Ammolite Crystal Meaning: Healing Properties, Benefits and Uses
Ammolite, the stone of perfection, is made from the fossilized shells of ammonites, which is an extinct sea creatures. It comes in different colors across the spectrum. It is one of the rarest gemstones and is highly in demand. Jewelry made of ammolite is highly sought after due to its exceptional properties. It is known to give strength to your mind, body, and soul.
Ammolite is believed to hold the energies and vibrations of the universe. These energies help one to get in tune with one’s feelings to have a better understanding of the world as a whole.
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Table of Contents
What is Ammolite Crystal?
Ammolite is a layer of aragonite shell material which are predominantly made of the mineral aragonite, which is also found in nacre and has a microstructure derived from the shell. It is a thin and iridescent layer. It is present on two different types of extinct ammonite fossils called ‘Placenticeras meeki and Placenticeras intercalare’.
Aside from aragonite, the chemical makeup of ammolite can also contain calcite, silica, pyrite, or other minerals. A number of trace elements, such as aluminum, barium, chromium, copper, iron, magnesium, manganese, strontium, titanium, and vanadium, may be present in the shell itself. It is an organic gemstone and generally resembles an opal.
Ammolite is also commonly known as an ‘ammonite shell’ in different areas across the world. Aapoak (Kainah for “tiny, crawling stone”), gem ammonite, calcentine, and Korite are further names for ammolite. Ammonites were originally squid-like creatures with spiral shells and tentacles. According to the GIA’s Gems & Gemology, approximately 66 million years ago, they became extinct and in contrast, the iridescent, nacreous layer of an ammonite’s shell that has undergone fossilization is known as ammolite.
Ammolite is the term used when there isn’t a fossil. To become an ammolite gem, an ammonite must be submerged far beneath the surface of the ocean without oxygen or heat. Ammolite in its form is more delicate. The mining company Korite, with its headquarters in Alberta, has given the gemstone the latter commercial name. The stone is referred to as ‘aapoak’ in Siksika, the native Blackfoot language, which means a “tiny, crawling stone.” On the hardness scale, it ranges from 3.5 to 4.5.
The World Jewelry Confederation granted this magnificent iridescent gem formal gemstone status in 1981. One interesting fact about ammolite is that in 2007, Lethbridge, Alberta, declared it to be the city’s official gemstone.
How To Identify An Ammolite Crystal?
To identify an ammolite, one should observe the gem under a source of white light. When white light enters the thin, regularly spaced layers of aragonite and experiences diffraction, it manifests as flashes of spectral colors.
The surface can also be observed as the surface of gem-quality fossil shells is made up of closely packed aragonite crystals with a c-axis parallel to the shell surface. Identification using color distinction can be difficult in the case of this gemstone as it appears in all the colors of a rainbow.
- Ammolite: Color
Ammolite appears in a variety of lovely tones. You name a color and you’ll find the bright gemstone of that particular color. Iridescence is the characteristic that gives ammolites’ surface its stunning colors. The real gemstone material has many layers that combine to produce a stunning variety of colors. Ammolite’s shell layer, which imparts color, is usually less than one millimeter thick, linked to a shale or siderite substrate that ranges in color from dark grey to brown.
Fine examples of the gemstone display an iridescent opal-like play of color, primarily in green and red tones. What makes it distinct as opposed to the majority of other gems whose hues result from light absorption is that the iridescence of the ammolite is caused by interference with the light that rebounds from the stacked layers of thin platelets that make up the aragonite.
More reds and greens are produced when the layers are thicker; when layers are thinner, more blues and violets are dominant. Thus, Colors like blue and purple are rare as compared to red and green. Other colors, such as violet, crimson, and gold, are extremely uncommon and in high demand.
Ammolite stones have a single, intensely vivid hue or a variety of vivid colors and are usually of a very high grade.
- Ammolite: Cuts and shapes
Ammolite “naturals” are hand-finished freeform cabochons without a coating. These gemstones are manually carved to enhance their natural vivid colors. They can be up to 10 carats and 6 inches across and are supported by the fossil’s original shale. The backing thickness shouldn’t be greater than 1.5 mm, although these are priced according to carat weight.
The best rough is typically carved into freeform forms to create jewels with the highest carat weight. Designer jewelry uses these. For usage in commercial jewelry, other material grades are cut to standard shapes. The majority of ammolite is used to make triplets. These are created by placing a thin slab behind the delicate iridescent material to provide stability and a transparent cover on top to provide protection.
The transparent cover may be made of clear quartz or spinel. The backing might be made of black shale or another material. Doublets can be created from some ammolite by simply adding a translucent backing when necessary. For stability, epoxy is often injected into many stones.
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Where is Ammolite Crystal Found?
Ammolite is a rare gemstone and can be found only in a handful of places. Significant concentrations of gem-quality ammolite have been discovered in what is known as the Bearpaw Formation. It stretches from south to Montana in the United States of America and north to Saskatchewan in Canada.
The eastern slopes of the Rockies in southern Alberta are home to the greatest grade of gem-quality ammolite. In an area south of and between the hamlet of Magrath and the city of Lethbridge, the majority of commercial mining operations have been carried out along the banks of the St. Mary River. The Kainah (Kainaiwa) reserve has almost half of all ammolite deposits, and its residents are heavily involved in ammolite mining. Smaller deposits have also been discovered as far south as Central Utah.
What is Ammolite Crystal Meaning?
The meaning of ammolite is associated with ‘perfection’. The word “Ammolite” comes from the name of the god Ammon, who was a representation of Ram with twisted horns in Ancient Egypt. The Ram’s head looks a lot like the ancient Ammonites’ shells.
In the past, ammolite has been used in different cultures for different meanings and hence it is not possible to give a single meaning to this precious gemstone. Intuitive awareness, grounding, and prosperous qualities are believed to be its primary characteristics.
The beautiful rainbow-colored iridescence of this stone represents the harmonious coexistence of earth, metal, fire, water, and wood. Due to this, it is also sometimes referred to as the ‘Stone of Seven Colors Prosperity’.
Ammolite Meaning in Ancient Lore and History
Ammonite has a long history and has been valued across the world because of its extraordinary healing properties. These ammonites that makeup ammolite lived in an ancient, inland, subtropical sea that was bounded by the Rocky Mountains. The dying ammonites sank to the bottom where they were buried by bentonitic mud layers that later turned into shale.
Ammonites of gem quality are abundant in siderite concretions. The aragonite in the shells was preserved because these sediments stopped it from changing into calcite. Ammolite was first discovered in 71 million-year-old marine fossils. The gemstone is formed by tectonic pressure, heat, and mineralization and is subsequently extracted. In the 1960s, ammolite was used for the first time in commercial jewelry. The World Jewelry Confederation’s Coloured Stones Commission first acknowledged it as an organic gemstone in 1981. (CIBJO).
Ammolite Crystal properties
Ammolite is designed to help you connect with the environment on a physical and spiritual level. It helps one to become more conscious of how your consciousness is evolving in relation to you, the people around you, and the world at large. This is why crystal healers usually use ammolite to aid with personal awakening.
Ammolite stone will also improve your moods, help you relax during meditation, ease any trauma you may be experiencing, and give you more energy. The stone can assist the person in tuning and channeling their energies because it connects to the root chakra. Ammolite’s links to the soil make it a stone that will bring luck, abundance, and prosperity into your life.
Ammolite Healing Properties
Ammolite possesses a remarkable number of healing abilities. The characteristics of ammolite are most often associated with three qualities: perfection, wisdom, and knowledge. The stone is also said to contain the energies of the cosmos. It has been claimed by several people that the stone has brought them luck, wealth, and well-being. The reason for this is the strong connection they had with the gemstone.
Ammolite Physical Healing Properties
Ammolite increases one’s stamina and prevents exhaustion. Additionally, it can improve physical energy and endurance and regulate blood pressure and pulse. The healing properties of this stone can also improve and regulate metabolism. It is also well known for helping both the mother and the baby during childbirth and also known to help the body detoxify and cleanse itself.
Ammolite Emotional Healing Properties
According to legend, the stone possesses potent protecting qualities that can support individuals through difficulties, trauma, illness, and a variety of other issues. Ammolite can help one in detaching themselves from unhealthy substances.
The stone also helps in regaining one’s will to live and helps in fighting depression. It will provide order in what appears to be a chaotic world. It will assist you in organizing the chaos, getting rid of extra clutter, and maintaining your attention on the positives.
It will serve as a valuable guide and aid in your emotional development. Since it is associated with water, it can influence one deeply on an emotional level. It will strengthen your feelings of self-worth. It will also make you a more practical and reliable partner.
In terms of your relationship with your partner, this stone’s powers will shield you from temptations and drive away any unfavorable forces that are keeping you and them apart. You will regain solidity and stability in your relationship.
Ammolite will assist you in overcoming the obstacles keeping you from really loving or being loved fully. You will receive love, compassion, patience, and wisdom from ammolite.
Ammolite Metaphysical Properties
Ammolite is considered to be a stone that contains the universe’s energies and vibrations. One can better understand the cycles of creation and the required evolutionary transformations because of their energies. It will demonstrate to you how to physically and spiritually blend in with your surroundings.
Ammolite is a defensive stone. Your survival instincts will be strengthened by ammolite, enabling you to meet your obstacles. It will assist you in identifying the finest remedies to your issues in order to get them back to their former splendor. At the same time, it will offer you luck, fortune, and prosperity. You can achieve profound states of meditation with the aid of this stone.
Ammolite Benefits
Ammolite helps one in channeling their energies and assists in tuning them. At the same time, one can receive incredibly potent protecting energies from this gemstone that will enable them to endure any difficulty, issue, tragedy, or even catastrophe.
People who wear ammolite are said to be able to receive cosmic energy from the universe as well as the energies of good health, wealth, and enlightenment through this stone. You’ll experience an energy flow from this stone, which will help you feel more secure, safeguarded, and firmly planted in your life. You may alter any bad energy in your home and invite more peace and harmony by putting a piece of ammolite there.
Ammolite Benefits Spirituality
The energies of Ammolite stone will aid you in discovering your spiritual path. For those who require stability, organization, and anchoring in their lives, ammolite is a perfect choice.
Additionally, it has the power to bring back memories of the previous life. They are rich in the energy of the planet. They are also strong and provide stability for both the wearer or bearer and the surroundings. Meditating with ammolite can bring immense calm to one’s mind and soul.
Ammolite & Feng Shui
Ammolite, a gemstone variation of ammonite, has been dubbed the “Seven Color Prosperity Stone” by experts in feng shui. Each hue has a distinct meaning and carries a unique force. These are ancient animal fossils that have absorbed Qi or Chi from the Earth after spending millions of years there.
Additionally, the stone will increase everyone’s vitality who comes in contact with it. Feng Shui teachers and crystal healers use ammolite to bring personal awakenings and to harmonize themselves with their surroundings. Due to its use in feng shui, Japan has become its largest market.
Ammolite: Birthstone
People born with Aquarius as their zodiac sign are said to have mostly benefited from Ammolite. They frequently have open, creative minds that can benefit greatly from the energy of this lovely crystal.
Ammolite: Chakras
Ammolite is associated with the root and the Crown Chakra. Since it connects the human with the cosmic and divine, the big whole, this chakra is genuinely open at the top. On the other hand, the crown chakra is located outside of the physical body. Additionally, it houses Unity Consciousness.
You will be able to attain the highest level of wisdom and knowledge by connecting with the Divine, through this chakra.
Summary of Ammolite Crystal
| Name of Crystal | Ammolite |
| Other Names | Ammonite shell, Aapoak, calcentine and Korite |
| Origin(s) | Southern Alberta(Canada) |
| Color(s) | Different colors from the rainbow spectrum. Lovely tones primarily in green and red |
| Precious | Yes |
| Semi-Precious | No |
| Formation | Ammolite comes from the fossilized shell of ancient marine mollusks, called ammonites, that lived in the Bearpaw Sea around 75 to 70 million years ago |
| Majorly Found at | Alberta in Canada |
| Zodiac Suited for | Aquarius |
| Chakra | Crown Chakra |
| Healing Properties | Emotional support helps recover from past traumas. Fights depression. Increases the feelings of self-worth. |
| Health Benefits | Increases stamina, and prevents exhaustion. Regulate blood pressure and pulse. Regulates Metabolism |
| Types of Crystal | Orthorhombic |
| Uses | used as a stone for healing, harmony, enlightenment, health, and riches |
| Goes in Water? | No |
| Goes in Salt Water? | No |
| Goes in Rain Water? | No |
| No | |
| Moh’s Scale | 3.5-4 |
| Real | Natural inclusions and surface fracture patterns that resemble stained glass patterns |
| Fake | Iridescent appearance |
What are the Uses of Ammolite?
- Ammolite radiates positive energies for harmony, enlightenment, health, and riches if you wear or carry it.
- You can establish equilibrium in your body, mind, and soul by wearing an ammolite pendant.
- Ammolite can also be used as a stone for healing. It is also a great protecting stone.
- Ammolite will shield you, keep you rooted, and give you more vitality.
- You’ll become more balanced and wholesome as a result.
Caring for Ammolite
Ammolite can be easily harmed by exposure to the environment. It is an organic gemstone and thus, needs proper attention and care. The majority of the material is impregnated with clear epoxy or other synthetic resin to stabilize the flake-prone ammolite before cutting.
One must take great care to keep it free from home chemicals like hairspray, perfume, and others. Avoid using commercial cleaning products or ultrasonic cleaners. Additionally, never soak your ammolite crystals for an extended amount of time in the water or any other liquid.
When to Cleanse Ammolite?
Ammolite stone should be cleansed from time to time as it can easily get harmed by extreme temperatures, harsh chemicals, and excessive agitation. Cleaning your Ammolite crystal with a gentle, wet cloth is the best method to keep it sparkling and beautiful. The cloth will effectively remove all the dust and debris.
How to Recharge Your Ammolite?
The crystal may be recharged under the light of the sun or the full moon. In order to prevent fading, it is also advised to keep it out of strong, direct sunlight. By exposing it to moonlight, you may imbue it with positive energy, unshakable love, and a protective aura that you can use later.
What is Ammolite Activation Process?
You may smudge it, hold it over an incense stick, use bells and chimes, and establish an intention to activate it and restore the crystal’s positivity.
How much is Ammolite worth?
Since Ammolite is a rare gemstone, it is naturally quite expensive. It is extremely uncommon primarily because of the small geographic distribution of this deposit. There may only be six to eight years of mining left, according to estimates. It has become the top choice for gemstone investment over the past ten years due to its exceptional rarity.
Its price can range from Rs 500 to 2000 Rs per carat depending on the factors like weight and color.
What determines Ammolite’s price and value?
Ammolite comes in a variety of qualities and colors. Some factors that define ammolite’s grade and worth are:
Color– Since ammolite exhibits a variety of colors, this becomes an important determinant in the value of this stone. Due to the fragility of blue and purple, red and green are significantly more prevalent (see properties). Additionally, some colors that are created by combining fundamental colors, such as crimson, violet, and gold, are the rarest and most sought-after.
At the same time, the luminosity of colors and the chromatic shift also play determinant factors. Chromatic shift describes how the colors change depending on the viewer’s perspective and the angle at which the gemstone is illuminated. Lower grades exhibit relatively little variety, but higher grades exhibit variance that is almost prismatic in breadth.
Thickness – Another crucial element is the ammolite layer’s thickness, which is just 0.1–0.3 millimeters thick after polishing.
Polish quality- Another consideration is the polish quality. The most valuable ammolite is the sheet type which has wide, uninterrupted swathes of color similar to the “broad flash” category of opal. However, the “dragon skin” cracking usually reduces its value. In finer grades, the matrix is invisible, and there shouldn’t be any foreign minerals dispersing or reducing the iridescence.
The more minimal the treatment an ammolite gem has undergone, the more precious it will be, barring any other circumstances.
Does Ammolite make a good Jewelry Stone?
Ammolite is widely used as a jewelry stone. It can scratch easily because it is soft so usually solid ammolite is used. We can often find brooches, pendants, or earrings made of ammolite. If it is used as a ring stone, a hard protective cap, such as one made of synthetic spinel used in triplets, should be applied. Additionally, small-sized whole polished ammonites can be put in jewelry. Ammolite is typically cut into freeform cabochons, set in gold, and accented with diamonds.
In earrings, brooches, pins, and pendants where abrasion and impact are less likely, uncapped stones work well. This is due to the substance’s softness, brittleness, and ability to cleave under impact.
Ammolite Real vs Fake
Since Ammonites come in a huge variety of colors, it becomes difficult to spot a real one based on the color. Although Ammolites can be any hue in the rainbow, the majority are red and green. Blue and violet are more precious and scarce.
To distinguish, one can look for natural inclusions which are frequently visible in ammolite in the form of repaired fractures. It can also display surface fracture patterns that are comparable to stained glass patterns.
Ammolite is not frequently or easily duplicated, although some materials have a superficial appearance that could fool someone who is not familiar with it. These include broad-flash black opal and labradorite (sometimes referred to as spectrolite), an iridescent feldspar that may potentially be Canadian in origin. Both are inadequate replacements, and the latter is more valuable than ammolite.
According to gemology, ammolite is in the same category as marbles made of shells. Among them is lumachella, often known as “fire marble,” a marble with a similar iridescent appearance made from fossilized clam and snail shells. Its iridescence is patchy and far from ammolite’s dazzling iridescence. Despite these variations, lumachella may be used interchangeably with ammolite in some contexts. So, one needs to make sure that they are aware of the characteristics of both the stones, and in case of any confusion, they must confirm with the shop owner or an expert.
FAQs
Is Ammolite worth anything?
Yes, ammolite being an extremely rare gemstone having so many useful emotional, spiritual, physical, and metaphysical benefits, definitely is worth buying. At the same time, it is a valuable source of investment too.
Why is Ammolite so rare?
Ammolite is so rare because it is found only in limited areas of the earth. Its scarcity makes it so rare and extremely valuable. As stated above, a little region along the St. Mary River in western Alberta, Canada, supplies the whole commercial production of the entire world.
What is Ammolite good for?
Ammolite is good for protection, and awakening and has great healing properties. It also has a number of spiritual, emotional, and metaphysical benefits as well.
Does Ammolite increase in value?
Since ammolite is so scarce and is found in some places only, its supply is currently declining on a global scale. The value of the gemstone is rising which makes it a great investment. It is one of the most beneficial choices for gemstone investments because its price has been constantly rising, averaging 30% per year.
How can you tell if Ammolite is real?
One can look for natural inclusions which are frequently visible in ammolite in the form of repaired fractures to determine if it’s real. It can also display surface fracture patterns that are comparable to stained glass patterns. In the end, it is always safer to consult the shop owner or, even better, a gemstone expert.
What is the rarest color of Ammolite?
Due to the variety of colors in which ammolite is found, some colors are considered to be more valuable than others. Blue and violet are some of the rarest colors of opal.
Is Ammolite an opal?
Ammolite definitely looks opal-like and can thus be deceiving but they both are completely different. The main difference is that ammolite is an organic gemstone whereas opal is not.
