Minerals Fossils And Gemstones Appraisal

Ammolite Fossil Specimen

This item is a natural ammolite fossil specimen, showing a distinct bimodal appearance. One half of the piece retains the rough, beige-to-tan colored mineral matrix, exhibiting a deeply textured, pitted, and jagged surface typical of untreated sedimentary rock. The other half reveals a dark, polished or naturally smoother surface with a deep charcoal-to-black base. Within this darker section, vibrant iridescent flashes of green and orange-red are visible, which is the characteristic 'play of color' found in high-quality ammolite. The specimen appears to be in its natural form without significant lapidary shaping, though the iridescent side may have been stabilized or lightly polished to reveal the opal-like layers. There are no visible maker's marks, as this is a geological specimen. The condition includes natural fissures and uneven edges inherent to fossilized remains. Ammolite is an organic gemstone found primarily in the Bearpaw Formation of Alberta, Canada, derived from the fossilized shells of extinct ammonites dating back approximately 70-75 million years (Late Cretaceous). The craftsmanship involves the careful extraction and preservation of the delicate aragonite layers while maintaining its connection to the host matrix.