LORE AND HISTORY OF AMMOLITE

The legend of Ammolite originally comes from the Blackfoot Native Americans. The story begins centuries ago, during an unusually harsh winter when the tribe was on the brink of starvation. Legend tells of a Blackfoot woman, sent to gather firewood, who followed the sound of a beautiful voice that led her to a rainbow-colored gemstone hidden in a cave. The voice instructed the woman to take the gem back to the tribe, telling her that the sacred stone would bring with it enough buffalo to sustain the tribe through the winter. She carried the stone back to her people, and the next morning the tribe awoke to the sound of a buffalo herd. The tribe survived the winter, and ever since Ammolite has been referred to as the "buffalo stone" and considered a symbol of abundance and good health.


Even though it comes from a prehistoric animal and its legend is centuries old, Ammolite is a new arrival to the jewelry world. Fossilized ammonite samples from Alberta were first recorded along the St. Mary's River in 1908, by a team of Canadian geologists. Its earliest known use as a gem material was by amateur lapidaries in 1962. The trade name Ammolite was adopted in 1967, but it wasn't until 1981 that high-quality material was uncovered in significant quantities. That same year, Ammolite was officially recognized as a gem by the International Commission of Colored Stones.


Today, Ammolite is treasured not only by jewelry lovers but also by practitioners of the ancient Chinese art of Feng Shui. Each of Ammolite's seven brilliant colors has a special significance within Feng Shui, and it is known as the "Seven Color Prosperity Stone." Much like as the Blackfoot tribe believed in the power of the sacred "buffalo stone," Feng Shui masters claim that Ammolite promotes prosperity, health, and good fortune.


CARE AND CLEANING

Our Ammolite jewelry has a protective cap of clear spinel to increase its hardness and durability, but it should still be handled with proper care. Store it separately from other jewelry and avoid wearing it casually. Do not soak Ammolite in any liquid for long periods of time or allow it to come in contact with hairspray, perfume, acids, or ammonia.

If the gem's surface becomes dull, use a simple buffer. Clean with a soft brush using mild soap and warm water or pearl cleaner. Avoid using ultrasonic or steam cleaners.

With proper care and cleaning, our Ammolite jewelry will provide a lifetime of enjoyment.