1347:
830:who wish to mine ammolite deposits on
596:An iridescent ammonite from Madagascar
476:of Canadian material (as measured via
82:
1345:
1343:
1341:
1339:
1337:
1335:
1333:
1331:
1329:
1327:
802:and is usually cracked â this is the
553:, which is typically a grey to brown
7:
1189:In the late 1990s, practitioners of
931:The brightness of colors and their
1585:Hoggan, Kyra (December 23, 2003).
1566:Pedersen, Maggie Campbell (2004).
40:it lacks sufficient corresponding
14:
1411:"Minutes of City Council Meeting"
1663:. Gulf Professional Publishing.
1357:Gemological Institute of America
25:
1144:at the shell-quartz interface.
879:
536:
359:for "small, crawling stone"),
1:
2759:Provincial symbols of Alberta
710:that extends from Alberta to
543:
342:World Jewellery Confederation
1659:O'Donoghue, Michael (1997).
1267:. It is also crafted in the
1245:cleaning should be avoided.
836:Alberta Department of Energy
745:Since its founding in 1979,
240:anomalous aggregate reaction
1387:. June 2007. Archived from
1385:Jewellery Business Magazine
891:The way the colors "play" (
2797:
351:Ammolite is also known as
332:gemstones; others include
16:Opal-like organic gemstone
2700:
925:Brightness of colors and
815:concretions. This is the
628:Placenticeras intercalare
90:
1721:Webster, Robert (1994).
1041:The iridescent flashes (
469:is 2.60â2.85 g/cmÂł.
146:, with minor amounts of
111:fossilized, mineralized
2265:Nickel silver (alpacca)
1269:Southwest United States
1186:for use in ceremonies.
1169:tribe know ammolite as
909:angle of light striking
714:in Canada and south to
668:that eventually became
659:Western Interior Seaway
55:more precise citations.
1681:Gemstones of the World
1271:, where it is used by
1161:
1079:. This group includes
1046:
864:
775:
703:
620:disk-shaped ammonites
613:
597:
547: 0.5â0.8 mm
158:, and other impurities
2769:Economic paleontology
2606:Other natural objects
1702:"Gems in Brief (A-C)"
1634:Li, Edward Kui Ming.
1546:on December 27, 2013.
1155:
1040:
853:
769:
698:
610:mid-Cretaceous period
603:
595:
2081:Wire wrapped jewelry
2061:RepoussĂŠ and chasing
1708:on December 24, 2013
1646:on November 14, 2012
1621:on December 24, 2013
1540:www.energy.gov.ab.ca
1265:Jasper National Park
1156:Ammolite jewelry by
868:following criteria:
751:Kainah (Blood) tribe
636:Baculites compressus
514:light, ammolite may
389:chemical composition
308:. It is made of the
2623:Ebonite (vulcanite)
1506:10.5741/GEMS.37.1.4
1497:Gems & Gemology
1353:Gem Reference Guide
1261:Banff National Park
724:St. Mary River
623:Placenticeras meeki
1968:Jewellery designer
1516:on October 5, 2016
1418:City of Lethbridge
1162:
1047:
865:
834:must apply to the
776:
704:
650:at the end of the
614:
598:
237:Optical properties
191:uneven to granular
2774:Blackfoot culture
2754:Organic gemstones
2741:
2740:
2658:
2657:
2528:Organic gemstones
2125:
2124:
1732:978-0-7506-1674-4
1725:. Digital Press.
1700:Susan Ward Aber.
1692:978-0-8069-9461-1
1670:978-0-7506-3173-0
1597:on March 24, 2005
1577:978-0-7506-5852-2
1446:. April 21, 2022.
1366:978-0-87311-019-8
1091:shells. Found in
1057:), an iridescent
708:Bearpaw Formation
638:. Ammonites were
518:a mustard yellow.
462:is 3.5â4.5 .
449:crystal structure
287:
286:
81:
80:
73:
2786:
2779:Mollusc products
2185:Britannia silver
2134:
1943:
1765:
1758:
1751:
1742:
1736:
1717:
1715:
1713:
1696:
1684:
1674:
1655:
1653:
1651:
1642:. Archived from
1630:
1628:
1626:
1606:
1604:
1602:
1593:. Archived from
1581:
1562:
1548:
1547:
1542:. Archived from
1532:
1526:
1525:
1523:
1521:
1515:
1509:. Archived from
1508:
1494:
1485:
1474:
1473:
1457:
1448:
1447:
1440:
1434:
1433:
1431:
1429:
1424:. April 30, 2007
1415:
1407:
1401:
1400:
1398:
1396:
1377:
1371:
1370:
1349:
1312:
1293:
1184:medicine bundles
917:Rotational range
897:rotational range
846:Gemstone quality
770:Another view of
730:and the city of
582:pseudomorphously
548:
545:
507:
505:
498:
496:
489:
487:
474:refractive index
467:specific gravity
298:organic gemstone
246:Refractive index
220:Specific gravity
201:
181:no true cleavage
139:
138:
137:
126:
125:(repeating unit)
95:
83:
76:
69:
65:
62:
56:
51:this article by
42:inline citations
29:
28:
21:
2796:
2795:
2789:
2788:
2787:
2785:
2784:
2783:
2744:
2743:
2742:
2737:
2696:
2654:
2643:Spondylus shell
2601:
2523:
2294:
2280:Stainless steel
2231:
2215:Sterling silver
2175:Precious metal
2170:
2138:Precious metals
2121:
2085:
1987:
1934:
1774:
1769:
1739:
1733:
1720:
1711:
1709:
1699:
1693:
1677:
1671:
1658:
1649:
1647:
1633:
1624:
1622:
1609:
1600:
1598:
1584:
1578:
1565:
1560:
1556:
1551:
1534:
1533:
1529:
1519:
1517:
1513:
1492:
1487:
1486:
1477:
1459:
1458:
1451:
1442:
1441:
1437:
1427:
1425:
1413:
1409:
1408:
1404:
1394:
1392:
1391:on July 3, 2007
1379:
1378:
1374:
1367:
1351:
1350:
1325:
1321:
1316:
1315:
1301:mother of pearl
1294:
1290:
1285:
1277:Native American
1236:; if used as a
1216:and mounted in
1150:
1053:(also known as
1043:labradorescence
1035:
960:
904:Chromatic shift
893:chromatic shift
848:
764:
693:
646:along with the
590:
546:
528:spectral colors
500:
499:
491:
490:
482:
481:
385:
302:Rocky Mountains
199:
136:
133:
132:
131:
129:
124:
123:
98:
77:
66:
60:
57:
47:Please help to
46:
30:
26:
17:
12:
11:
5:
2794:
2793:
2790:
2782:
2781:
2776:
2771:
2766:
2761:
2756:
2746:
2745:
2739:
2738:
2736:
2735:
2730:
2725:
2720:
2715:
2710:
2705:
2704:Related topics
2701:
2698:
2697:
2695:
2694:
2689:
2684:
2678:
2672:
2666:
2664:
2660:
2659:
2656:
2655:
2653:
2652:
2647:
2646:
2645:
2635:
2630:
2625:
2620:
2615:
2609:
2607:
2603:
2602:
2600:
2599:
2594:
2589:
2584:
2579:
2574:
2569:
2568:
2567:
2562:
2552:
2547:
2542:
2537:
2531:
2529:
2525:
2524:
2522:
2521:
2516:
2511:
2506:
2501:
2496:
2491:
2486:
2481:
2476:
2471:
2466:
2461:
2451:
2446:
2441:
2436:
2431:
2426:
2421:
2416:
2411:
2406:
2401:
2396:
2391:
2386:
2381:
2376:
2371:
2366:
2361:
2356:
2351:
2346:
2341:
2336:
2326:
2321:
2316:
2311:
2305:
2303:
2296:
2295:
2293:
2292:
2287:
2282:
2277:
2272:
2267:
2262:
2257:
2252:
2247:
2241:
2239:
2233:
2232:
2230:
2229:
2224:
2223:
2222:
2212:
2207:
2202:
2197:
2192:
2187:
2181:
2179:
2172:
2171:
2169:
2168:
2163:
2158:
2153:
2148:
2142:
2140:
2131:
2127:
2126:
2123:
2122:
2120:
2119:
2114:
2109:
2104:
2099:
2093:
2091:
2087:
2086:
2084:
2083:
2078:
2076:Wire sculpture
2073:
2068:
2063:
2058:
2053:
2048:
2043:
2038:
2033:
2028:
2023:
2022:
2021:
2016:
2011:
2001:
1995:
1993:
1989:
1988:
1986:
1985:
1980:
1975:
1970:
1965:
1960:
1955:
1949:
1947:
1940:
1936:
1935:
1933:
1932:
1931:
1930:
1925:
1915:
1910:
1905:
1900:
1895:
1890:
1885:
1880:
1875:
1870:
1865:
1860:
1855:
1850:
1845:
1840:
1835:
1830:
1825:
1820:
1815:
1810:
1805:
1800:
1795:
1790:
1784:
1782:
1776:
1775:
1770:
1768:
1767:
1760:
1753:
1745:
1738:
1737:
1731:
1718:
1697:
1691:
1675:
1669:
1656:
1631:
1615:gemsociety.org
1607:
1582:
1576:
1563:
1557:
1555:
1554:External links
1552:
1550:
1549:
1527:
1475:
1462:Rock & Gem
1449:
1435:
1402:
1372:
1365:
1322:
1320:
1317:
1314:
1313:
1287:
1286:
1284:
1281:
1279:craftspeople.
1149:
1148:Use in jewelry
1146:
1034:
1031:
959:
956:
946:
945:
929:
922:
921:
900:
888:
887:
884:primary colors
876:
874:primary colors
872:The number of
847:
844:
763:
760:
692:
689:
589:
586:
520:
519:
508:
470:
463:
456:
384:
381:
285:
284:
281:
272:
271:
268:
262:
261:
258:
252:
251:
248:
242:
241:
238:
234:
233:
230:
226:
225:
222:
216:
215:
214:greasy to dull
212:
206:
205:
202:
193:
192:
189:
183:
182:
179:
173:
172:
169:
165:
164:
163:Identification
160:
159:
134:
127:
117:
116:
109:
105:
104:
100:
99:
96:
88:
87:
79:
78:
61:September 2008
33:
31:
24:
15:
13:
10:
9:
6:
4:
3:
2:
2792:
2791:
2780:
2777:
2775:
2772:
2770:
2767:
2765:
2762:
2760:
2757:
2755:
2752:
2751:
2749:
2734:
2731:
2729:
2726:
2724:
2721:
2719:
2716:
2714:
2711:
2709:
2708:Body piercing
2706:
2703:
2702:
2699:
2693:
2690:
2688:
2685:
2682:
2679:
2676:
2673:
2671:
2668:
2667:
2665:
2661:
2651:
2648:
2644:
2641:
2640:
2639:
2636:
2634:
2631:
2629:
2626:
2624:
2621:
2619:
2616:
2614:
2611:
2610:
2608:
2604:
2598:
2597:Tortoiseshell
2595:
2593:
2590:
2588:
2585:
2583:
2580:
2578:
2575:
2573:
2570:
2566:
2563:
2561:
2558:
2557:
2556:
2553:
2551:
2548:
2546:
2543:
2541:
2538:
2536:
2533:
2532:
2530:
2526:
2520:
2517:
2515:
2512:
2510:
2507:
2505:
2502:
2500:
2497:
2495:
2492:
2490:
2487:
2485:
2482:
2480:
2477:
2475:
2472:
2470:
2467:
2465:
2462:
2459:
2455:
2452:
2450:
2447:
2445:
2442:
2440:
2437:
2435:
2432:
2430:
2427:
2425:
2422:
2420:
2417:
2415:
2412:
2410:
2407:
2405:
2402:
2400:
2397:
2395:
2392:
2390:
2387:
2385:
2382:
2380:
2377:
2375:
2372:
2370:
2367:
2365:
2362:
2360:
2357:
2355:
2352:
2350:
2347:
2345:
2342:
2340:
2337:
2334:
2330:
2327:
2325:
2322:
2320:
2317:
2315:
2312:
2310:
2307:
2306:
2304:
2302:
2297:
2291:
2288:
2286:
2283:
2281:
2278:
2276:
2273:
2271:
2268:
2266:
2263:
2261:
2258:
2256:
2253:
2251:
2248:
2246:
2243:
2242:
2240:
2238:
2234:
2228:
2225:
2221:
2218:
2217:
2216:
2213:
2211:
2208:
2206:
2203:
2201:
2198:
2196:
2193:
2191:
2188:
2186:
2183:
2182:
2180:
2178:
2173:
2167:
2164:
2162:
2159:
2157:
2154:
2152:
2149:
2147:
2144:
2143:
2141:
2139:
2135:
2132:
2128:
2118:
2115:
2113:
2110:
2108:
2105:
2103:
2100:
2098:
2095:
2094:
2092:
2088:
2082:
2079:
2077:
2074:
2072:
2069:
2067:
2064:
2062:
2059:
2057:
2054:
2052:
2049:
2047:
2044:
2042:
2039:
2037:
2034:
2032:
2029:
2027:
2024:
2020:
2017:
2015:
2012:
2010:
2007:
2006:
2005:
2002:
2000:
1997:
1996:
1994:
1990:
1984:
1981:
1979:
1976:
1974:
1971:
1969:
1966:
1964:
1961:
1959:
1956:
1954:
1953:Bench jeweler
1951:
1950:
1948:
1944:
1941:
1937:
1929:
1926:
1924:
1921:
1920:
1919:
1916:
1914:
1911:
1909:
1906:
1904:
1901:
1899:
1896:
1894:
1891:
1889:
1886:
1884:
1881:
1879:
1876:
1874:
1871:
1869:
1866:
1864:
1861:
1859:
1856:
1854:
1851:
1849:
1846:
1844:
1841:
1839:
1836:
1834:
1831:
1829:
1826:
1824:
1821:
1819:
1816:
1814:
1811:
1809:
1806:
1804:
1801:
1799:
1796:
1794:
1791:
1789:
1786:
1785:
1783:
1781:
1777:
1773:
1766:
1761:
1759:
1754:
1752:
1747:
1746:
1743:
1734:
1728:
1724:
1719:
1707:
1703:
1698:
1694:
1688:
1683:
1682:
1676:
1672:
1666:
1662:
1657:
1645:
1641:
1637:
1632:
1620:
1616:
1612:
1608:
1596:
1592:
1588:
1583:
1579:
1573:
1569:
1564:
1559:
1558:
1553:
1545:
1541:
1537:
1531:
1528:
1512:
1507:
1502:
1498:
1491:
1484:
1482:
1480:
1476:
1471:
1467:
1463:
1456:
1454:
1450:
1445:
1439:
1436:
1423:
1419:
1412:
1406:
1403:
1390:
1386:
1382:
1376:
1373:
1368:
1362:
1358:
1354:
1348:
1346:
1344:
1342:
1340:
1338:
1336:
1334:
1332:
1330:
1328:
1324:
1318:
1310:
1306:
1305:tortoiseshell
1302:
1298:
1292:
1289:
1282:
1280:
1278:
1274:
1270:
1266:
1262:
1258:
1254:
1250:
1246:
1244:
1239:
1235:
1231:
1227:
1223:
1219:
1215:
1210:
1208:
1204:
1200:
1196:
1192:
1187:
1185:
1180:
1176:
1172:
1168:
1159:
1154:
1147:
1145:
1142:
1138:
1134:
1133:proteinaceous
1130:
1126:
1122:
1118:
1117:
1113:
1109:
1104:
1102:
1098:
1094:
1090:
1086:
1082:
1078:
1074:
1073:Gemologically
1070:
1068:
1064:
1060:
1056:
1052:
1044:
1039:
1032:
1030:
1026:
1024:
1019:
1017:
1013:
1009:
1005:
1001:
997:
993:
989:
985:
980:
977:
972:
969:
965:
957:
955:
952:
943:
939:
934:
930:
928:
924:
923:
918:
914:
910:
906:
905:
901:
898:
894:
890:
889:
885:
881:
877:
875:
871:
870:
869:
862:
858:
857:
856:Placenticeras
852:
845:
843:
841:
837:
833:
829:
825:
820:
818:
814:
810:
805:
801:
798:
792:
790:
786:
781:
773:
768:
761:
759:
756:
752:
748:
743:
741:
737:
733:
729:
725:
719:
717:
713:
709:
701:
697:
690:
688:
686:
682:
678:
675:
671:
667:
664:
660:
655:
653:
649:
645:
641:
637:
633:
629:
625:
624:
619:
611:
607:
606:North America
602:
594:
587:
585:
583:
579:
574:
572:
571:stained glass
568:
564:
560:
556:
552:
540:
538:
533:
529:
525:
517:
513:
509:
504:= 1.676â1.679
503:
495:= 1.672â1.673
494:
485:
479:
475:
471:
468:
464:
461:
457:
454:
450:
446:
445:
444:
442:
438:
434:
430:
426:
422:
418:
414:
410:
406:
402:
398:
394:
390:
382:
380:
378:
374:
370:
366:
362:
358:
354:
349:
347:
343:
339:
335:
331:
327:
324:contained in
323:
319:
315:
311:
307:
306:North America
303:
299:
295:
291:
282:
280:
277:
273:
269:
267:
263:
260:0.135 - 0.145
259:
257:
256:Birefringence
253:
249:
247:
243:
239:
235:
231:
229:Polish luster
227:
223:
221:
217:
213:
211:
207:
203:
198:
194:
190:
188:
184:
180:
178:
174:
170:
166:
161:
157:
153:
149:
145:
142:
128:
122:
118:
114:
110:
106:
101:
94:
89:
84:
75:
72:
64:
54:
50:
44:
43:
37:
32:
23:
22:
19:
2733:Wearable art
2728:Phaleristics
2723:Metalworking
2628:Gutta-percha
2544:
2404:Lapis lazuli
2190:Colored gold
2071:Stonesetting
1722:
1712:December 23,
1710:. Retrieved
1706:the original
1680:
1660:
1650:December 23,
1648:. Retrieved
1644:the original
1625:December 23,
1623:. Retrieved
1619:the original
1614:
1601:February 18,
1599:. Retrieved
1595:the original
1590:
1570:. Elsevier.
1567:
1544:the original
1539:
1530:
1518:. Retrieved
1511:the original
1496:
1461:
1438:
1426:. Retrieved
1405:
1393:. Retrieved
1389:the original
1384:
1375:
1352:
1308:
1291:
1247:
1211:
1188:
1170:
1163:
1114:
1105:
1080:
1071:
1067:Slocum stone
1048:
1042:
1027:
1020:
1010:, synthetic
1006:, synthetic
999:
987:
983:
981:
973:
961:
947:
937:
926:
916:
902:
896:
892:
873:
866:
854:
822:As of 2015,
821:
816:
811:rather than
803:
793:
777:
744:
720:
712:Saskatchewan
705:
656:
635:
627:
621:
615:
575:
541:
532:interference
521:
501:
492:
483:
453:orthorhombic
386:
368:
364:
361:gem ammonite
360:
352:
350:
289:
288:
279:fluorescence
67:
58:
39:
18:
2670:Art jewelry
2494:Tiger's eye
2399:Labradorite
2349:Chrysocolla
2344:Chrysoberyl
2260:Mokume-gane
2237:Base metals
2009:centrifugal
1978:Silversmith
1853:Ferronnière
1803:Belt buckle
1798:Belly chain
1520:January 11,
1428:December 5,
1205:green, and
1173:, meaning "
1121:mariculture
1055:spectrolite
1051:labradorite
940:type (see
933:iridescence
927:iridescence
828:Prospectors
800:concretions
738:(Kainaiwa)
677:concretions
640:cephalopods
512:ultraviolet
320:, the same
276:Ultraviolet
266:Pleochroism
53:introducing
2748:Categories
2504:Tourmaline
2449:Prasiolite
2324:Aventurine
2195:Crown gold
2097:Draw plate
2046:Metal clay
1983:Watchmaker
1973:Lapidarist
1958:Clockmaker
1833:Collar pin
1828:Chatelaine
1381:"Ammolite"
1319:References
1275:and other
1253:black opal
1243:ultrasonic
1129:conchiolin
1125:gastropods
1110:(or paua;
1081:lumachella
1063:black opal
1033:Imitations
958:Treatments
951:treatments
920:240°â180°.
880:properties
832:Crown land
762:Extraction
732:Lethbridge
691:Occurrence
663:bentonitic
618:Cretaceous
569:skin" or "
537:treatments
524:iridescent
383:Properties
365:calcentine
346:Lethbridge
312:shells of
310:fossilized
197:Mohs scale
36:references
2764:Ammonites
2650:Toadstone
2587:Operculum
2514:Variscite
2509:Turquoise
2489:Tanzanite
2424:Moonstone
2419:Marcasite
2414:Malachite
2339:Carnelian
2314:Amazonite
2301:gemstones
2275:Pinchbeck
2220:Argentium
2210:Shibuichi
2151:Palladium
2130:Materials
2066:Soldering
2056:Polishing
2031:Engraving
2026:Enameling
1992:Processes
1963:Goldsmith
1898:Tie chain
1873:Neck ring
1863:Lapel pin
1772:Jewellery
1470:0048-8453
1283:Footnotes
1214:cabochons
1191:feng shui
1167:Blackfeet
1123:of these
984:composite
942:formation
913:prismatic
861:Campanian
780:open pits
681:sediments
648:dinosaurs
563:limestone
557:, chalky
516:fluoresce
433:strontium
429:manganese
425:magnesium
405:Aluminium
318:aragonite
314:ammonites
204:3.5 - 4.5
144:polymorph
141:aragonite
2718:Gemology
2692:Fineness
2683:(purity)
2618:Bog-wood
2565:Precious
2545:Ammolite
2484:Sunstone
2474:Sodalite
2469:Sapphire
2429:Obsidian
2369:Fluorite
2359:Diopside
2319:Amethyst
2299:Mineral
2290:Tungsten
2285:Titanium
2200:Electrum
2156:Platinum
2041:Kazaziye
2036:Filigree
2014:lost-wax
1913:Toe ring
1903:Tie clip
1878:Pectoral
1868:Necklace
1843:Cufflink
1818:Bracelet
1813:Bolo tie
1793:Barrette
1395:July 20,
1359:. 1988.
1257:artisans
1234:brooches
1230:earrings
1226:pendants
1222:diamonds
1179:amuletic
1116:Haliotis
1059:feldspar
1008:corundum
988:doublets
813:siderite
797:siderite
679:. These
674:siderite
652:Mesozoic
632:baculite
578:nautilus
460:hardness
441:vanadium
437:titanium
413:chromium
377:doublets
330:biogenic
290:Ammolite
283:variable
232:vitreous
200:hardness
187:Fracture
177:Cleavage
113:Ammonite
108:Category
86:Ammolite
2713:Fashion
2687:Finding
2535:Abalone
2444:Peridot
2409:Larimar
2394:Kyanite
2379:Howlite
2364:Emerald
2354:Diamond
2227:Tumbaga
2205:ShakudĹ
2161:Rhodium
2112:Mandrel
2051:Plating
2004:Casting
1999:Carving
1908:Tie pin
1883:Pendant
1858:Genital
1848:Earring
1422:Alberta
1220:, with
1203:emerald
1175:buffalo
1171:iniskim
1108:abalone
1101:mosaics
1097:Austria
1077:marbles
1000:triplet
840:hectare
753:, with
740:reserve
728:Magrath
716:Montana
685:calcite
644:extinct
604:Map of
497: ;
488: ;
486:= 1.522
393:calcite
322:mineral
148:calcite
121:Formula
103:General
49:improve
2677:(mass)
2613:Bezoar
2519:Zircon
2479:Spinel
2454:Quartz
2389:Jasper
2374:Garnet
2270:Pewter
2255:Copper
2250:Bronze
2177:alloys
2166:Silver
2117:Pliers
2107:Hammer
2019:vacuum
1946:People
1939:Making
1923:pocket
1823:Brooch
1788:Anklet
1729:
1689:
1667:
1640:Korite
1574:
1468:
1363:
1309:jewels
1232:, and
1158:Korite
1137:luster
1012:quartz
1004:spinel
976:Korite
824:Korite
809:pyrite
789:Korite
785:Korite
772:Korite
755:Korite
747:Korite
736:Kainah
700:Korite
588:Origin
567:dragon
551:matrix
510:Under
478:sodium
439:, and
417:copper
409:barium
401:pyrite
397:silica
373:Korite
369:korite
367:, and
357:Kainah
353:aapoak
296:-like
292:is an
210:Luster
156:silica
152:pyrite
38:, but
2681:Carat
2675:Carat
2663:Terms
2638:Shell
2592:Pearl
2582:Nacre
2572:Ivory
2560:Black
2555:Coral
2550:Copal
2540:Amber
2499:Topaz
2458:smoky
2329:Beryl
2309:Agate
2245:Brass
2090:Tools
1928:strap
1918:Watch
1893:Tiara
1838:Crown
1808:Bindi
1780:Forms
1514:(PDF)
1493:(PDF)
1414:(PDF)
1297:ivory
1249:Japan
1207:amber
1201:red,
1112:genus
1093:Italy
1089:snail
1023:loupe
996:glass
968:epoxy
964:water
938:sheet
817:sheet
804:crush
670:shale
654:era.
561:, or
555:shale
338:pearl
334:amber
326:nacre
168:Color
115:shell
2633:Hair
2464:Ruby
2439:Opal
2434:Onyx
2384:Jade
2146:Gold
2102:File
1888:Ring
1727:ISBN
1714:2013
1687:ISBN
1665:ISBN
1652:2013
1627:2013
1603:2005
1572:ISBN
1522:2015
1466:ISSN
1430:2007
1397:2007
1361:ISBN
1273:Zuni
1263:and
1238:ring
1218:gold
1199:ruby
1141:dyed
1131:, a
1095:and
1087:and
1085:clam
1016:lens
992:onyx
895:and
626:and
559:clay
472:The
465:Its
458:Its
447:Its
421:iron
387:The
336:and
294:opal
270:none
130:CaCO
2577:Jet
2333:red
1501:doi
1195:chi
994:or
666:mud
522:An
451:is
304:of
2750::
1638:.
1613:.
1589:.
1538:.
1495:.
1478:^
1452:^
1420:,
1416:.
1383:.
1355:.
1326:^
1303:,
1299:,
1228:,
842:.
687:.
634:,
544:c.
443:.
435:,
431:,
427:,
423:,
419:,
415:,
411:,
407:,
399:,
395:,
363:,
154:,
150:,
2460:)
2456:(
2335:)
2331:(
1764:e
1757:t
1750:v
1735:.
1716:.
1695:.
1673:.
1654:.
1629:.
1605:.
1580:.
1524:.
1503::
1472:.
1432:.
1399:.
1369:.
899:)
612:.
506:.
502:Îł
493:β
484:Îą
455:.
355:(
135:3
74:)
68:(
63:)
59:(
45:.
Text is available under the Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License. Additional terms may apply.