Ammolite |
Ammolite Mine ToursLearn about Alberta history, geography, geology, gemmology & paleontology, by touring the Korite Ammolite mine located 25 minutes outside of Lethbridge. Tour packages can be designed to suit groups needs. The 2010 Tours run from June to September with destination modifications upon weather conditions. The Tompkins Jewellers client tours have been set for Friday June 25th, Friday July 30th and Friday August 27. Each tour will start at 10am and will last for 3 hours. Tickets are $50 per person (must be 14 years and older) and include your transportation from Tompkins Jewellers to and from the mine, a gift bag and refreshments. Join in the fun - it's the only tour of an Ammolite mine in the world - don't miss out! Call 403-327-3119 (Mon-Sat 9:30-5:30 MST) to book your tour today!
Color of AmmoliteThe color present in Ammolite is caused by light interference during refraction into the many layers of the gemstone. Each color in Ammolite represents a different layer of the gem material. So, depending on the number of fine layers in the rough, everything from one color to the full visible spectrum will be displayed. Since the play of light varies, every Ammolite gem shows a unique array of color.How hard is Ammolite? The natural hardness of Ammolite is 3.5 to 4.0 on the Mohs scale. However, Korite International caps most Ammolite gem layers with a protective Spinel crystal, increasing the hardness to a durable 8.0. These capped gems are called triplets and, when set in gold jewellery by Korite International, are covered by Korite International's conditional lifetime guarantee.> Sources and Origin of AmmoliteAmmolite is formed from an ancient marine fossil called Ammonite. Although sources of Ammonite exist in other locations around the globe, it is only in one isolated region of Southern Alberta, Canada, that this deposit produces the gemstone Ammolite. Seventy-one million years of tectonic pressure, heat and mineralization have resulted in the formation of this geological wonder.SupplyThe supply of Ammolite is extremely limited and with only one area for mining, Ammolite truly is one of nature's rarest gems. Korite International mines and supplies 90% of the world's Ammolite, and at current production estimates that high grade Ammolite could be exhausted within the next 20 years.If you are interested in purchasing colourful Canadian Ammonites, please visit our store for more information. |
