Southern Alberta, Canada
Ammolite was first discovered by the Black foot Indians in an area bordering the Canadian Rockies. In 1908 a member of the National Geological Survey team found mineralized opalescent fossil shells from prehistoric sea creatures known as ammonites along the St. Mary River in Alberta. It was not until 1981, however, that enough high quality ammolite was discovered to make mining commercially viable of this beautiful organic gem material. Ammolite is now considered to be Canada’s finest gemstone. It has a mineral composition of aragonite (calcium carbonate), which is similar to that of pearls with multiple thin layers, which catch and reflect light. The iridescence, which occurs is created by light interference and reflection from these layers.

These two freeform cabochons have excellent play-of-color. The first one with predominantly green flashes in various patterns, weighing approximately 11.36 carats and measuring 24.0 x 15.0 x 2.5mm ; the other with red predominantly red flashes, weighing approximately 11.0 carats measuring 27.5 x 16.5 x 2.2mm. (2)