Ammolite The Definitive Guide to the Newest Rare and Exotic Gem

Ammolite
The Definitive Guide to
the Newest Rare and Exotic Gem
Dedication
This book is dedicated in loving memory of
Rene Vandervelde (1935 – 2006).
Korite International™
“The Ammolite Mine”™
Rene will forever be remembered as a
founding father of Korite International™.
Without his vision Ammolite would have
remained an obscure iridescent stone, rather
than the internationally recognized and highly
sought after gem it has become.
Credits
Book design & layout by Ken Hare.
Written & Compiled by Kurt Baker.
Copyright 2006 Korite International
Korite International and “The Ammolite Mine are trademarks of Korite Minerals.
Other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.
Printed in Canada
Company Profile
Ammolite
Korite International™ has grown steadily in the
global jewelry industry since 1979. Internationally
recognized as the leading producer of the rare and
exotic Ammolite gemstone, Korite sets the standard
for elegance in design and quality of craftsmanship.
Unrivalled in customer service excellence, Korite
International delivers with a conditional lifetime
guarantee ensuring 100% customer satisfaction.
As rare as they are beautiful, all Ammolite gems are
one of a kind – unique in brilliance, color and pattern.
Given official gemstone status in 1981, Ammolite is
truly a wonder of nature. Nowhere else in the gem
world is there to be found a combination of color
and brilliance equivalent to that of Ammolite .
Ammolite — Nothing Compares.
Ammolite
The beautiful colors and magnificent brilliance and iridescence of Ammolite make it a gem that attracts attention.
Before you wear your Ammolite, be sure to familiarize yourself with the following information. That way, you
will have all the knowledge necessary to answer the inevitable question, “Excuse me, what is that gorgeous gem
you’re wearing?”
Color
Durability
Sources and Origin
Supply
The 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.
The natural hardness of Ammolite is 3.5 to 4.0 on
the Mohs Scale. However, Korite International caps
most Ammolite gems with a protective spinel crystal,
increasing the hardness to an exceptionally durable 8.0.
Ammolite 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.
The 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.
Since the play of light varies, every Ammolite gem
shows a unique array of color.
These capped gems are called triplets and, when set
in gold by Korite International, are covered by Korite
International’s conditional lifetime guarantee.
Ammolite Grading
In pioneering the Ammolite industry, Korite
International™ developed its own in-house grading
system that is now the standard; both internationally
accepted and used. Ammolite is graded on brilliance
and variation of color within the gem. While blue
is the most rare color found in Ammolite, it is most
desirable to have a gem showing a variety of colors.
The qualities of Ammolite are divided into the
following six grades:
AA (exquisite)
This is the finest and most highly sought after quality
of Ammolite, displaying three or more brilliant
colors. Only the top 3 to 8% of Korite’s annual
production receives AA grading (spoken “double
A”). In viewing this top quality, one sees the absolute
best of one of perhaps the rarest gem on earth; an
experience not to be taken for granted, as many in
the world will never have the opportunity to see or
purchase this collection grade.
A+ (extra fine)
This grade of Ammolite can have similar coloration
to AA gems but will lack some of the brilliance, or
vice versa. A+ gems are always a great value, as
you have a beautiful high grade gem without the
premium price of the top quality.
A (fine)
One or more distinct colors can be found in A grade
Ammolite. You can find an A grade gem with one
very brilliant color, or a gem with three colors
showing slightly less brilliance than A+.
Standard or A- (good)
The one or more colors in a Standard grade gem
are less distinct than the finer grades, however
the brilliance remains good. Typically, these gems
are either primarily green or red. This category
represents approximately 40% of Korite’s annual
production.
B (fair)
Korite only sets the four highest grades of Ammolite
into gold jewelry. B grade gems are most often set in
sterling silver or gold plated settings. They show one
or two colors with fair brilliance.
C (commercial)
This is the lowest quality of gem grade Ammolite.
“C” grade gems display faint color patches and may
have unappealing fracture patterns. This material
is often associated with the 5 to 10% of finished
Ammolite that does not come from the Korite mine.
Feng Shui of Ammolite
Ancient art meets modern gem
“The Most Influential
Gemstone of the Millennium”
World Renowned Feng Shui Master
Edward Kui Ming Li
Feng Shui is the Chinese art of harmonizing nature
and directing the flow of life energy known as Ch’i.
Experts within the Feng Shui community have
recognized the significant properties of the Ammolite
gemstone, including its ability to radiate positive
energy to the wearer.
Referred to as the “Seven Color Prosperity Stone,”
it is believed that each color in Ammolite has a
different meaning and benefits the wearer in a
different manner.
The wearing of Ammolite reduces toxicity and
enhances wellbeing by promoting the flow of Ch i
through the body. Not only does it bring balance to
the body, but also to the surrounding environment,
such as the home or office. When the gem or a full
fossil is in the home, it promotes a happy family;
and when it is in the office, it promotes good
business dealings.
In essence, anyone possessing Ammolite is entitled
to wondrous prosperity and fortune.
Beyond the benefits of the Ammolite gem itself,
Korite International™ works to ensure their jewelry
designs too are in accordance with the practice of
Feng Shui.
Red stimulates growth and energy
Orange generates creativity and increased libido
Yellow improves wealth
Green improves wisdom, intellect and promotes the
independent spirit
Blue, Indigo and Violet all promote health and
serenity
The ancient origin of Ammolite is credited as
the foundation for its powerful energy. The Feng
Shui masters believe that the gem, in its seventy
one million years below ground, has absorbed
cosmic energy from the universe. This energy, long
contained and preserved, now radiates out and is
absorbed by the wearer.
World Renowned
Feng Shui Master Edward
Kui Ming Li shown holding
an ammonite.
Canadian Ammonites are
revered for their vibrant
color and special energy.
The Ammolite Timeline
History of a gem
Ammolite is awarded
Official Gem Status by
the World Jewellery
Confederation (CIBJO).
Growing awareness &
popularity of Ammolite
generates strong
demand in the Canadian
tourism market. Niagara
Falls, Vancouver, Banff
National Park & Jasper
National Park become
well-known Ammolite
shopping destinations.
A second small deposit
of gem material is
located through testing
& studying of the land.
The Gemological
Institute of America
(GIA) features an
independent thesis on
Ammolite in
the Spring
edition of its
prestigious
publication,
Gems &
Gemology.
1969
1981
1985
1998
2001
2003
1967
1979
1983
1986
1999
2002
Present
The tradename
“Ammolite” is first
introduced.
Korite Minerals is
founded, which in 1997,
after extensive growth &
expansion, will become
Korite International™.
Korite locates the
world’s first Ammolite
mine & finds the
richest supply of high
grade Ammolite on
earth. It took years
of exploration before
Korite discovered the
world’s first viable
Ammolite deposit &
developed the intensive
mining process still in
use today.
Several years of
research & development
are devoted to the
development of
advanced cutting
technologies,
distinguishing Korite as
the world authority on
Ammolite gems.
Korite closes the first
Ammolite mine. The
land is restored & native
grasses are seeded to
improve the natural
environment.
Feng Shui Masters
identify Ammolite as
“the most influential
gemstone of the
millennium”.
Awareness &
appreciation for
Ammolite continue
to grow, as the
international jewelry
industry regards
Ammolite by Korite
International™ to be
of the highest quality
available
The Blackfoot tribe of
North America revere
Ammolite, calling it
Iniskim, & believe it to
hold magical powers.
Amateur lapidaries
display their works at
a local gem show
in Nanton, Alberta,
providing the first
recorded use of
Ammolite set in jewelry.
Thus begins the journey
of Ammolite toward its
emergence as a world
class gemstone.
Appearance of the first
published description
of Ammolite in a major
trade magazine.
< 1492
1962
1908
A member of the
National Geological
Survey team provides
the first descriptions of
Ammolite & Canadian
Ammonites along
the St. Mary River in
Alberta.
Throughout its history,
Ammolite has been
referred to as Gem
Ammonite, Calcentine
& Korite.
Excavation of the
second Ammolite
deposit is underway &
superior quality gem
rough is found.
“Ammolite – Birth of a
Gem” documentary airs
on Discovery Channel
Sources: 1. Pierre Pare, President of Korite International™. 2. “Ammolite” thesis published in Gems & Gemology, Mychaluk, Levinson, & Hall, Spring 2001.
Design by Llyn Strelau
Ammolite Production
From mining to designing
Mining
Sorting
Cutting & Polishing
Grading
To reach the highest quality and most productive
Ammolite gem rough, Korite operates heavy
machinery to remove up to 60 feet of surface rock.
Meticulous effort is put forth as every section of
earth is searched for gem material. The initial effort
is completed by a machine operator along with
“spotters” that are continuously watching and
sorting, hoping to catch a glimmer of color during
the excavation process. Complete Ammonite fossils
found are set aside for restoration and are never
compromised for the making of jewelry.
Once the rough material has been excavated, the
excess material is cut away from the gem quality
material. The gem material is then transported from
the remote mine site to the cutting facility located in
Calgary, Canada.
Through years of research and development, Korite
has mastered specialized cutting techniques that
have increased the durability of Ammolite. Using
specially designed equipment, micro layers of the
gem material are polished, revealing the brighter,
more colorful layers of the gem.
Specially trained quality control managers then
carefully grade the finished Ammolite gems based
on brilliance and variation of color.
Protecting
Once Korite master gem cutters reveal the full
potential of the rough material, a gem crystal cover
is affixed, protecting the Ammolite and giving it a
hardness of 8.0.
Setting
Each Ammolite gem is individually handset to best
display its beauty. The finished piece is then ready to
be worn and cherished.
Unique and Beautiful
Masterworks of the Gem World
In the past, attempts were made
to categorize Ammolite gems
based on patterns, however this
method has been cast aside in
favor of appreciating each gem
for its own uniqueness. Every
fissure, fracture and matrix
line often found in Ammolite is
completely characteristic of the
gem, adds to the natural beauty
and helps tell the story of the
immense pressure and tectonic
movement under which it formed.
Mining Operations
The largest Ammolite mine in the World
In the process of mining, while the
spotters are looking for shimmers
of color, they occasionally happen
upon an ironstone concretion.
In a remote locale outside Lethbridge, Canada, Korite operates the world’s largest and most successful Ammolite
mine. The rolling terrain around the St. Mary River provides the setting for Korite to uncover a rich deposit of gem
rough.
These concretions form from
moisture around a centerpiece.
In the Korite mine, when a
concretion is found it most often
means that an ammonite is the
centerpiece encased.
The concretion is cracked open
to reveal the wonder that is
contained within.
Once exposed, pictures are taken
and sent to the Royal Tyrrell
Museum. If the ammonite holds
any new scientific significance, it
is sent to the museum. Otherwise
it is sent to Calgary where the
restoration process brings back
the natural brilliance and color.
The picturesque valleys in the
area surrounding the St. Mary river
where we mine is home to deer,
coyotes and other native species.
The native grasses are restored
and the natural environment
is improved during the site
reclamation process. Korite’s
responsible mining practices are
a point of pride with everyone at
the company.
Canadian Ammonites
The St. Mary River cuts through the region, and the
natural erosion along the banks occasionally reveals
treasured ammonite fossils.
As recently as 20 years ago, it was still considered a
fun pastime to race rolling ammonite fossils down
the river banks!
Rare and beautiful
While ammonite fossils are found on every continent in rock
formations from 400 million years old, only in southern Alberta,
Canada, are they found with these distinctly bright, beautiful
and iridescent colors. Colorful Canadian Ammonites are found
in the upper Cretaceous Bearpaw formation, which dates
back approximately 71 million years.
These exceptionally scarce Canadian Ammonites are
sought after by museums and private collectors
the world over. They are at the pinnacle of these
collections and make some of the most popular
museum displays with their brilliant array of
color.
The Canadian government considers these
rare ammonites a national treasure. For
that reason, all Canadian Ammonites are
individually numbered and recorded in the
provincial database, and a cultural export
permit is then required before these precious
fossils are allowed to leave the country.
Over the millennia,
the land has twisted
and turned, resulting
in Korite now being
able to find gem
material
anywhere
from the surface down
to 60 feet in depth.
Prices are determined first by the brilliance and
variation of color, then by shape, and finally by
the size of the ammonite. Prices can range from
less than $1,000 for a small ammonite with little
color, to well in excess of $50,000 for a very large
ammonite with bright colors and very good shape.
Korite International™ and its sister company,
Canada Fossils™, are committed to restoring and
protecting these amazing natural treasures. Through
this commitment, future generations will experience and
appreciate this rare iridescent beauty.
Stunning fossils
await visitors to the
Tyrrell museum in
Alberta’s Badlands.
Natural Legacy
The Royal Tyrrell Museum, in Drumheller,
Alberta, Canada, is internationally recognized
as one of the premier palaeontology museums
in the world and receives visitors from around
the globe.
In a letter of thanks, Museum Director Bruce
Naylor noted that almost 900 specimens
have come to the Royal Tyrrell Museum of
Palaeontology through Korite International
and Canada Fossils. Korite is proud of its
generous contributions to the scientific record
and its association with this world renowned
museum. Korite and the Royal Tyrrell Museum
speak a common language and will continue
to cooperate in bringing the public some
of the most awe-inspiring fossil treasures.
Korite founder Rene Vandervelde (left) with Royal Tyrrell
Museum director Bruce Naylor and the spectacular
Canadian ammonite donated to the museum in 2003 by
Canada Fossils, Korite International’s sister company.
© Royal Tyrrell museum/Alberta Community Development
In 2003, Korite International and its sister
company, Canada Fossils, donated perhaps the
finest Canadian Ammonite ever unearthed. This
prized ammonite is now on display in a special
exhibit, as the Royal Tyrrell wants their visitors
to see this spectacular specimen.
© Royal Tyrrell museum/Alberta Community Development
One characteristic that makes the Tyrrell Canadian
ammonite impressive is the rich depth of color.
Our commitment to preservation
Canadian Legend
The rich history of Ammolite in Banff, Canada
Korite first brought Ammolite to the resort town of Banff, Alberta in the early 1980s, and it has been an Ammolite
hot spot ever since. The gem quickly became popular with the fashion-forward Japanese tourists who flock to the
mountain paradise.
Korite Ammolite is now a featured brand in many Banff boutiques, including a Korite Ammolite exclusive
boutique in the Banff Springs Hotel, Fairmont’s luxurious flagship property.
The resort destinations of the Canadian Rockies, including Banff and Jasper National Parks, now feature some of
the best collections of quality Korite Ammolite in the world.
The Future of Ammolite
For further information
Brilliant and colorful
Widespread and growing awareness throughout
North America, Asia and Europe is resulting
in fierce demand and ever-increasing value
of Ammolite. And Korite International is
now a force in the global luxury brand
marketplace.
Awareness and appreciation will
continue to grow as jewellery
connoisseurs around the world
discover Korite Ammolite.
This eye-catching and
unforgettable gem should
be a prized addition to
everyone’s jewellery
collection. Inevitably
however, as with all
great art, these works
of nature will not be
fully appreciated until
the supply has been
exhausted.
Rare, precious, and
highly sought after,
Ammolite is a true
natural treasure.
Ammolite
Ammolite: Birth of a Gem
Thesis article by Mychaluk, Levinson & Hall
Independant documentary produced
in association with Discovery Channel™
Spring 2001 issue of “Gems & Gemology”
Gemological Institute of America (GIA)
www.korite.com