![]() For one - unlike Opals, Ammolite is considered to be an 'organic gemstone', similar to nacreous substances like pearls and mother-of-pearl. There are a few other factors differentiating Opal and Ammolite gemstones. Ammolite gemstone material is formed in a layer atop 71 million year old Ammonite fossils, and this process is due to heat and tectonic pressure over millions of years in the ancient bed of the St. This changing display of color is known as iridescence, and Ammolite also displays it prominently - although through a different formation. The play of color in fire opals comes from the densely-packed lattice of tiny silica crystals interacting with light shining through them. Over many years, the water evaporates and leaves behind these silica deposits. Opal is a form of hydrated silica, which occurs when deposits of silica mix with water and seep into deep cracks in the earth’s crust. However, the differences begin when we discuss how these gemstones were formed all those years ago. Ammolite is a bit younger - but it’s still a deeply ancient formation, occurring 71 million years ago. While it's difficult to determine, Opals are estimated to have formed in the earth around 90-100 millions years ago. The fossils themselves are found worldwide, but the layer of gemstone we know as Ammolite is only formed under very specific circumstances, and only in one place on planet earth - Alberta, Canada.Īdditionally, both of these gemstones have ancient origins. For Ammolite, the difference lies in whether or not the gemstone material was formed on Ammonite fossils. For opal, this is the difference between common white or milky rough opal and colorful, rare fire opal. Both have relatively common occurrences of a base stone offset by an extremely rare and valuable colored version. Both are beautiful and are used in stunning jewellery. Wondering how to tell them apart? KORITE has all the answers, from the differences in origins of these gemstones to how they get their deep, rich colors - and which may be right for your next jewellery purchase!įirst of all, let’s start with the similarities between Opal and Ammolite gemstones. When looking at the beautiful light play of Canadian Ammolite, one may be left thinking about other colored gemstones with similar rarity and iridescence, like Opal.
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