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   Loose Gemstones:  Ammolite, Tanzanite, and More

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.

According to Wikipedia, the internet's free encyclopedia, "Ammolite is made of the fossilized shells of ammonites, which are composed primarily of aragonite, which is the same mineral that makes up nacreous pearls. The thicker the layers of aragonite, the more red and green are produced. Thinner layers of aragonite yield blue and violet colors. Red and green are the most commonly seen. Ammolite is one of three biogenic gemstones, the other two being amber and pearl. In 1981, ammolite was given official gemstone status by The World Jewelry Confederation and by CIBJO (International Commission of Colored Gemstones). It is considered the rarest organic gem material."

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.

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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 (nice ice) and alexandrite (valuable chrysoberyl gemstones) are known for their color-changing properties.  Zandrite is a synthetic color-changing gemstone.  With ametrine, you get two colors on one stone.

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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.”

 

                           

You can shop for jewelry here at any time of the day or night in our Sparkling Splendor Sensations shop. Use the search bar that's provided in the shop to type in your desired gemstone or gemstone jewelry piece. Find stunning, dazzling, beautiful jewelry, such as a tanzanite ring, morganite ring, alexandrite ring, mystic topaz ring, tanzanite bracelet, tanzanite pendant, tanzanite necklace, or tanzanite earrings, plus much, much more! Various loose gemstones are for sale, as well. 

 

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 sphene (titanite), benitoite, smoky quartz, chrome diopside, prasiolite, sunstone, almandite garnet, hessonite garnet, larimar, imperial topaz, prehnite, London blue topaz, labradorite, hiddenite, rainbow moonstone, blue chalcedony, white sapphire, yellow sapphire, spinel, zircon, rhodochrosite, and moissanite. Luxurious padparadscha sapphire, Tahitian pearls, Akoya pearls, Ceylon sapphires, Burma rubies, Columbian emeralds, yellow diamonds, chocolate diamonds, and spessartite garnet (mandarin garnet) are also very popular. Enjoy some of the many varieties of tourmaline gemstones, such as paraiba, rubellite, and pink tourmaline. Birthstone jewelry, made with beautiful modern birthstones, such as aquamarine and peridot, or spectacular traditional birthstones, such as citrine (citrine is also on the modern birthstone list), are always a wonderful gift. For those of you with a desire for adventure, visit our treasure hunting resource links.  Also, learn tips from the pros on how to begin your own jewelry business. You'll find free goodies on the free stuff page.