In the quiet foothills of the Canadian Rockies, beneath ancient layers of shale, a spectacular treasure lies hidden—flashes of emerald, gold, crimson, and violet ripple across fossilized shells, as if the Northern Lights themselves were captured in stone. This is ammolite: one of Earth’s rarest gemstones, formed over more than 70 million years and born from prehistoric seas.

Much like the Aurora Borealis that lights up Canada’s northern skies, ammolite offers a fleeting, unrepeatable display of colour and brilliance—a natural masterpiece unique to this land. From its ancient origins and Indigenous traditions to its careful journey from mine to market, ammolite’s story is one of wonder, responsibility, and connection.

A gem born from sea and stone

Ammolite comes from the fossilized shells of ammonites, marine mollusks that thrived in the vast inland sea that once covered much of North America. Over millions of years, layers of sediment, heat, and pressure transformed these spirals into iridescent mosaics of colour.

Found exclusively in the Bearpaw Formation of southern Alberta, ammolite was formally recognized as a gemstone only in the late 20th century. It gained precious gem status in 1981, and  was declared Alberta’s official gemstone in 2022, reflecting its deep cultural and natural significance.

Its rarity is extraordinary. Due to its unique geology and limited deposits, ammolite is considered far rarer than most gemstones, including rubies, emeralds, and diamonds. Only a thin shale layer contains gem-quality material, and a small fraction of what is mined meets the criteria for jewellery use. Once these deposits are exhausted, no other source exists to replace them, making ammolite a truly finite resource.

The spirit of the land

Long before its beauty was known worldwide, Indigenous peoples of the region held ammolite, known as Iniskim of “buffalo stone,” as sacred. It was seen as a source of power, protection, and guidance.

Today, this spiritual heritage shapes the mining and stewardship of ammolite. Extraction is done on a small scale with great care to protect fragile fossils and limit environmental impact. After mining, sites are restored to preserve local ecosystems and honour the cultural importance of the land.

This responsible approach offers jewellery professionals and consumers a gemstone whose story is as clear as its colours.

The aurora in stone

To behold ammolite is to witness light trapped in stone. Its iridescence arises from microscopic layers of aragonite within the fossil shell, refracting light into brilliant reds, greens, blues, and violets. Like the Northern Lights themselves, no two ammolite stones are alike, each displaying its own distinctive pattern and play of colour.

The highest-quality stones display a full spectrum of colour, including the rare blues and purples, with brightness visible from any angle. Ammolite grading considers colour vibrancy, diversity, and clarity, with AAA-rated stones representing the finest specimens.

Award-winning Canadian jewellery designers Llyn Strelau and Claire Vessot praise ammolite’s creative allure. Strelau explains, “Ammolite’s vivid colours and organic character challenge and inspire me as a designer. Its rarity and connection to the land make every piece not just beautiful but meaningful.” Vessot adds, “Ammolite is alive—impossible to replicate, purely Canadian, and deeply moving. When I design with it, I feel like I’m letting nature have the last word. It’s jewellery with a soul.” Their perspectives highlight ammolite’s unique place as both a source of artistic inspiration and a gem rich with story.

Given that Ammolite is organic, it requires special care in jewellery making. Its Mohs hardness of about 4.5 to 5.5 means it is often stabilized and capped with quartz to enhance durability while preserving its natural beauty.

From mine to market

Mining ammolite is a highly selective process. Only a few open-pit sites operate in Alberta, with miners carefully removing overburden and extracting fossils intact. Post-mining, land reclamation ensures the ecosystem and cultural integrity are maintained for future generations.

KORITE, the world’s largest ammolite producer owning 95 per cent of known reserves, is committed to environmentally and culturally responsible mining practices, ensuring this legacy endures.

This mine-to-market transparency is increasingly important to consumers who value ethically sourced gemstones. Ammolite offers a responsible luxury choice with a clear provenance and minimal environmental footprint.

A Canadian gift to the world

Though considered a lesser-known gemstone, ammolite has steadily claimed its place on the global stage as a rare and extraordinary gem. Its popularity in Asia, especially in Feng Shui circles, continues to grow due to its associations with prosperity and balance. Meanwhile, North American and European collectors prize ammolite’s rarity and strong Canadian identity.

Vessot remarks, “People are moved when they see it for the first time. It reminds you that the Earth still holds secrets, and that beauty can come from the most unexpected places.”

For retailers and designers, Ammolite presents a compelling story: a gemstone that combines breathtaking colour with a rich cultural legacy and a profound sense of place.

A legacy that shines

Each Ammolite gemstone carries a story of resilience—ancient seas, Indigenous wisdom, a land that continues to give, and the people committed to preserving its heritage.

Like the Northern Lights, ammolite is a fleeting miracle, never to be repeated in exactly the same way. To wear a piece of Ammolite is to hold a fragment of Earth’s history and a reminder that beauty and responsibility can coexist. 

Amarjeet Grewal is the president and co-owner of KORITE, a leading producer of ammolite gemstones and jewellery. With over 34 years of experience in the gemstone industry, Grewal is committed to advancing the global recognition of ammolite while upholding ethical sourcing, sustainability, and Indigenous collaboration. A strong advocate for responsible practices, she brings this perspective to her leadership at KORITE, helping guide the company’s continued growth with integrity and purpose.