

Typically however it is the smaller specimens which exhibit the iridescent effect of ammolite. The diameter of a large piece may be as much as 35.5 inches.
AMMONITE FOSSIL PRICE FULL
When full fossils are recovered, ammonites can range quite a bit in size. Exposed to ultraviolet light, ammolite will sometimes fluoresce yellow. On the Mohs scale of hardness, ammolite measures a 4.5-5.5. Trace elements may include iron, manganese, titanium, aluminium, and many others. The composition of that mineral matter in ammolite can vary quite a bit, but common constituents include aragonite, calcite, pyrite, and silica. Petrified wood is a fossil as well the organic matter of the tree has been gradually replaced over time with mineral matter. While you might be tempted to think that ammolite is not a true mineral since its origin is organic, this would be incorrect. Aapoak is Kainah for “small, crawling stone.” Ammolite Properties Korite is a trade name given by Korite International, the world’s largest ammolite producer.

This gemstone layer is also known by several other names: calcentine, aapoak, and korite. Ammolite is the name of the opal-like substance which forms on the shell and which exhibits the beautiful iridescent sheen. If you own one of the fossils, you own an ammonite. So what is the difference between ammonite and ammolite? Ammonite is the name for the fossilized organism itself. You may think to yourself, “Wait, isn’t this ammonite?” They are indeed the same fossilized marine mollusks which lived during prehistoric times.Īmmonite mollusks bear a strong resemblance to living nautili, so much so that nautili themselves are often called “living fossils.” In truth, however, ammonite mollusks were closer relations of cuttlefish, squid, and octopi. When you see an ammolite fossil, you may feel momentary confusion. Ammolite inlaid pendant – Image credit to Jessa and Mark Anderson – CC BY 2.0
