Loose Gemstones: Ammolite, Tanzanite, and More
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Loose Gemstones: Ammolite, Tanzanite, and More
Ammolite is a gemstone from prehistoric origins that can be purchased as loose gemstones or set into jewelry. It is harder to find than a Tanzanite Gem Stone, and the value of ammolite as loose gemstones or jewelry inclusions has increased dramatically. In addition to ammolite, this site explores many extraordinary stones that are available as loose gemstones or fantastic jewelry pieces.
As one of the rarest loose gemstones now in existence, in addition to Bixbite and Zultanite, the supply of top-grade ammolite could run out within 15-20 years. Mined almost exclusively by Alberta, Canada, Korite International (90% of the world’s supply comes from this company), ammolite is sometimes called Korite, or Korite ammolite. However, only 5% of the loose gemstones that are mined are able to be used for jewelry due to the fragile nature of the stones.
Glowing with all the colors of the rainbow, ammolite
 is a rare, opal-like gemstone that comes from the fossilized shell of ammonites—a group of marine animals that had no vertebrae and were protected by a hard shell, which was usually spiral. The ammonite ranged in size from under one inch to 36 inches in diameter.Ammonites lived in prehistoric waters next to the Rocky Mountains and became extinct 65 million years ago. The largest deposits of gem-quality ammolite are located near Alberta and Saskatchewan, Canada, and south to Montana in the United States. Most of the deposits are located on the eastern slopes of the Rocky Mountains.
According to Wikipedia, the internet's free encyclopedia, "Ammolite is made of the fossilized shells of ammonites, which are composed primarily of aragonite,
Two groups of people believe ammolite has “powers.”
The Blackfeet Tribe of northwestern Montana believe that it has healing powers and use the gemstone in their medicinal rituals. Feng Shui advocates believe ammolite detoxifies the body and enhances the body’s flow of energy (chi). Red, green, and yellow are the colors they most want. According to them, red enhances growth, green increases wisdom, and yellow creates wealth. Baltic Amber and Sardonyx have links to ancient civilizations and also had many people believing in their powers, while Iolite was used by Vikings for guidance. If you want loose gemstones from outer space, try Moldavite.
Unlike the pink stones Morganite and Kunzite, the grade and value of ammolite gemstones, whether as loose gemstones or set into jewelry, is measured by the amount of primary colors, how bright/iridescent the colors are, the “play” of the colors (a more valuable stone resembles a prism in the light and maintains the same color play when rotated in a 360 degree turn), and layer thickness when polished. Additionally, Mystic Topaz and Fire Opal are known for their color play. Other loose gemstones play an amazing color game, as well. The Tourmaline Gem Stone and Andalusite can display multiple colors, while Chameleon Diamonds and the Alexandrite gemstone are known for their color-changing properties. Zandrite is a synthetic color-changing gemstone. With Ametrine, you get two colors on one stone.
According to The Savvy Traveler Travel Journal, produced by Discover Shopping, “Ammolite has six grades of quality: AA, A+, A, Standard, B, and C.
AA…...Gem must have three or more brilliant colors. Blue, gold, crimson, and violet are very desirable.
A+…..Two or more bright colors known as ‘Extra Fine’ grade.
A……At least one distinct color or play of color.
Standard…Yellows and greens are common with this grade. Colors and color changes are less distinct than A grade.
B……Contains faint colors/play of colors. Poor brilliance.
C……Commercial grade, faint color patches. Lowest quality, not generally suited for jewelry purposes.”
Due to the decreasing supply and increasing demand, ammolite, Tsavorite, and Demantoid Garnet are definitely loose gemstones or jewelry pieces you will want to add to your jewelry collection. Other loose gemstones or genuine gemstone jewelry pieces you might want to add to your collection would be Smoky Quartz, Chrome Diopside, Prasiolite, Sunstone, Almandite Garnet, Hessonite Garnet, Larimar, Imperial Topaz, London Blue Topaz, Labradorite, Hiddenite, Rainbow Moonstone, Blue Chalcedony, White Sapphire, Rhodochrosite, and Moissanite. Luxurious Tahitian Pearls, Akoya Pearls, Ceylon Sapphires, Burma Rubies, and Columbian Emeralds are also very popular. Birthstone jewelry, made with beautiful modern birthstones or spectacular traditional birthstones, is always a wonderful gift.
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