When the ammonites died, their shells fell to the bottom of the seaway and were covered with sediment. Many of them served as a nucleus for the formation of siderite concretions which are now found in the Bearpaw Formation. The ammonite fossils within these concretions sometimes have an outer shell layer composed of gem-quality Ammolite. Iridescent colors that can traverse the entire spectrum - red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo and violet. The gem layer is transparent to translucent.Ī thin layer of iridescent color, often with a fractured appearance, on a base of siderite or shaleĪragonite, usually on a base of siderite or shale Red and green are the most common colors. The Blackfoot people have known about iridescent ammonite fossils for hundreds of years. They called the material "Iniskim" (meaning "buffalo stone") and used it as a talisman. Scientists from the Canadian Geological Survey described iridescent ammonite shells in 1908, but the first exhibition of iridescent ammonite in lapidary projects did not occur until 1962, when cut gems were mounted in jewelry and exhibited in a small gem show in Nonton, Alberta. In 1967, Marcel Charbonneau, owner of a Calgary rock shop, began assembling doublets of iridescent ammonite shell on matrix with a clear quartz cover and calling them "Ammolite." The material quickly became popular. In 1981, Ammolite was recognized as a gemstone by CIBJO Colored Stones Commission, and in 2004 it was named as the official gemstone of the Province of Alberta. The Colored Stones Commission brought international attention to Ammolite, and its becoming the "Official Alberta Gemstone" produced enormous local popularity. Today, two companies operate Ammolite mines in the Bearpaw Formation. They are the only mines in the world that produce gem-quality Ammolite. The companies are Aurora Ammolite Mine and Korite International. Korite's marketing materials report that they produce 90% of the world's supply of Ammolite. Most of the Ammolite they produce is cut into finished stones before leaving the company. As a result, very little rough enters the lapidary market. The size of Alberta's Ammolite resource is difficult to assess. Tickets $30 | 5 p.m.Searching outcrops does not yield reliable information because weathering has destroyed and altered much of the original Ammolite.
All proceeds will directly benefit Ukrainian aid organizations.
#Iconbox in jevelin free#
Free with RSVP | 6 p.m. | Auditorium and YouTube Liveīegin the discussion on global democracy and resistance in a ticketed reception on the Paul Sunderland Glass Bridge before the program, in partnership with Stand With Ukraine KC. They will address the contemporary parallels, through religious iconography, between WWI and the present-day conflict, in a discussion on art, faith and mobilization amid catastrophe. The even will feature food and Ukrainian themed drinksĪs the Museum and Memorial’s exhibition of Saint Javelin draws to a close, two key figures in the icon’s popularity – Christian Borys, former journalist and founder of the Saint Javelin corporation, and California-based artist Chris Shaw, who created the original painting that Saint Javelin is based on – will join in conversation with Museum and Memorial Specialist Curator Patricia Cecil and President and CEO Matthew Naylor. Social event with the members of SWU-KC and St.Javelin creators.
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