When it comes to ammonite and ammolite gemstones, understanding the distinction between low grade and high grade is key to finding your perfect piece. The quality of these unique gemstones can vary significantly, affecting their beauty, durability, and overall value.

In this guide, we will unravel the secrets behind low grade and high grade ammonite and ammolite gemstones, empowering you to make informed choices and discover the true treasures within the world of these ancient and enchanting gemstone. 

Here is our Recommended Approach for Ammolite Buying:

1. Prioritize Your Aesthetics: When selecting ammolite, begin by considering your personal sense of aesthetics. Focus on factors such as the captivating play of colours and intricate patterns displayed by the gemstone. Choose a piece that resonates with your preferences and brings you joy.

2. Consider Feng Shui Benefits: For those interested in Feng Shui, you may also take into account the potential energetic benefits associated with ammolite. Consult your astrology chart here to determine the beneficial colours according to your astrology natal chart. Combining metaphysical considerations with your aesthetic preferences can help guide your selection.

3. Recognize the Inherent Value: While considering a purchase, it's important to understand that owning a piece of ammolite holds significant value. The gemstone, including the fossils it originates from, is considered a treasure with potential financial worth in the future. Consequently, it may be prudent to minimize the expectation of price bargaining.

By following this recommended approach, you can select an ammolite piece that aligns with your aesthetic preferences, potentially incorporates Feng Shui considerations, and recognizes the inherent value and future potential of this remarkable gemstone.

Grading Ammolite

Grading involves assessing characteristics such as colour intensity, pattern intricacy, clarity, and overall visual appeal. Higher grades, such as AAA and AA, exhibit vibrant colours, intricate patterns, and excellent clarity, while lower grades, like Standard, may display slightly less intense colours and less intricate patterns.

Understanding these grades can assist in making informed purchasing decisions.

Presented below is the grading chart for Ammolite:

Gem Grade	AAA	AA	A	Standard
Purac's Product Code	5A, 4A, 3A	5A, 4A, 3A	2A	Normal / NG
Number of colors	3 to 5	3 to 5	2	1 to 2
Colours	3 to 5 colours present in the gem	3 to 5 Colours present in the gem	2 Colours present in the gem	1 - 2 Colours
Iridescent / Vibrancy	Brilliant / Blinding from any angle	Extra Bright from most angles	Bright Colours from most angles	Dull / Fair Brilliance
Chromatic Intensity	360°	240°	180°	90° / Flat
Matrix Lines	Fine fracture lines / 'Sheet' surface	Some Fracture lines / 'Sheet' surface	Some fracture lines	Some fracture lines / dragon skin

Source: GIA and Korite

Image above: Exquisite Ammolite pendant of exceptional quality.

Image above: Ammolite pendant showcasing standard grade quality.

Ammolite Colors

High-grade ammolites exhibit either a vibrant, intense single color or a spectrum of bright colors, encompassing the entire range of the rainbow and sometimes beyond. Low-grade gemstones, on the other hand, display less vibrant colors within a narrower range.

Typically, red and green tones are more prevalent compared to blue or purple hues. Exceptionally rare and highly sought-after colors such as crimson, violet, and gold hold significant value in the market.

Understanding Chromatic Shift and Rotational Range in Ammolite

Ammolite, the captivating gemstone formed from fossilized ammonite shells, possesses unique optical properties that make it truly mesmerizing. Two important characteristics, chromatic shift and rotational range, contribute to its beauty and value.

Chromatic shift is a general term that describes the phenomenon where ammolite displays different colors when viewed from different angles. This can range from subtle to dramatically stunning.

Dichromatic shift

- Displays transitions between colors like red to green or green to blue.

Monochromatic shift

- A color shift that stays within the same color group.

Spectrochromatic shift

- The most prized ammolite showcases a spectrochromatic shift, shifting through the entire 7-colors spectrum based on the light source and viewing angle.

Rotational range, on the other hand, refers to the gem's ability to maintain vibrant colors throughout a full 360° rotation.

1. Lower-grade stones may darken or lose brightness during rotation due to organic inclusions blocking light diffraction. (See Chart)
2. In contrast, high-grade ammolite maintains its brilliance and rich hues throughout the complete rotation.

*To enhance your shopping experience, Purac will provide video footage showcasing each Ammolite and Ammonite product.

Understanding these features is crucial to appreciate ammolite's allure. Its dynamic chromatic shift and rotational range create a captivating visual experience, helping identify high-quality stones with striking optical properties. Ammolite's exceptional beauty lies in its spectrum of colors and unwavering brilliance during rotation.

Ammolite Patterns 

Ammolite gemstones exhibit a variety of patterns, often characterized by visible fracture lines. Some stones feature numerous thin fracture lines, creating intricate and complex patterns. On the other hand, higher-grade ammolite gemstones showcase a sheet-like pattern, where fine or minimal fracture lines are visible.

The formation of these patterns is influenced by the depth at which the ammonite fossils were buried in the Bearpaw Sea, located in Alberta, Canada. The deeper the burial, the more even light spreads across the fossils' shells due to the compressed shale (sand) on top of it, resulting in a reduced fracture lines on the surface.

Blue Zone

Main pattern characteristic: Sheet-like pattern

- Characterized by smooth and uninterrupted surfaces, are commonly found in the Blue Zone. 

K-Zone

Main pattern characteristic: Scale-like / Complex Fracture Lines

- On the other hand, scale-like patterns or complex fracture lines typically originate from the K-Zone.

In summary, the burial zones in which ammolite is found influence the patterns it displays. Sheet-like patterns are prevalent in the Blue Zone, radiating a serene charm, while scale-like patterns and intricate fracture lines are commonly observed in the K-Zone, captivating us with their enigmatic allure.

Source: https://www.gemsociety.org/article/ammolite-jewelry-gem-information/

Presented below is a chart showcasing the captivating variety of ammolite patterns, each intricately unique in its own way.

Source: https://www.gemsociety.org/article/ammolite-jewelry-gem-information/

 

To summarise: 

1. The highest levels of quality for ammolite are represented by AAA and AA grades, with the exquisite 5A grade commanding the highest price in the market.

2. The recommended approach for purchasing ammolite is to consider the level of colour vibrancy as a primary factor.

3. It's important to note that ammolite gems typically exhibit a combination of multiple colours, rather than being limited to a single colour.

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