Province announces ammolite as Alberta’s offical gemstone
Global News
On Thursday, the Alberta government introduced an amendment to the Emblems of Alberta Act to designate ammolite as the official gemstone of Alberta.
On Thursday, the Alberta government introduced an amendment to the Emblems of Alberta Act to designate ammolite as the official gemstone of Alberta.
Alberta Culture Minister Ron Orr said “ammolite is an important part of our heritage and economy. Recognizing ammolite as Alberta’s official gemstone reflects the unique nature of the stone and of our province.”
David Lui, CEO of KORITE, a commercial ammolite mine, said he is excited ammolite is getting the recognition it deserves.
“The history really stems from 71 billion years ago, through the results of tectonic pressure mineralization over this period of time,” said Lui.
“This is truly a part of the history of Alberta, and the history of Canada.”
The Geological Survey of Canada first discovered the ammolite gemstone in 1906 from a fossilized ammonite cephalopod.
The fossils can be found around the world, but the extremely rare ammolite gemstone can only be found in certain areas of Alberta in the Bearpaw Formation of the late cretaceous age.
In 1981, the World Jewellery Confederation (CIBJO) officially designated and recognized Ammolite as a semi-precious gemstone. This was one of only three gems classified in the last 300 years.
