Description
Ammolite Ammonites are famous for the Iridescent opal-like play of colors shown in finer specimens, mostly in shades of green and red, yellow, and blue are due to the microstructure of the mineral "aragonite": unlike most other gems, whose colors come from light absorption, the iridescent color of ammolite comes from interference with the light that rebounds from stacked layers of thin platelets that make up the aragonite. The thicker the layers, the more reds and greens are produced; the thinner the layers, the more blues and violets predominate. Reds and greens are the most commonly seen colors, owing to the greater fragility of the finer layers responsible for the blues. When freshly quarried, these colors are not especially dramatic; the material requires polishing and possibly other treatments in order to reveal the colors' full potential. This ammolite Ammonite features amazing detail and colors. It also carries a very unique feature in the form of "Mosasaur" bite marks. This unique feature is a huge added bonus to the uniqueness and rarity of this specimen.
Dimensions: 13" L x 10" W x 3 1/4" Thick
Provenance: Bear Paw formation, Alberta, Canada.
Age: Cretaceous (146-65.5 MYA)
Type: Actual specimen - one only
