Colour of Ammolite:

The colour present in Ammolite is caused by light interference during refraction into the many layers of the gemstone. Each colour in Ammolite represents a different layer of the gem material. So, depending on the number of fine layers in the rough, everything from one colour to the full visible spectrum will be displayed. Since the play of light varies, every Ammolite gem shows a unique array of colour.

How hard is Ammolite?

The natural hardness of Ammolite is 3.5 to 4.0 on the Mohs scale. However, Korite International caps Ammolite gems with a protective spinal or quartz crystal, increasing the hardness to an exceptionally durable 8.0. These capped gems are called triplets and, when set in gold jewellery by Korite International, are covered by Korite International's conditional lifetime guarantee.

Sources and Origin of Ammolite:

Ammolite is formed from an ancient marine fossil called ammonite. Although sources of ammonite exist in other locations around the globe, it is only in one isolated region of Southern Alberta, Canada, that this deposit produces the gemstone Ammolite. Seventy-one million years of tectonic pressure, heat and mineralization have resulted in the formation of this geological wonder.

Supply:

The supply of Ammolite is extremely limited and, with only one area for mining, Ammolite truly is one of nature's rarest gems. Korite's eco-friendly Ammolite mine produces over 90% of the world's supply of this incredibly rare gem. At current production levels supplies of high grade Ammolite are expected to be completely exhausted in approximately 20 years.

How large is the Ammolite Mine?

Korite mines a surface area of approximately five acres each year to a depth of between 15 metres (45 feet) and 25 metres (80 feet) below surface. The Ammolite gem layer is found between these levels. It is at the 15 metre depth that the most brilliant and vividly coloured gems are found. In order to reach this depth, Korite removes 368,000 cubic metres (13 million cubic feet) weighing 200,000 tons. From this effort, 25 kilograms (55 pounds) of finished Ammolite gems are produced for an average of 0.6 carats per ton of earth moved.

How rare is Ammolite?

To put Ammolite rarity into perspective, the average diamond mine produces 1.5 carats per ton of earth moved. Ammolite mining produces an average of 0.6 carats per ton of earth moved.

Where is the Ammolite Mine?

The Ammolite Mine is at the footstep of the Rocky Mountains near Lethbridge in Southern Alberta, Canada.

How do you mine Ammolite?

Korite mines Ammolite with heavy machinery. Backhoes dump trucks and other specialized ground moving equipment is used to reach the Ammolite gem layer. Highly specialized Ammolite mining analysts are trained to “spot” the Ammolite gem layer. Once the Ammolite gem layer is located, the Ammolite gems are carefully uncovered and removed by mining personnel using hand held tools.

Caring for your Ammolite Gems

Cleaning
Clean your Korite Ammolite jewellery by using a soft, damp cloth to gently wipe away any marks or dirt. DO NOT use ultrasonic cleaning equipment to clean your Korite Ammolite jewellery. DO NOT use detergents or chemicals to clean your Korite Ammolite jewellery.

Water
Korite recommends that you limit contact with water while wearing Ammolite. Some locales have high mineral content in the water. These minerals can deposit on the surface of the Ammolite and setting, damaging the finish of your jewellery. As with all fine jewellery, care should be taken to avoid direct exposure to soaps, detergents, cleaners and other chemicals.

Heat
Avoid exposure to intense, direct heat.

Storage
Store your Ammolite jewellery in its original box when you’re not wearing it. Hard impacts can damage the setting or damage a finished Ammolite gem.

Alterations
Korite's expert craftsmen carefully set each Ammolite gemstone in our jewellery for a lifetime of enjoyment. If you are considering sizing or modifying your Korite piece please contact us prior to having any work done.