How Do We Find and Process Ammolite?

Every piece of Ammolite begins its journey in Southern Alberta, home to the world's only significant deposits of this remarkable gemstone. Found within the Bearpaw Formation, Ammolite originates from the fossilized shells of ammonites that lived more than 70 million years ago in the ancient inland sea that once covered much of the region.

While ammonite fossils can be found around the world, the unique geological conditions of Southern Alberta allowed portions of their original shell material to survive and fossilize, preserving the iridescent aragonite layers that make Ammolite possible.

How Is Ammolite Recovered?

Today, Ammolite is recovered using several different methods.

Large commercial operations often utilize open-pit mining to access fossil-bearing layers deep within the Bearpaw Formation. Historically, some deposits have also been worked through underground tunneling, allowing access to rich fossil beds beneath the surface. These methods can recover large quantities of material from concentrated deposits that would otherwise remain inaccessible.

Another method is surface collection, which involves recovering ammonite fossils that have already been exposed by natural erosion.

Our Approach: Surface Collection

Wherever possible, we focus on surface collection.

Southern Alberta's coulees, badlands, and river valleys are constantly shaped by wind, rain, snow, and seasonal runoff. Over time, these natural forces expose ammonite fossils that have remained buried for millions of years.

By carefully searching these naturally exposed areas, we can recover fossil material without disturbing the surrounding landscape. Surface collection also helps preserve specimens that might otherwise continue to weather, oxidize, crack, or break apart after being exposed to the elements.

Every fossil recovered represents a small piece of Alberta's ancient marine history that may have otherwise been lost.

Protecting Alberta's Fossil Heritage

Fossils are an important part of Alberta's natural heritage and are protected under provincial legislation.

All of our material is collected in accordance with Alberta regulations and submitted to the Royal Tyrrell Museum for review through the required disposition process before any processing takes place. This review helps ensure that scientifically significant specimens are properly documented and preserved before material enters private collections or is worked into gemstones and jewelry.

This process helps balance responsible fossil stewardship with the preservation and appreciation of Ammolite as a gemstone.

From Fossil Shell to Gemstone

Recovering an ammonite shell is only the beginning.

Once approved, each specimen is carefully examined to determine where the strongest colour, most stable material, and most visually interesting patterns are located. Not every portion of a shell contains gemstone-quality Ammolite, and some areas may be too weathered or fragile to work with.

The shell is then carefully cut and shaped to expose the coloured layers hidden within the fossil. Through a series of grinding and polishing stages, the natural colours and patterns begin to emerge.

Every shell is different, requiring a unique approach to reveal its full potential.

Stabilization and Protection

Although Ammolite is beautiful, it is also a delicate material.

The gemstone is composed of aragonite, a mineral that can become damaged through weathering, oxidation, and physical stress. To help preserve its colour and durability, many stones are professionally stabilized and sealed.

These treatments help protect the gemstone while allowing its natural colours and iridescence to remain visible for generations to come.

A One-of-a-Kind Piece of Alberta

From recovery and preparation to cutting, polishing, and setting, every piece of Ammolite passes through many hours of hands-on work before becoming a finished gemstone.

What begins as a fossil shell buried beneath an ancient seabed ultimately becomes a unique gemstone unlike any other on Earth. Whether displayed as a collector specimen or worn as jewelry, each piece carries with it a story that began more than 70 million years ago in the ancient seas of Southern Alberta.